Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has significantly improved the speed of processing applications for proof of citizenship. Currently, some applications are being processed in as little as three months, a timeframe even quicker than before the pandemic hit.
This expedited process benefits foreign nationals with at least one biological or legal Canadian parent, as they can now anticipate a quicker resolution to their citizenship applications.
What is Proof of Citizenship?
According to the Citizenship Act of Canada, children born abroad to Canadian parents are not automatically citizens. These individuals must apply for proof of citizenship, which, if granted, provides them with a citizenship certificate. This certificate is essential, as it is one of the two documents, along with a Canadian birth certificate, recognized by Passport Canada as valid proof of citizenship. This makes the certificate crucial for those applying for a Canadian passport.
The application for citizenship proof can be made at any stage in a person’s life, irrespective of whether the Canadian parent is alive.
It’s important to note that adopted children of Canadian parents, who were adopted after their birth, are ineligible for this process and must explore other pathways to Canadian citizenship.
Recent Changes in Citizenship Law
On December 19, 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice declared the second-generation citizenship cut-off law unconstitutional. Previously, Canadians born abroad could not automatically pass on their citizenship to children also born abroad. This law created discrepancies between those born in Canada—who could pass on citizenship—and those born abroad.
The court has given the federal government six months to repeal and amend the law. With no appeal forthcoming from the federal government, the implications for those seeking citizenship by descent remain to be seen, with updates expected as the situation evolves.
Advantages of Canadian Citizenship
Being a Canadian citizen offers numerous benefits. Citizens enjoy protected rights and a permanent legal status in Canada, along with access to social services such as healthcare and education at significantly reduced costs. They also have voting rights, can hold political office, and benefit from one of the most powerful passports globally. Additionally, Canadian citizens can sponsor family members for visitation or permanent residency and generally can pass on their citizenship status to their children. Dual citizenship is also permitted with other nations that allow it.
For a free consultation regarding Canadian citizenship, contact Skynet Immigration Firm today
