How to get proof of Canadian citizenship
A Citizenship Certificate is an important document that proves Canadian citizenship for those who have a Canadian parent. This certificate entitles you to the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as any Canadian citizen. It is also one of only two documents accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as proof of Canadian citizenship.
You can prove Canadian citizenship if you were born outside of Canada and at least one of your biological or legal parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth. To confirm if you are a citizen, you must follow the Canadian government’s process and submit an application.
If you are eligible, there is no age limit or time window in which you must apply. You can still apply whether your Canadian parent is living or deceased, as long as you can prove they were Canadian at the time of your birth. One way to do this is through the birth certificate.
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It is worth noting that proof of Canadian citizenship can only be provided by the first generation born outside of Canada to a Canadian parent. For example, if your Canadian mother gives birth to you in another country, you are likely eligible for a citizenship certificate, but your children may not be if they were not born in Canada.
Benefits of Obtaining Your Citizenship Certificate
Proof of Canadian citizenship means you are eligible to apply for a Canadian passport, one of the strongest passports in the world. In fact, it was recently ranked the 8th best passport by Henley & Partners’ latest Global Passport Ranking report. Aside from a Canadian birth certificate, a citizenship certificate is the only other proof of citizenship that is accepted.
If you have a passport, you can enter and exit Canada without restrictions, visas or permits. As a dual citizen, you can also hold multiple passports, provided your home country also allows this.
As a citizen, you can also vote in elections, run for political office, and benefit from Canada’s universal healthcare system.
Applying for a certificate of citizenship
The first step if you think you are eligible for a proof of citizenship is to go to the IRCC website and download the application pack.
Along with your form, you will need proof that your parent was a Canadian citizen at birth. Proof can be in the form of a birth certificate, Canadian citizenship card or your parents’ citizenship certificate. You will also need your own birth certificate and proof of identity.
Once IRCC has received your application, you will receive an acknowledgment of receipt and will then have to wait for IRCC’s approval. If you are admitted, you will receive a Canadian citizenship certificate.
processing times
Currently, the IRCC processing time tool estimates that proof of citizenship certificates are issued within 17 months of receipt of a completed application.
IRCC offers expedited processing in exceptional circumstances, e.g. B. when an applicant needs access to benefits such as health care, a social security number, to get a job, or to travel to or from Canada in an emergency.
Schedule a free Canadian citizenship consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm
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