Are you eligible to get a Canadian passport?
If one of your parents or grandparents is a Canadian citizen, you may be eligible for Canadian citizenship through origin, even if you were born outside of Canada. This type of citizenship is automatic and grants you the right to enter Canada, with or without a Canadian passport. However, having a Canadian passport makes the process of entering Canada much smoother.
To determine if you may have citizenship through origin, you can use the “Am I a Canadian?” tool provided by the Canadian federal government. Once you have confirmed your citizenship status, you can apply for a Canadian passport after obtaining your proof of citizenship.
In some cases, individuals who are Canadian citizens through origin may be affected by the First Generation Limit (FGL) and may need to apply for a discretionary grant of citizenship under the interim measures introduced by the Canadian government.
Individuals affected by the FGL fall into four categories:
1. Those born or adopted before December 19, 2023, and impacted by the FGL.
2. Individuals born or adopted on or after December 19, 2023, with a Canadian parent who had at least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada before their birth or adoption.
3. Those born before April 1, 1949, who are still affected by the FGL.
4. Former Canadian citizens who lost their status due to not meeting retention requirements.
To request proof of citizenship, you can submit a certificate application online or by mail. The application process typically involves providing necessary documentation, paying a $75 fee, and submitting the application. Processing times for proof of citizenship applications are around five months.
Once you have obtained your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a Canadian passport. To request a passport, you need to submit an application form, your citizenship certificate, proof of identity, and two passport photos. The application process allows you to choose between a five-year or ten-year passport and select the processing time based on your needs.
Overall, having Canadian citizenship through origin opens up opportunities for individuals to explore and experience Canada, whether for travel, work, or living purposes. By following the necessary steps to obtain proof of citizenship and a Canadian passport, you can fully embrace your Canadian heritage and enjoy the benefits of being a citizen of the Great White North.
