Inherit Canadian Citizenship From a Grandparent – Second Generation Born Outside Canada

Canadian Citizenship Through a Grandparent

The path to Canadian citizenship through a grandparent has expanded significantly in recent years. In a major step toward fairness, the Government of Canada has confirmed it will not appeal the Federal Court decision striking down the “first-generation limit” to citizenship by descent (introduced in 2009).

This means that, under Bill C-71 (now Bill C-3), second-generation children born abroad can now claim Canadian citizenship. For many families, this has opened the door to securing their rights as Canadians.

At our firm, we have helped thousands of clients successfully claim their proof of Canadian citizenship.

Application Process for Canadian Citizenship Through a Grandparent

Currently, children born outside Canada to a Canadian parent whether the parent was born in Canada or later naturalized must apply for proof of Canadian citizenship. Once approved, they receive a Canadian citizenship certificate (formerly known as the citizenship card). This certificate officially confirms their status as Canadian citizens and allows them to obtain a Canadian passport along with all the rights and privileges of citizenship.

For second-generation Canadians born abroad (grandchildren of Canadian citizens), IRCC has not yet released the exact application guidelines. However, it is widely expected that the process will closely resemble the existing citizenship certificate application currently used by children of Canadian citizens.

Eligibility for Citizenship Through a Grandparent

To apply as the grandchild of a Canadian citizen, you must:

• Be the biological grandchild of a Canadian citizen (adopted children follow a separate process).
• Provide the required documentation proving your family link and your grandparent’s Canadian citizenship.

Documents Needed for First Canadian Citizenship Certificate Application

Your application package must be complete and accurate or IRCC will return it unprocessed. Required documents generally include:

• A fully completed CIT0001 application form (to be updated under Bill C-3).
• Two valid pieces of personal identification (one with a photo).
• Your long-form birth certificate showing parents’ names.
• Your parent’s long-form birth certificate.
• Your grandparent’s birth certificate (short or long form) or their Canadian naturalization certificate.
• Proof of Canadian citizenship if your parent or grandparent naturalized.
• Proof of name change, if applicable.

All documents must be submitted as certified colour copies.

Proving Canadian Citizenship Through a Grandparent

To successfully claim Canadian citizenship through a grandparent, you must provide strong documentary evidence. The responsibility lies with the applicant to prove eligibility IRCC will not investigate weak or incomplete claims.

The key documents required include:

• Your long-form birth certificate showing your parents’ names
• Your parent’s long-form birth certificate showing their parents’ names
• Your grandparent’s Canadian birth certificate (short or long form) or their naturalization certificate if they were not born in Canada
• If applicable, proof of Canadian citizenship for your parent or grandparent who naturalized in Canada

What if You Don’t Have All the Required Documents?

Missing documents can make the process more complex, but you may still have options. With the right legal submissions, our team has successfully obtained Canadian citizenship for clients even when critical documentation was unavailable.

Contact us if you are missing some of the documents required to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Submitting Your Citizenship Certificate Application

If you are applying from outside Canada or the United States, your application must be submitted to the Canadian Embassy responsible for your country of residence. The embassy will first review your package to ensure it is complete and accurate. Once verified, it will be forwarded to IRCC for processing.

Submitting a well-prepared, error-free application is crucial, as it helps reduce delays and ensures faster processing.

If your application is approved, your Canadian citizenship certificate will be issued and sent back to the embassy. You will then be notified, and the certificate will be forwarded to the mailing address you provided.

Note: Submitting through a Canadian embassy can add several months to the standard processing timeline. (See below for information on urgent processing options.)

Processing Times for a Canadian Citizenship Application through a Canadian Grandparent

Standard processing times for Canadian citizenship through a grandparent:

• 7-12 months on average.
• Processing may take longer depending on your country of birth, current residence, and IRCC’s caseload.

Urgent Processing of a Canadian Citizenship Application – Grandchild of a Canadian Citizen

While the standard processing time for a Canadian citizenship application through a grandparent is typically 7 to 12 months, there are situations where urgent processing may be requested. If you meet the eligibility criteria, a legal submission can be made to IRCC to fast-track your case. In such circumstances, your Canadian citizenship certificate could be issued in as little as 2 to 4 months.

Requirements for Entering Canada as a Canadian Citizen

Once your citizenship is confirmed, you will need a Canadian passport to enter Canada. (Exception: U.S. citizens may enter with their U.S. passport.)

Proof of citizenship is always required to apply for a Canadian passport if you were not born in Canada. Since 2012, proof is issued only as a paper certificate with advanced 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.

Benefits of Canadian Citizenship

Becoming a Canadian citizen through your grandparent allows you to enjoy full rights, including:

• Right to Vote: As a Canadian citizen, you gain the right to participate in federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal elections, giving you a voice in shaping government policies and decisions that impact your community and country.
• Access to Government Jobs: Many government positions in Canada require citizenship. Becoming a citizen opens up greater career opportunities within public service.
• Passport and Travel Benefits: Canadian citizens can apply for a Canadian passport, one of the most respected travel documents worldwide. It allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries, making international travel easier and more convenient.
• Protection Abroad: As a Canadian citizen, you are entitled to assistance from Canadian embassies and consulates while traveling or living abroad. This support can be vital during emergencies such as political unrest or natural disasters services not typically available to non-citizens.
• Family Sponsorship: Citizenship also allows you to sponsor family members for immigration, helping them join you in Canada and build a future together.

Will I Lose My Original Citizenship?

Most countries today recognize dual citizenship, but a few still do not.

Canada fully accepts dual citizenship, meaning that if you become a Canadian citizen, you generally do not have to give up your other nationality. However, if the country where you were born does not allow dual citizenship, you may be required to renounce your original citizenship.

It is important to check the laws and regulations of your country of birth regarding dual citizenship before applying.

If you are ready to make Canada your home, obtaining Canadian citizenship is the final step and with one of the highest naturalization rates in the world, the numbers speak for themselves.

Contact us today for professional guidance in claiming your Canadian citizenship through a parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent.

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

Fees for First Proof of Citizenship Through a Grandparent

• Fees- USD $849 
• Processing time: approx. 17+ months
  (Includes government and courier fees) 

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Our Services

Our team will guide you through the entire process of securing your proof of Canadian citizenship:

• Confirm your eligibility before applying.
• Advise on required documents and alternatives if some are missing.
• Complete and review your application forms.
• Write a professional legal submission letter to strengthen your case.
• Request urgent processing when eligible.
• Act as your official representative with the Government of Canada.

Only Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), Canadian immigration lawyers, or members of the Chambre des notaires du Québec are authorized to represent applicants before IRCC for a fee.