Eligibility Quiz
Was at least one of your parents a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth?
Application Process
You can apply for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate (Proof of Citizenship) to confirm your status under the new 2026 rules. This process is primarily handled online, though paper applications are still accepted for specific circumstances.
Online Application
This is the fastest and most common method for most applicants.
- Confirm your eligibility: Use the official Am I a Citizen? tool to verify if you qualify under the new "Substantial Connection" rules or the standard first-generation rules.
- Create an IRCC account: Register for a secure account on the IRCC portal.
- Complete Form CIT 0001: Fill out the digital version of the Application for a Citizenship Certificate.
- Gather your digital documents: Scan and upload the following:
- Your long-form birth certificate showing your parents' names.
- Proof of your parent’s Canadian citizenship (e.g., their Canadian birth certificate or citizenship certificate).
- Physical Presence Evidence: If your parent was also born abroad, you must upload records proving they lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days before your birth (e.g., school transcripts, employment records, or tax assessments).
- Two pieces of personal identification, such as a passport or driver’s license.
- Digital copies of two identical citizenship-eligible photographs.
- Pay and Submit: Pay your fees through the online portal and submit the application electronically.
Paper Application
If you cannot apply online, you may mail a physical package.
- Download the Package: Get the CIT 0001 form and instruction guide.
- Prepare Documents: Include clear color photocopies of your ID and original translations for any documents not in English or French, accompanied by an affidavit (a sworn statement) from the translator.
- Mail the Application: Send your completed package to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia:
- Mailing Address: Case Processing Centre – Sydney-Proofs, P.O. Box 10000, Sydney, NS, B1P 7C1.
- Urgent Requests: If you have an emergency (e.g., needing a Social Insurance Number or urgent travel), write "Request Urgent Processing" in large, clear letters on the outside of your envelope.
Fees
Fees must be paid in Canadian dollars (CAD) through the IRCC online payment system.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Citizenship Certificate (Proof of Citizenship) | $75.00 |
| Grant of Citizenship (Adoption/Minors) | $100.00 |
Total Estimate: $75.00 for most descent-based applications. Does not include: Costs for professional citizenship photography, official document translations, notary fees for affidavits, or postage for paper applications.
Processing Time
Processing times are currently fluctuating due to the high volume of applications following the removal of the "First-Generation Limit."
- Standard Processing: 11 to 13 months.
- Urgent Processing: Varies by case; typically processed significantly faster if you provide proof of an emergency (e.g., medical necessity or employment requirements).
- Document Validity: Ensure your identification documents are valid at the time of submission. If a document expires while the application is in progress, IRCC may request an updated copy.
Note: You cannot apply for a Canadian passport until you receive your physical or digital Citizenship Certificate. Do not book non-refundable travel until the certificate is in your possession.