Understanding the Requirement for Proof of Citizenship in Canada

Citizenship in this country also gives us a way to accomplish key goals, including voting in federal elections, obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and getting a job.

To meet the above goals, some Canadians will need to obtain proof of citizenship from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), otherwise known as a Canadian Citizenship Certificate. This document “provides definitive proof that you are a citizen of the country.”

Note: The terms “Proof of Citizenship” and “Certificate of Canadian Citizenship” will be used interchangeably from this point forward.

For the purposes of this explanation, the following distinction is important. As an example of what a Canadian citizenship certificate does for people who have one, this document is one of only two pieces—the other being a Canadian birth certificate—that can be used as proof of Canadian citizenship with the Passport Canada. has been accepted by On the contrary, it is equally important to understand that proof of citizenship is not a travel document.

Who needs proof of citizenship?

A Canadian citizenship certificate can be obtained by any Canadian citizen who wishes to have one. However, such a document is only really needed:

• Individuals born outside Canada to at least one Canadian-citizen parent
• naturalized canadian

Born outside Canada: In this case, proof of citizenship is required to enjoy the benefits and opportunities that are available to natural-born Canadians. These include, beyond the items mentioned earlier, benefits such as access to universal healthcare and the ability to obtain a driver’s license.

Naturalized Canadians: Canadians who applied for citizenship, completed tests, and took the oath are called Naturalized Canadians. They will also need a Canadian citizenship certificate to enjoy the benefits of being a citizen in this country, but that document is something they will already receive once their naturalization process is complete.

Canadian citizens born within the country will be able to use their birth certificate as proof of citizenship across the country.

proof of citizenship eligibility

As previously mentioned, at least one parent born outside Canada who was a Canadian citizen prior to their birth is eligible for proof of citizenship, as are naturalized Canadians.

In addition, the following are some important notes to keep in mind regarding Canadian citizenship certificates:

• Canada limits citizenship by descent to Canadian parents for the first generation born outside Canada (that is, only children of Canadian-born parents, not grandchildren or so forth, without Canadian citizenship by descent). considered eligible)
• As a child of Canadian-born parents, you are eligible for proof of citizenship whether your parents are living or deceased

Ineligibility: Children adopted by a Canadian after birth will need to become Canadian citizens before they can be eligible for a Canadian citizenship certificate.

Proof of Citizenship Application Process

Below are the steps one must take to apply for Canadian citizenship certificate.

Step 1: Download the application package available on IRCC website

• This step requires proving that one of the applicant’s parents was a Canadian citizen

Step 2: Pay the application fee and submit the application online at IRCC website

Step 3: When IRCC receives your application then wait for “Acknowledgment of Receipt”

Step 4: Wait for your file to be reviewed and processed

• Applicants can check the processing status – time varies depending on individual file complexity, which may require requesting additional information/documents to IRCC – for their online application
• Immediate processing is available in special cases for interested applicants; Accessing benefits such as health care, obtaining a social insurance number, starting a job, or traveling to and from Canada due to an emergency

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