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, 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 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 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 is in force.
To do so, you will need:
- Fully completed and signed application form CIT0001 (form to be confirmed once bill C-71 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
- 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 comes into force.
