If you were born outside Canada but have Canadian parents or grandparents, you might be able to get Canadian citizenship sooner than you think. Many people who haven’t received citizenship certificates, often called “lost Canadians,” can apply now under special temporary rules. You don’t have to wait for changes to the Citizenship Act.
How to Start Your Application
To apply, you need to submit a proof of citizenship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The documents you need depend on how you apply (online or on paper) and your personal situation.
Applicants should use these two guides from IRCC to make sure they include everything needed:
- Proof of Citizenship Application Guide (online or paper)
- Proof of Citizenship Document Checklist
Documents Everyone Needs
No matter your situation, all applicants must provide:
- Application form for a citizenship certificate (CIT 0001)
- Photographs meeting IRCC specifications (two originals for paper, one color image for online)
- Two valid IDs, with at least one showing your photo
- Proof of payment
Documents Some Applicants Might Need
Depending on your personal situation, you may also need:
| Situation | Required Document |
|---|---|
| Using a representative (paid or unpaid) | Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) |
| Declaring a sex or gender change | Statutory Declaration – Request for a Change of Sex or Gender form |
| Changed legal name | Proof of legal name change (marriage certificate, court order, adoption order, or divorce decree) |
Additional Documents for Discretionary Grants
If you are applying for a discretionary grant of citizenship, you may need more documents depending on your circumstances:
Scenario One: You were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent but never received a Canadian citizenship certificate or similar document. You need:
- Your foreign birth certificate, showing the name of your Canadian parent
- Proof your parent is a Canadian citizen, such as:
- Provincial or territorial birth certificate
- Canadian citizenship or naturalization certificate
- Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad (RBA)
- Certificate of Retention of Canadian Citizenship
- British naturalization certificate issued in Canada or Newfoundland and Labrador
- If your Canadian parent isn’t listed on your birth certificate, include:
- Birth records or documents confirming their names at your birth (e.g., pre-birth orders, court orders, surrogacy agreements, hospital records)
- An explanation why your parent isn’t listed
- Reason your birth certificate was changed or replaced, if known
Scenario Two: You were a British subject and never received a Canadian citizenship certificate, and you lived in Canada or Newfoundland and Labrador before key dates. You need:
- Long-form birth certificate
- Proof of British subject status (e.g., birth certificate or British naturalization certificate)
- Proof of landed immigrant status in Canada (immigration documents or stamped passport page)
- Proof of residence in Canada before January 1, 1947, or Newfoundland and Labrador before April 1, 1949
- If you are a woman married before January 1, 1947:
- Marriage certificate
- Husband’s nationality information (birth certificate, citizenship/naturalization certificates, immigration documents, visas, or passports)
Scenario Three: You are a woman who married a man who was a British subject in Canada or Newfoundland and Labrador before the specified dates, or you lost your British subject status due to marriage. You need:
- Long-form birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Husband’s nationality information (birth certificate, citizenship/naturalization certificates, immigration documents, visas, or passports)
- Proof you acquired British subject status (birth certificate or British naturalization certificate)
- Proof of landed immigrant status in Canada (immigration documents or stamped passport page)
How the Application Process Works
Once you gather all the documents, submit your application for proof of citizenship to IRCC. After reviewing your documents, IRCC will:
- Confirm if the first-generation limit applies to you
- If impacted, invite you to request a discretionary grant of citizenship
IRCC may ask for additional documents during this process. Some applicants may also request urgent processing if they meet the conditions.
Q: Who can apply for a discretionary grant of citizenship?
A: People born outside Canada to Canadian parents or grandparents who haven’t received citizenship documents.
Q: Can I apply online?
A: Yes, IRCC allows both online and paper applications, but documents required may differ slightly.
Q: What if my parent’s name isn’t on my birth certificate?
A: You need to provide additional documents proving your parent’s identity and explain why their name isn’t on the certificate.
Q: How long does it take?
A: Processing times vary, but urgent requests are possible under certain conditions.
Q: Can I use a representative to help?
A: Yes, but you must submit a Use of Representative form (IMM 5476).
By carefully gathering all required documents and following the steps above, many “lost Canadians” can finally receive their Canadian citizenship.
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