Proof of Citizenship

Overview

The Proof of Citizenship (Citizenship Certificate) program allows individuals who are already Canadian citizens to obtain official documentation of their status. This certificate serves as primary evidence of Canadian citizenship and is required for various purposes, including applying for a Canadian passport, obtaining social services, or demonstrating citizenship to foreign authorities.

How it works

Applicants submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with supporting documents to prove their existing Canadian citizenship. IRCC reviews the application to verify the applicant's status based on birth in Canada, naturalization, or citizenship by descent. Upon successful verification, a citizenship certificate is issued. The certificate will include the applicant's unique citizenship number, date of birth, and date of acquisition of citizenship.

Who it's for

This program is for individuals who are Canadian citizens but do not possess a citizenship certificate, have lost their original certificate, or need to replace an outdated one. This includes Canadian citizens born outside Canada to Canadian parents, individuals who became citizens through the naturalization process, and those born in Canada who require official proof of their birthright citizenship.

To be eligible for a Canadian citizenship certificate, applicants must already be Canadian citizens. The specific eligibility criteria depend on how citizenship was acquired:

• Born in Canada: Individuals born in Canada are generally Canadian citizens by birthright. Proof of birth in Canada (e.g., birth certificate) is typically required.

• Born outside Canada to a Canadian parent (first generation): Individuals born outside Canada to a Canadian parent (or parents) are generally Canadian citizens by descent, provided their parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of their birth. There are generally limitations on passing down citizenship to subsequent generations born outside Canada. Required documentation includes the Canadian parent's proof of citizenship and the applicant's birth certificate.

• Naturalized Canadian citizens: Individuals who have successfully applied for and been granted Canadian citizenship through the naturalization process are eligible. Their original Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (if applicable) or other IRCC documentation related to their naturalization would be relevant.

• Lost, stolen, or damaged certificate: Applicants who have lost, had stolen, or whose existing citizenship certificate is damaged can apply for a replacement, provided they are still Canadian citizens. They will need to attest to the circumstances of the loss or damage.

• Correction to an existing certificate: If there is an error on an existing certificate (e.g., incorrect spelling of name, date of birth), an application can be made to correct the information.

It is crucial to note that applying for a citizenship certificate confirms existing citizenship; it does not grant citizenship.

The specific documents required depend on the applicant's situation and how they obtained Canadian citizenship. However, common required documents include:

• Application for a Citizenship Certificate (CIT 0001): The official application form completed and signed.
• Proof of Identity: At least two pieces of valid personal identification, such as a passport, driver's license, or provincial identity card. One piece of ID must have a photo.
• Proof of Canadian Citizenship (if applicable):
  • For those born in Canada: Long-form birth certificate issued by a provincial or territorial vital statistics office.
  • For those born outside Canada to a Canadian parent: Applicant's birth certificate showing parentage, and the Canadian parent's proof of Canadian citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or passport).
  • For naturalized citizens: Original Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (if applying for a replacement due to loss/damage or correction).
• Two identical citizenship photos: Meeting IRCC specifications (size, background, quality, recent).
• Fee payment receipt: Proof of payment for the application fee.
• Any previous citizenship certificates or documents: If you are applying for a replacement or correction, you may need to surrender the old certificate.
• Statutory Declaration for lost or stolen document if applicable.

The application process for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate generally involves the following steps:

1. Gather Information and Documents: Determine the specific documents required based on how you acquired Canadian citizenship. This may include birth certificates, proof of parent's citizenship, identity documents, and photos.
2. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the 'Application for a Citizenship Certificate (Proof)' form (CIT 0001) accurately and completely. Ensure all sections are answered truthfully.
3. Prepare Supporting Documents: Collect original documents or certified copies as per the document checklist provided by IRCC. Ensure photos meet specifications.
4. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable IRCC application fee of CAD $75 online through the IRCC website. Print the receipt.
5. Mail the Application: Send the completed application form, all supporting documents, and the fee receipt to the appropriate IRCC processing centre. It is recommended to use a trackable mailing service.
6. IRCC Review: IRCC will review the application for completeness and eligibility. They may request additional documents or information.
7. Decision and Issuance: If the application is approved, IRCC will mail the Canadian Citizenship Certificate to the applicant. If refused, a refusal letter will be sent with an explanation.

The Proof of Citizenship program is primarily for individual applicants seeking their own citizenship certificate. It does not directly include provisions for family members or dependants in the same application as it pertains to proving an individual's existing status. Each family member who is a Canadian citizen and requires a citizenship certificate must submit a separate application. For example, if both a parent and a child require proof of their Canadian citizenship, they would each complete their own application forms and submit their respective supporting documents and fees.

Possession of a Canadian Citizenship Certificate confirms an individual's status as a Canadian citizen. As Canadian citizens, individuals have the unrestricted right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada without the need for work permits or study permits. This certificate serves as the foundational document to access these rights, notably by enabling the application for a Canadian passport, which is widely accepted as proof of citizenship and identity for international travel and domestic purposes.

The Proof of Citizenship program does not provide a pathway to permanent residency (PR) in Canada. Instead, it is a process for individuals who are already Canadian citizens to obtain official documentation of their citizenship status. Permanent residency is a status that precedes citizenship; individuals typically obtain PR first and then may apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting specific residency and other requirements. Therefore, this program is about confirming or documenting existing citizenship, not about migrating to Canada or gaining PR status.

• Incomplete Application: Missing forms, signatures, fee payment, or required supporting documents.
• Unclear Photocopies: Illegible scans or copies of documents, making verification difficult.
• Photos Not Meeting Specifications: Photos that do not meet IRCC's strict size, background, and quality requirements.
• Failure to Prove Citizenship: Insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the applicant is, in fact, a Canadian citizen (e.g., issues with birth records, parent's citizenship proof).
• Inconsistent Information: Discrepancies between information provided on the application form and supporting documents.
• Outstanding Fees: Application is submitted without the correct fee payment or proof of payment.
• Previous Certificate Not Surrendered: If applying for a replacement or correction, failure to surrender the old certificate when required.