Canadian citizenship by descent allows people born outside Canada to one or more Canadian parents to claim citizenship. Under the Citizenship Act, the first generation born abroad is automatically a Canadian citizen at birth, though a first-generation limit applies to subsequent generations.

Who Qualifies for Canadian Citizenship by Descent?

Canadian citizenship by descent applies if you were born outside Canada and at least one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth. The rules differ based on when you were born:

Born on or after April 17, 2009:

• You are a Canadian citizen if at least one parent was a Canadian citizen AND that parent was born in Canada or naturalized before your birth
• The first-generation limit applies — if your Canadian parent was also born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, you do NOT automatically get citizenship

Born between February 15, 1977 and April 16, 2009:

• You are automatically a Canadian citizen if either parent was a Canadian citizen at your birth
• No first-generation limit applied during this period

Born before February 15, 1977:

• Different rules apply depending on your parents' marital status and which parent was Canadian
• The 2009 amendments restored citizenship to many "lost Canadians" from this era

If you're planning to apply, brush up on Canadian civics with our free Canadian Citizenship practice test — you'll need this knowledge for the citizenship test if you apply through other streams.

The First-Generation Limit Rule

The most important rule for Canadian citizenship by descent is the first-generation limit, introduced on April 17, 2009. This rule prevents citizenship from being passed down indefinitely to generations born outside Canada.

How it works:

• Your parent was born in Canada → You are a Canadian citizen (first generation born abroad) ✅
• Your parent was naturalized in Canada → You are a Canadian citizen ✅
• Your parent was born outside Canada to a Canadian parent → You are NOT automatically a citizen ❌ (second generation born abroad)

There are exceptions. You may still qualify if:

• Your Canadian parent was employed abroad by the Canadian Armed Forces, federal public administration, or the public service of a province at the time of your birth
• You would otherwise be stateless (no citizenship in any country)

If the first-generation limit blocks your claim, you may still be able to obtain Canadian citizenship through other pathways, such as immigration and naturalization.

How to Apply for Citizenship by Descent

If you qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent, you need to obtain proof of citizenship. Here's the process:

1. Determine eligibility — Confirm you meet the criteria based on your birth date and your parents' citizenship status
2. Gather documents — You'll need:
   • Your birth certificate (long form showing parents' names)
   • Parent's Canadian birth certificate or citizenship certificate
   • Parent's passport or other proof of Canadian citizenship at time of your birth
   • Two passport-style photos
   • Government-issued ID
3. Complete application form CIT 0001 — Application for a Citizenship Certificate (proof of citizenship)
4. Pay the fee — $75 CAD for adults, $0 for minors
5. Submit to IRCC — Mail to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia
6. Wait for processing — Current processing times are 5-12 months

Note: You are applying for proof of citizenship, not for citizenship itself. If you qualify by descent, you are already a citizen — you just need the certificate to prove it.

Dual US and Canadian Citizenship

Both Canada and the United States allow dual citizenship, making it possible to hold both passports simultaneously. If you were born in the US to a Canadian parent, you likely hold both citizenships already.

Key considerations for Canadian US dual citizenship:

• Taxation — The US taxes worldwide income regardless of where you live. Canada taxes based on residency. Dual citizens living in Canada file taxes in both countries but receive credits to avoid double taxation.
• Travel — You must enter Canada on your Canadian passport and enter the US on your US passport. Airlines enforce this rule at check-in.
• Military service — Neither country currently has mandatory military service, but obligations could theoretically arise in both countries.
• Voting — You can vote in both countries' elections, provided you meet residency requirements.

For those pursuing Canadian citizenship through other streams, prepare for the citizenship exam with our Canadian Citizenship Government and Elections Practice Test.