This article has been updated since it was first published in May 2025
What to Do if You Don’t Know Whether Your Grandparent Was a Canadian Citizen
If you were born outside of Canada and have a Canadian grandparent, you may soon be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, even if your parent was also born outside Canada. Thanks to the upcoming changes in Canada’s citizenship laws under Bill C-71 now Bill C-3, the door is opening wider for many second-generation individuals to reclaim their Canadian roots.
But what if you’re not sure whether your grandparent was ever a Canadian citizen? Don’t worry, that’s a common question, and one that can be answered with a few key steps.
Why This Matters: Bill C-71 now Bill C-3 and the End of the First-Generation Limit
For many years, Canadian citizenship law restricted the transmission of citizenship to only one generation born abroad. That meant if your parent was born outside Canada to a Canadian citizen, and you were also born outside Canada, you were not eligible to inherit citizenship, even if your grandparent was born in Canada or held Canadian citizenship.
That’s changing.
Bill C-71 now Bill C-3 will remove this “first-generation limit”. Once the law is in effect, many second-generation Canadians born abroad, including those with a Canadian grandparent, will finally become eligible to apply for citizenship.
However, eligibility still depends on one crucial fact: whether your grandparent was a Canadian citizen at the time of your parent’s birth. That’s why confirming your grandparent’s status is the essential first step.
Step 1: Look for Family Documents
Start by gathering any documents that might prove your grandparent was a Canadian citizen. This could include:
- A Canadian birth certificate
- A Canadian citizenship certificate
- A Canadian passport
- Records of military service or government employment
- Immigration or naturalization documents showing Canadian status
If you don’t have access to these documents, that’s okay. Canada allows you to formally search government records for confirmation.
Step 2: Request a Search of Citizenship Records
When you’re unsure about your grandparent’s status, you can request a Search of Citizenship Records.
What Is It?
This is an official process to determine whether someone, in this case, your grandparent, was ever granted or confirmed as a Canadian citizen. If IRCC finds a record, they will provide a letter stating that your grandparent was a Canadian citizen, which can be used in your own citizenship application under Bill C-71.
How to Apply
You’ll need to complete the Application for a Search of Citizenship Records (CIT 0058). Include:
- Proof of your own identity
- Any documents or details you have about your grandparent (name, birthdate, place of birth, etc.)
- Consent from your grandparent (if living), or proof of death (if deceased)
Processing can take a few months, so it’s best to start as soon as possible.
Step 3: Prepare for Your Citizenship Application
If IRCC confirms that your grandparent was a citizen, you’ll be well-positioned to apply for Canadian citizenship once Bill C-71 now Bill C-3 is in force.
To do so, you will need:
- Fully completed and signed application form CIT0001 (form to be confirmed once bill C-71 now Bill C-3 has been implemented)
- Two pieces of valid personal ID, such as a passport, driver’s license, or health card, one of which must include a photo
- Birth certificate (long form showing parents’ names)
- Parents’ birth certificates (long form showing parents’ names)
- Grandparents’ birth certificates (short form or long form)
- Parent’s or grandparent’s proof of Canadian citizenship (citizenship certificate) if they naturalized in Canada OR a search of citizenship to prove their status
- Proof of name change, if applicable
All of the above must be certified colour copies.
Step 4: Consider Professional Help
This process can be straightforward, but it can also become complicated, especially if you’re missing documents or trying to navigate legal changes. An immigration professional can help by:
- Advising on your eligibility under Bill C-71 now Bill C-3
- Submitting the Search of Citizenship Records on your behalf
- Preparing and organizing your final citizenship application
Final Thoughts
Canada’s new citizenship law is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for people with Canadian heritage to reconnect and claim their citizenship. If your grandparent was Canadian or you suspect they might have been, now is the time to act.
A Search of Citizenship Records is a simple but powerful first step in confirming your family’s connection to Canada. Don’t let uncertainty stop you, by starting the process now, you’ll be ready to apply when Bill C-71 now Bill C-3 comes into force.
