{"id":45788,"date":"2026-01-29T09:28:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T09:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/?p=45788"},"modified":"2026-01-29T09:28:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T09:28:00","slug":"canadian-citizenship-by-descent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Get Canadian Citizenship If Your Parent Is Canadian?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"45788\" class=\"elementor elementor-45788\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4cd5abbd elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4cd5abbd\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5c06f806\" data-id=\"5c06f806\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c8d8b74 elementor-widget-laptop__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"c8d8b74\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;exclude_headings_by_selector&quot;:[],&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No headings were found on this page.&quot;,&quot;collapse_subitems&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h2&quot;,&quot;h3&quot;,&quot;h4&quot;,&quot;h5&quot;,&quot;h6&quot;],&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;numbers&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_widescreen&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_laptop&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet_extra&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tTable of Contents\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__c8d8b74\" class=\"elementor-toc__body elementor-toc__list-items--collapsible\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-571f9a93 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"571f9a93\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Many people begin exploring Canadian citizenship by descent after hearing a family story, finding an old passport, or learning that a parent once lived in Canada. At first, the process may seem straightforward, but the rules can become more complicated once you start looking into eligibility, documents, and timelines. In this guide, we break down how citizenship by descent works, what documents you\u2019ll need, and how to confirm your status.<\/p><h2><b>Summary<\/b><\/h2><p>If your parent was a Canadian citizen when you were born and you are the first generation born outside Canada, you may already qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent.<\/p><h2><b>What is Canadian citizenship by descent?<\/b><\/h2><p>Canadian citizenship by descent means Canada may recognise you as a citizen from birth because one of your parents was already Canadian at that time. You are not applying to become a citizen, you are asking IRCC to confirm a status you might already hold.<\/p><p>Many people exploring this fall into two groups:<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">They have been told they \u201cmight be Canadian.\u201d<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">They had a Canadian parent but never applied for official proof.<\/li><\/ul><p>If your goal is to understand the benefits of becoming a confirmed Canadian citizen, you can also check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/blog\/discover-the-top-10-unexpected-benefits-of-canadian-citizenship\/\"><b>Discover the Top 10 Unexpected Benefits of Canadian Citizenship<\/b><\/a>.<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/How-apply-for-citizenship-by-descent.png\" alt=\"Step-by-step graphic showing how to apply for Canadian citizenship by descent. Step 1: Gather proof that your parent was a Canadian citizen. Step 2: Get your long-form birth certificate that lists your parent. Step 3: Complete the application for a Proof of Citizenship certificate. Step 4: Submit everything online or by mail. Step 5: Wait for IRCC to confirm your status. Red and black circular icons with arrows guide the sequence.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><\/p><h2><b>Who qualifies for citizenship by descent?<\/b><\/h2><p>You may qualify if:<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">You were born outside Canada<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Your parent was a Canadian citizen when you were born<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">You can prove the parent\u2013child relationship<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">You submit the correct documents<\/li><\/ul><p>If you prefer to explore the general naturalisation pathway instead, see<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/comprehensive-guide-apply-canadian-citizenship-5-steps\/\"> <b>How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship in 5 Easy Steps<\/b><\/a>.<\/p><h2><b>How does the first-generation rule work?<\/b><\/h2><p>Canada only allows citizenship by descent for the first generation born abroad.<\/p><p>You usually qualify if:<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">You were born outside Canada <b>and<\/b><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Your Canadian parent was born in Canada or became a citizen <b>before<\/b> you were born<\/li><\/ul><p>You <b>do not<\/b> qualify if:<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">You and your Canadian parent were both born outside Canada, unless a specific exemption applies (rare situations like diplomatic service).<\/li><\/ul><p>If your parent cannot pass down citizenship, they may still sponsor you for immigration. See<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/navigating-path-dependent-visa-canada-stepchildren-children-spouses\/\"> <b>Navigating the Path to a Dependent Visa in Canada<\/b><\/a> for options.<\/p><h2><b>Do I automatically count as a Canadian citizen?<\/b><\/h2><p>Possibly, if your parent was a Canadian citizen at the moment of your birth and you fall under the first-generation rule.<br \/>Your status is not activated until you apply for a Proof of Citizenship Certificate.<\/p><h2><b>What documents do I need?<\/b><\/h2><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-45793 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/citizenship-by-descent-Required-Documents.png\" alt=\"Checklist graphic titled \u2018Required Documents\u2019 for Canadian citizenship by descent. Items listed: A long-form birth certificate; The parent\u2019s Canadian birth certificate or citizenship certificate; Any Canadian passports the parent held; Adoption papers if this applies; Translations for documents not in English or French. Each item is shown with a red checkmark icon and dotted outline boxes.\" width=\"643\" height=\"396\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/citizenship-by-descent-Required-Documents.png 643w, https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/citizenship-by-descent-Required-Documents-300x185.png 300w, https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/citizenship-by-descent-Required-Documents-18x12.png 18w, https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/citizenship-by-descent-Required-Documents-600x370.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 643px) 100vw, 643px\" \/><\/p><p>To confirm eligibility, IRCC typically requires:<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Your long-form birth certificate showing your parent(s)<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Your parent\u2019s Canadian birth certificate or citizenship certificate<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Any Canadian passports held by your parent<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Adoption papers if applicable<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Translations of documents not in English or French<\/li><\/ul><p>If you do not meet the criteria, you may need an immigration pathway instead. Review<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/ultimate-guide-canada-work-visas-type-right\/\"> <b>Types of Work Visas in Canada: Which Is Right for You?<\/b><\/a>.<\/p><h2><b>How do I apply for proof of Canadian citizenship?<\/b><\/h2><p>You apply by submitting a Proof of Citizenship application. The general steps include:<\/p><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Confirm eligibility<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Gather required documents<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Submit the application online or by mail<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Wait for IRCC to assess your evidence<\/li><\/ol><h2><b>How long does it take?