What to Do if You Don’t Know Whether Your Grandparent Was a Canadian Citizen

If you were born outside Canada and have a Canadian grandparent, you may soon be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship even if your parent was also born abroad. Thanks to upcoming changes under Bill C-71 (now Bill C-3), more second-generation Canadians will have the chance to reclaim their Canadian roots.

But what if you don’t know whether your grandparent was actually a Canadian citizen? Don’t worry that’s a common question, and one you can resolve by following a few key steps.

Why This Matters: The End of the First-Generation Limit

For many years, Canadian law restricted citizenship by descent to only one generation born abroad. If your parents were born outside Canada to a Canadian citizen, and you were also born abroad, you couldn’t inherit citizenship even if your grandparent was Canadian.

That’s changing.

Bill C-71 now Bill C-3 will remove this “first-generation limit”. Once the law is in effect, many second-generation Canadians born abroad, including those with a Canadian grandparent, will finally become eligible to apply for citizenship.

However, eligibility still depends on one crucial fact: whether your grandparent was a Canadian citizen at the time of your parent’s birth. That’s why confirming your grandparent’s status is the essential first step.

Step 1: Search for Family Records

Start by looking for documents that might prove your grandparent’s Canadian citizen, such as:

• A Canadian birth certificate
• A Canadian citizenship certificate
• A Canadian passport
• Military or government service records
• Naturalization or immigration papers

If you don’t have these, you can formally request confirmation through IRCC.

Step 2: Request a Search of Citizenship Records

If you’re unsure about your Grandparent’s status, you can submit an Application for a Search of Citizenship Records.

What Is It?

This official process checks whether your grandparent was ever recognized as a Canadian citizen. If IRCC finds a record, they will provide a letter stating that your grandparent was a Canadian citizen, which can be used in your own citizenship application under Bill C-71.

To apply, you’ll need to complete the Application for a Search of Citizenship Records (CIT 0058). Include:

• Proof of your identity
• Details about your grandparent (name, date/place of birth, etc.)
• Consent from your grandparent (if living) or proof of death (if deceased)

Processing can take several months, so it’s best to start as soon as possible.

Step 3: Prepare for Your Citizenship Application

If your grandparent’s status is confirmed, you’ll be ready to apply once Bill C-71 (Bill C-3) takes effect.

Typical requirements include:

• Fully completed and signed application form CIT0001 (to be updated once the bill is in force)
• Two valid pieces of ID such as a passport, driver’s license, or health card, one of which must include a photo
• Your long-form birth certificate (showing parent names)
• Your parent’s and grandparent’s birth certificates
• Proof of your parent’s or grandparent’s Canadian citizenship (certificate or record search results) if they naturalized in Canada OR a search of citizenship to prove their status
• Proof of name change, if applicable

All must be certified colour copies.

Step 4: Get Professional Support

While some applications are straightforward, others become complex if documents are missing or names don’t match. Immigration professionals can help by:

• Advising on your eligibility under Bill C-71 now Bill C-3
• Submitting the Search of Citizenship Records on your behalf
• Preparing and organizing your final citizenship application

Final Thoughts

Canada’s new citizenship law is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for people with Canadian heritage to reconnect and claim their citizenship. If your grandparent was Canadian or you suspect they might have been, now is the time to act.

A Search of Citizenship Records is a simple but powerful first step in confirming your family’s connection to Canada. Don’t let uncertainty stop you, by starting the process now, you’ll be ready to apply when Bill C-71 now Bill C-3 comes into force.