How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship Through Parents or Grandparents When You Don’t Have All The Documents

Updated January 2026: On November 20, 2025, Bill C‑3 received Royal Assent and on December 15th, 2025 the bill was passed, marking a major reform to Canada’s Citizenship Act. This law aims to correct structural inequities created by the so-called “first-generation limit,” and to restore citizenship to many who were previously excluded. The information below now covers citizenship through parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and beyond.

How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship Through Parents or Grandparents When You Don’t Have All The Documents

Applying for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate when you’re missing documents especially when applying through a parent or grandparent, can feel overwhelming. While IRCC provides a checklist, real-life situations don’t always line up with it.

At Doherty Fultz Immigration, we regularly assist clients with these complicated cases. Here’s what you need to know if you’re applying with limited documentation.

What Documents Are Usually Required?

For most first-time citizenship certificate applications through descent, you’ll generally need:

• Your long-form birth certificate (showing parent names)
• Your parent’s long-form birth certificate or Canadian citizenship/naturalization certificate
• Grandparent’s birth certificate or proof of status in Canada (if second-generation)
• Two pieces of valid ID (one with a photo)
• Name change or marriage certificates (if applicable)

But what if you’re missing some of these?

Missing ID or Primary Documents

If you don’t have photo ID, often due to theft, loss, or being outside the country, it’s critical not to just send what you have. IRCC will likely return your application as incomplete.

Instead, include:

1. A detailed cover letter explaining why documents are missing and your efforts to replace them.
2. A statutory declaration (with your photo attached) sworn before a notary.
3. Supporting documents like CRA assessments, bank statements, or utility bills to confirm your identity.
4. Any documents that could eventually help you get a photo ID (like a birth certificate to apply for a passport or driver’s license).

Real Example:

• No photo ID + no passport? You may need to apply for a passport from another country first (e.g., UK passport), then use that to obtain a driver’s license in Canada.
• Only a non-photo health card? Apply for a Verification of Status using your birth certificate, then use that to get ID.

IRCC must be convinced that there’s no way to obtain certain documents without first having your citizenship certificate.

Mismatched Names Across Documents

Another common issue is inconsistent names, especially with older or foreign documents. This often happens when:

• A parent or grandparent used a different name or spelling at some point.
• A woman changed her name after marriage.
• A deceased family member’s documents can’t be corrected.

In these cases, you’ll need:

• A marriage certificate or legal name change document to link the names.
• If that’s unavailable, a sworn affidavit explaining the name discrepancy, signed by someone who knew the individual (you or another family member).
• An explanation letter alongside the affidavit.

Affidavits should include:

• Full name(s) of the person with different name spellings.
• Details of known aliases and how/why they were used.
• Who the affiant is and how they know this information.
• Notarization details.

Linking the Generations

To be eligible for Canadian citizenship through a parent or grandparent, the documentation must clearly link you to them:

1. Your birth certificate must show your parent’s name.
2. Your parent’s documents must show their parent’s (your grandparent’s) name.
3. All names should match or be clearly explained.

What If You Still Can’t Get Certain Documents?

You can still apply, but IRCC must understand why. Your application package should include:

• A clear explanation of what’s missing and why.
• Affidavits and statutory declarations.
• All alternative documents

It’s better to explain and back up your case than to leave gaps. Applications with well-drafted explanations and legal references have a much higher success rate even with missing pieces.

How We Can Help

We specialize in complex Canadian citizenship applications including those involving lost records, deceased relatives, or documents from multiple countries.

If you’re applying with missing or inconsistent documentation, we can help craft a strong application and give you the best chance of success.

Book Appointment