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Status of changes to citizenship by descent
The Citizenship Act currently includes a first-generation limit to citizenship by descent. This limit generally means someone isn't automatically a Canadian citizen if
- they were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, and
- their Canadian parent was also born outside Canada to a Canadian parent
In December 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice declared that the first-generation limit for many individuals is unconstitutional.
An extension until August 9, 2024, has been granted by the Court. This means that the current rules still apply until further notice.
For more information, you can
There are a few ways you can become a Canadian citizen without applying to be one. In these cases, you may still want to get proof of citizenship.
There are also times when you might think you became a citizen, but you did not. In those cases, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship.
You’re likely a Canadian citizen if you
- were born in Canada
- became a citizen because of changes to the Citizenship Act
- applied for and received your Canadian citizenship (became a naturalized citizen)
- received Canadian citizenship as a minor when a parent or legal guardian applied for your citizenship
- were born outside Canada and at least 1 of your parents (legal parent at birth [opens in a new tab] or biological parent) either
- was born in Canada, or
- became a naturalized citizen before you were born
You likely aren’t a Canadian citizen if you
- were born in Canada to foreign diplomats
- had your citizenship taken away (revoked)
- renounced your Canadian citizenship and never applied to get it back
You aren’t automatically a Canadian citizen if you
- marry a Canadian citizen
- are adopted by a Canadian citizen
- have your refugee claim accepted
- live in Canada as a permanent resident for many years
- were born outside Canada to Canadian parent(s) on or after April 17, 2009, but neither parent was born or naturalized in Canada
To find out if you might have a claim to Canadian citizenship, use our Am I a Canadian? tool.
Applying for proof of Canadian citizenship is the formal way to find out if you’re a citizen. We don’t refund fees, even if you apply for proof of citizenship and find out you aren’t a citizen.
You keep your citizenship if you were a Canadian citizen the day before the 2009 and 2015 changes to the law came into effect.
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