The Canadian government is making it easier to apply for proof of citizenship by allowing you to do so online. You can also sign up for a scheduled appointment at the nearest Canada Post location and bring your documents, or apply in person at your nearest provincial or territorial office.
To enjoy the benefits of citizenship, such as having a Canadian passport, working in Canada, or voting in Canadian elections, you must apply for a Canadian Certificate of Citizenship.
The Canadian Certificate of Citizenship is a standardized document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that provides definitive proof that you are a citizen of the country. Along with the Canadian birth certificate, it is one of only two documents accepted by Passport Canada as proof of Canadian citizenship.
If you were born outside Canada and have Canadian parents, you can apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate for yourself.
You can also apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate for your children if at least one of their parents (the legal parent or biological parent at birth) was born in or from Canada First born as a Canadian citizen. However, if your child is adopted and born outside Canada, they are not automatically Canadian citizens.
Canadian Citizenship Certificate Application Process
To apply for a Canadian Certificate of Citizenship, you will need to download an application package available on the IRCC website. You have to fill the application form completely and submit it along with the required supporting documents. You can apply online at IRCC website. It is very important to collect and submit proper documents in proper format.
If your documents are not in English or French, you will need a translation of the documents and an affidavit to the translator.
If you have obtained a certificate of citizenship in the past, you will need to submit the original copy of the previous certificate, as well as photocopies of other required documents.
Once the IRCC receives your application for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate, you will receive an “acknowledgment of receipt” and your file will be reviewed and processed.
You can check the processing status of your application online on the IRCC website. Complex files sometimes have more processing time. IRCC provides expedited processing option in special cases. It provides an easy and quick route to people if they need to receive benefits such as health care, a Social Security number, to start a job, or in case of emergency travel to or from Canada.
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