Bill C-3 ยท Proof of citizenship
Canadian citizenship by descent: your ancestor may have already made you a citizen.
Since December 15, 2025, Canada no longer stops citizenship by descent at the first generation born abroad. If you were born before that date and a parent, grandparent or earlier ancestor was Canadian, you may already be a citizen. You just need the certificate to prove it.
See fees and get started
Could this be you?
Most claims fall into one of three patterns. The documents decide the case, so we start with the family chain.
A Canadian parent
Born abroad to a parent who was a Canadian citizen when you were born. This route existed before Bill C-3 and is usually the simplest file.
A Canadian grandparent
Your parent was born abroad to a Canadian, and you were born abroad before December 15, 2025. Bill C-3 opened this route for many families.
An earlier ancestor
A great-grandparent or earlier, pre-1947 ancestors, adoptions or name changes. These need archival research and careful legal analysis.
How we handle your claim
1
Map the chain
Tell us about each generation back to your Canadian ancestor. Our software checks every link against the Citizenship Act.
2
Gather the records
A personal checklist of birth, marriage and citizenship records for each generation, with guidance on where to order them.
3
Prepare the file
We complete the CIT 0001 form and a cover letter that walks the officer through your lineage.
4
Lawyer sign-off
A licensed Canadian lawyer reviews and approves the file before it goes to IRCC. Family members reuse the same ancestor evidence.
Flat fees in USD
Government fee: CAD $75 per person, paid directly to IRCC.
Prices exclude applicable taxes. IRCC processing currently takes many months and a lawyer cannot speed it up. No outcome is guaranteed.
Questions about citizenship by descent
Do I have to give up my US or other citizenship?
I was born after December 15, 2025. Does this apply to me?
Is there a test, language requirement or residency requirement?
Several of us share the same Canadian grandparent. Do we each pay full price?
Reviewed by Rakhmad Sobirov, Canadian immigration lawyer licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, LSO No. 62387E. This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. No outcome is promised or guaranteed. Government fees are paid directly to IRCC.