Obtaining Canadian citizenship is a significant aspiration for many individuals who come to Canada as temporary workers, students, or permanent residents. Interestingly, some people are entitled to Canadian citizenship from birth, even if they were born in another country and haven’t visited Canada before.
Here’s the scoop,
If you were born outside of Canada and at least one of your biological or legal parents was a Canadian citizen when you were born, you’re eligible for Canadian citizenship. This applies directly to offspring of Canadian citizens – if one of your parents is Canadian, you qualify for citizenship. However, eligibility doesn’t extend to cases where only grandparents or extended family members are Canadian citizens.
The timeline to apply for your citizenship certificate is open-ended, and it’s possible to apply regardless of whether your parent(s) is deceased or alive.
So, how do you prove your eligibility? The process involves completing an application on the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship (IRCC) website. You’ll need to provide evidence that one of your parents was a Canadian citizen when you were born, whether they’re your biological or legal parent.
Adoptees born abroad and adopted by a Canadian post-birth aren’t eligible for a Canadian citizenship certificate.
The IRCC requires proof of your parent’s Canadian citizenship, which can be established through their birth certificate, Canadian citizenship card, or Canadian citizenship certificate. If your Canadian parent was born in Canada on or after February 15, 1977, or gained citizenship on or after April 17, 2009, you can submit your application and documents online. Otherwise, a paper application is necessary. Once your application and a processing fee of $75 are received, an officer will review it for completeness.
Based on IRCC’s latest processing time data, the application process typically takes around 10 months. Upon approval, you’ll receive your Canadian citizenship certificate, which comes with a host of perks.
With your proof of citizenship, you’ll enjoy the same benefits and services as any Canadian citizen. Notably, you’ll gain access to a Canadian Passport, ranked 7th in the world by Henley and Partners, enabling visa-free travel to 185 countries.
Furthermore, Canada permits dual citizenship, allowing you to hold citizenship in more than one country if your home country also permits it. This flexibility empowers you to keep multiple passports if eligible.
Acquiring proof of Canadian citizenship opens doors to exciting opportunities and global travel, making it a valuable endeavor for those who are eligible.
