Citizenship Resumption

Overview

Citizenship Resumption is a process for individuals who were once Canadian citizens but formally renounced their citizenship to regain it. Renouncing Canadian citizenship is a serious decision often made for various reasons, such as to avoid dual citizenship in countries where it is prohibited or to take on a position in a foreign government that requires sole allegiance to that country. The Resumption program acknowledges that circumstances can change, and former citizens may wish to re-establish their ties with Canada.

How it works

The application process for citizenship resumption involves demonstrating that the applicant previously held Canadian citizenship, understanding the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship, and meeting specific residency requirements. Unlike first-time citizenship applications, applicants for resumption do not need to pass a knowledge test or meet language proficiency requirements as these were met during their original grant of citizenship. The focus is on verifying identity, previous citizenship status, and current eligibility criteria, particularly the physical presence in Canada. Upon successful application, the individual once again becomes a full Canadian citizen with all associated rights, including the right to vote, hold a Canadian passport, and live in Canada.

Who it's for

This program is specifically designed for individuals who voluntarily renounced their Canadian citizenship under the Citizenship Act or a former citizenship act. It is not for individuals who lost their citizenship involuntarily (e.g., due to revocation), nor is it for permanent residents applying for citizenship for the first time. It caters to those who, for legitimate reasons, gave up their citizenship but now wish to reclaim it due to changed personal or professional circumstances and who meet the current residency obligations.

To be eligible for Citizenship Resumption, applicants must meet several key criteria:

• Previously a Canadian Citizen: You must have been a Canadian citizen at some point in the past and formally renounced that citizenship. Evidence of your previous Canadian citizenship and the renunciation will be required.

• Permanent Resident Status: You must be a permanent resident of Canada at the time of application. This means you must have successfully immigrated to Canada and obtained permanent resident status, which is a prerequisite for most paths to Canadian citizenship, including resumption.

• Physical Presence: You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 365 days during the two years immediately before the date of your application. The calculation of physical presence is strict and involves totaling the actual days spent within Canada's borders. There are limited exceptions for time spent abroad for certain employment types (e.g., Canadian armed forces).

• No Prohibitions: You must not be subject to any prohibitions under the Citizenship Act. This includes, but is not limited to, being under a removal order, being imprisoned, on parole, or probation, or having been convicted of an indictable offence within a certain period.

• Intent to Reside: While not explicitly stated as a separate criterion for resumption, the underlying principle for Canadian citizenship is an intent to reside in Canada. Maintaining permanent resident status implies this intent.

• Oath of Citizenship: If your original grant of citizenship did not require an oath, or if otherwise deemed necessary, you may be required to take the Oath of Citizenship again.

Applicants for Citizenship Resumption typically need to provide the following documents:

• Application for Resumption of Canadian Citizenship (CIT 0424): The fully completed and signed application form.

• Proof of Previous Canadian Citizenship: This could include your original Canadian birth certificate, certificate of Canadian citizenship, or old Canadian passport. Documents proving how and when you became a Canadian citizen previously.

• Proof of Renunciation of Canadian Citizenship: Documentation from IRCC confirming your formal renunciation of Canadian citizenship.

• Proof of Permanent Resident Status: Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and Permanent Resident Card.

• Proof of Physical Presence: Detailed records of your travel history and time spent in Canada for the past two years. This may include passport stamps, travel itineraries, and other documents that demonstrate your physical presence.

• Identity Documents: Valid government-issued identification, such as your passport, driver's license, or provincial ID card.

• Photographs: Two identical citizenship photos that meet IRCC specifications.

• Fee Payment Receipt: Proof that you have paid the application fees.

The process for applying for Citizenship Resumption involves several key steps:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet all requirements, especially regarding permanent resident status and physical presence in Canada.

2. Gather Documents: Collect all necessary supporting documents, including proof of your previous Canadian citizenship, renunciation, permanent resident status, and physical presence. Ensure all documents are current and meet IRCC's specifications.

3. Complete Application Form: Fill out the

When an individual resumes Canadian citizenship, their dependent family members (spouse, common-law partner, dependent children) do not automatically resume or acquire citizenship. Each family member must meet their own eligibility criteria for Canadian citizenship, or for permanent residence if they are not yet permanent residents.

• Spouse/Common-Law Partner: If your spouse or common-law partner was also a former Canadian citizen and wishes to resume citizenship, they must submit their own separate application and meet all individual eligibility requirements, including permanent resident status and physical presence.

• Dependent Children: If your dependent children are not already Canadian citizens, they cannot be included in your resumption application. If they meet the criteria for Canadian citizenship through a parent (e.g., if you are now a citizen and they are permanent residents, or if they were born abroad to a Canadian citizen parent), they would need to apply for their own proof of citizenship or separate citizenship grant, depending on their circumstances. If your children are not permanent residents, you would first need to sponsor them for permanent residence in Canada.

Upon successfully resuming Canadian citizenship, individuals regain all the rights of a Canadian citizen, which includes the unrestricted right to work in Canada. As a Canadian citizen, you do not require a work permit to work for any employer in Canada. This right is inherent to your citizenship status and allows for full participation in the Canadian labour market, subject only to professional licensing and qualifications relevant to specific occupations.

Citizenship Resumption is the final step in establishing full nationality in Canada for those who previously renounced it; it is not a pathway to permanent residence. Rather, having permanent resident (PR) status is a mandatory prerequisite for applying to resume Canadian citizenship. Therefore, by the time you apply for citizenship resumption, you would have already achieved PR status through a separate immigration program. Successfully resuming citizenship means you are no longer a permanent resident but a full Canadian citizen, thus completing the immigration journey to full integration into Canada.

Applications for Citizenship Resumption can be refused for several reasons, often related to not fully meeting the strict eligibility criteria:

• Failure to Meet Physical Presence: The most common reason for refusal is not adequately demonstrating the required 365 days of physical presence in Canada within the two years immediately preceding the application date.

• Lack of Permanent Resident Status: The applicant must hold valid permanent resident status at the time of application. If PR status has been lost or is not valid, the application will be refused.

• Incomplete Documentation: Missing required documents or providing documents that do not meet IRCC's specifications can lead to refusal or significant delays.

• Misrepresentation: Providing false information or concealing material facts in the application can lead to refusal and severe penalties, including bans from reapplying for Canadian citizenship for several years.

• Criminality or Prohibitions: Being subject to any prohibitions under the Citizenship Act, such as having a serious criminal record or being under a removal order, will result in refusal.

• Unclear Renunciation History: If there is insufficient proof or clarity regarding the applicant's previous Canadian citizenship and its renunciation, the application may be refused.