Canadian Citizenship through a Grandparent
In a significant stride toward equality and acknowledging the constitutional implications of Canadian citizenship, the government of Canada has announced that it will not appeal the Federal Court decision which strikes down first generation limit to Canadian citizenship by descent, which was legislated by the Harper government in 2009.
Bill C-71, the amendment to the Citizenship Act, which will be implemented shortly, extends Canadian citizenship rights to second-generation children born outside Canada. Over the past 10 years, our office has helped thousands of Canadians born outside Canada claim their Canadian citizenship.
Application Process for Canadian Citizenship through a Grandparent
Children born outside Canada to a Canadian parent who was born in Canada or naturalized currently go through an application process to obtain proof of their Canadian citizenship. When the application is approved, they are issued a Canadian citizenship certificate (previously Canadian citizenship card). This document serves as proof that they are Canadian, and are entitled to a Canadian passport and all other rights enjoyed by Canadians.
IRCC has not yet announced the specifics of the application process for second generation Canadian citizens born outside Canada (grandchildren of Canadian grandparents), but it is expected to work very similarly to the first Citizenship certificate application process used by children of Canadian citizens.
Determine Your Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship as the Grandchild of a Canadian
To apply for your proof of Canadian citizenship as the grandchild of a Canadian citizen, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be the blood related grandchild of a Canadian citizen (adopted children go through a separate application process)
Gather the Required Documents for Your First Canadian Citizenship Certificate Application
When IRCC receives your Canadian citizenship certificate application, the package must be complete or it will be returned to you unprocessed.
Several essential documents are required for the application to be complete:
- 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
- Proof of name change, if applicable
All of the above must be certified colour copies.
IRCC may also request additional documents from you once your application is in process, based on what documentation you have already provided.
Proving You Are a Canadian Citizen through a Grandparent
The success of your Canadian citizenship application as the grandchild of a Canadian citizen hinges on demonstrating that you are a Canadian citizen with documentary evidence. The onus is on the applicant to prove that they meet the requirements – IRCC will not investigate a claim which is weak or unsupported.
Several documents are needed to prove that you are a Canadian citizen:
- Your birth certificate, showing your parents’ names (long form)
- Your parent’s birth certificate, showing their parents’ names (long form)
- Your Grandparent’s Canadian birth certificates (these can be short form) or their naturalization certificates if they were not born in Canada.
- If your parent or grandparent naturalized in Canada, their proof of Canadian citizenship
What if you don’t have all documents required to prove you are the grandchild of a Canadian citizen?
In the event that you are missing documents and it is absolutely not possible to obtain them, you may be able to overcome this hurdle with a legal submission. Our firm has been able to obtain Canadian citizenship for applicants even when critical documents were missing. Contact us if you are missing some of the documents required to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Submitting you First Citizenship Certificate Application
If you are outside of Canada and the United States, then your application will be submitted to the Canadian Embassy that services your country of residence. Your application will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy. If your application meets all requirements, it will then go into processing with IRCC. Accurate, complete applications aid in expediting this process. If the application is approved the certificate will be issued and dispatched to the Canadian Embassy and then you will be notified and it will be sent to the address you stated on your application.
Note: Submitting an application for proof of Canadian citizenship to a Canadian Embassy several months to the standard processing time. See below for urgent processing options.
Processing Time for a Canadian Citizenship Application through a Canadian Grandparent
An application for proof of Canadian citizenship as the grandchild of a Canadian citizen (second generation born outside Canada) takes approximately 7 – 12 months to process. Factors which impact the application processing time include:
- Which country you were born in
- Which country you currently reside in
- Current Canadian Embassy and IRCC caseload and backlogs
Urgent Processing of a Canadian Citizenship Application – Grandchild of a Canadian Citizen
Even though the standard application processing time is 7 – 12 months, it may be possible for your application to be expedited. Legal submissions can be made if you are eligible to receive urgent processing so that you can receive your Canadian citizenship certificate urgently, generally within 2 – 4 months.
Requirements for Entering Canada as a Canadian Citizen
If you are a Canadian citizen, you are required to enter Canada using your Canadian passport. The only exception to this requirement is for citizens of the United States using their US passport to enter Canada. Proof of Canadian citizenship (a Canadian citizenship certificate) is required to apply for your Canadian passport if you were not born in Canada.
All proof of Canadian citizenship is issued in the form of a paper certificate with security features – citizenship cards have not been issued since 2012 due to severe deficiencies in the security of the document and how easily they can be forged or copied.
What is the benefit of becoming Canadian?
Right to Vote: Canadian citizens have the right to participate in federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal elections. This allows them to have a say in the democratic process and contribute to shaping the policies of their community and country.
Access to Government Jobs: Some government positions in Canada may require Canadian citizenship. By becoming a citizen, you may have more opportunities to apply for and secure government jobs.
Passport and Travel: Canadian citizens are eligible to apply for a Canadian passport, which facilitates international travel. The Canadian passport is widely regarded as a strong travel document, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries.
Protection Abroad: Canadian citizens can seek assistance from Canadian embassies and consulates while abroad. This can be crucial in times of emergencies, such as natural disasters or political unrest, as consular services are generally not available to non-citizens.
Sponsorship of Family Members: As a Canadian citizen, you may have the ability to sponsor family members for immigration, helping them to join you in Canada.
Will I lose my citizenship of birth?
While most countries recognize dual citizenship there are a few that still do not.
Canada does recognize it so if you become Canadian it does not mean you have to forfeit your other citizenship however, if the country you are born in does not recognize it then they may make you relinquish that citizenship.
You must make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations of your country of birth with regards to dual citizenship.
If you chose Canada as your home then becoming Canadian is the final step to take and with one of the highest percentages of immigrants that obtain citizenship, the statistics speak for themselves.
Contact Us for assistance in claiming your Canadian citizenship as the grandchild of a Canadian citizen.
Proof of Canadian citizenship is required to:
- Apply for a Canadian passport
- Work in an area requiring security clearance such as an airport
- Prove the Canadian citizenship of your child born outside Canada
- Join the Canadian Forces
First Proof of Canadian Citizenship Certificate Service through a Grandparent
| Regular Processing Professional Fee | Urgent Processing Professional Fee |
| USD$1,050 | USD$1,300 |
| 15+ Months | 6-8 Months |
*Fees do not include Government Fees
First Canadian citizenship certificates for those born outside Canada to Canadian Grandparents can be issued urgently, however the eligibility requirements are much more strict.
Please note that while urgent processing can be requested, acceptance of the request is solely at the discretion of IRCC and is never guaranteed.
Start Your Application
Our Service
Our office will help you obtain your proof of Canadian citizenship. We will:
- Confirm your eligibility to apply for a citizenship certificate
- Advise what documents are required for your application
- Complete the application form for you
- Write a cover letter explaining why your application should be approved
- Request urgent processing if applicable
- Act as your representative with the government of Canada
Only a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, such as our partners, or a Canadian Immigration Lawyer or member of the Chambres de Notaires du Quebec can accept a fee to be your representative with IRCC
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