<\/b><\/h2><p>Processing times vary widely. Some applicants receive confirmation within a few months. Others wait longer if documents are older, unclear, or require additional verification.<\/p><h2><b>Can I pass citizenship to my children?<\/b><\/h2><p>This depends on where your children are born.<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">If your children are born inside Canada, they automatically become Canadian citizens.<\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">If your children are born outside Canada, they usually cannot inherit citizenship from a parent who is Canadian by descent due to the first-generation rule.<\/li><\/ul><p>If your children do not qualify for citizenship, you may need immigration pathways such as family sponsorship. See<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/es\/family-sponsorship-canada\/\"> <b>Family Sponsorship in Canada: Bringing Loved Ones<\/b><\/a>.<\/p><h2><b>What if I do not qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent?<\/b><\/h2><p>Many people who do not qualify by descent still move to Canada through:<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/es\/canadian-dream-successfully-apply-express-entry-visa\/\">Express Entry<\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Skilled worker programs &#8211; such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/es\/make-your-move-discover-the-benefits-of-the-quebec-skilled-worker-program-for-your-new-home\/\">Quebec Skilled Worker Program<\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/study-in-canada-visa-scholarships-pr-pathways\/\">Study routes<\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/canadagmc.com\/ready-to-make-the-great-north-your-home-understanding-the-different-types-of-canadian-work-visas\/\">Work visas<\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/es\/family-sponsorship-canada\/\">Family sponsorship<\/a><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/es\/provincial-nominee-program-your-ticket-to-a-new-life-in-canadastreamline-your-future-explore-canadas-express-entry-immigration-system\/\">Provincial Nominee Programs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><h2><b>Should I get help with the process?<\/b><\/h2><p>Confirming citizenship by descent can feel confusing, especially when old documents or unclear timelines are involved. If you want clarity on whether you qualify or need an alternative pathway, our team can review your case.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-05b54d3 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"05b54d3\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2513e7c\" data-id=\"2513e7c\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73eb862 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"73eb862\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>FAQ<\/b><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-53b5fff elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"53b5fff\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-44566d8\" data-id=\"44566d8\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f79af17 elementor-widget elementor-widget-toggle\" data-id=\"f79af17\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"toggle.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2591\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2591\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-caret-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><i class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened fas fa-caret-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Do I already count as a citizen?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2591\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2591\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possibly. If your parent was a Canadian citizen at the time you were born, you may already meet the requirements.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2592\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2592\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-caret-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><i class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened fas fa-caret-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Do I need to move to Canada to apply?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2592\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2592\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. You can apply from anywhere.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2593\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2593\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-caret-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><i class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened fas fa-caret-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What if my parent became a citizen after I was born?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2593\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2593\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then you are not eligible for citizenship by descent, but immigration routes like Express Entry or work visas may be open to you.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2594\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2594\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-caret-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><i class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened fas fa-caret-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Do adopted children qualify?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2594\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2594\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, depending on the adoption category and the dates involved.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toggle-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2595\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2595\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon elementor-toggle-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-caret-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened\"><i class=\"elementor-toggle-icon-opened fas fa-caret-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-toggle-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Can I pass citizenship to my children?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2595\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2595\"><p>Not automatically. If your children are born outside Canada, they do not inherit your Canadian citizenship when you are a citizen by descent. This is because of Canada\u2019s first-generation rule, which only allows citizenship to pass to the first generation born abroad.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-8386796 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"8386796\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-43c0ab6\" data-id=\"43c0ab6\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-385d997 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"385d997\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding whether you qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent can take some detective work, especially when documents, dates, and family history are complicated. If you find out you are not eligible, there are still many Canadian immigration routes available such as work visas, study pathways, and permanent residency options.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want help confirming your status or exploring your next step, feel free to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/consultation\/\"><b>reach out to our team at Canada GMC.<\/b><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Many people begin exploring Canadian citizenship by descent after hearing a family story, finding an old passport, or learning that a parent once lived in Canada. At first, the process may seem straightforward, but the rules can become more complicated once you start looking into eligibility, documents, and timelines. In this guide, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2901,"featured_media":50602,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,23],"tags":[625,623,223,643,619,629,638,645,635,640,628,637,646,630,632,639,624,631,620,627,641,636,622,634,395,626,642,633,644,621],"class_list":["post-45788","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family","category-pathways-to-immigration","tag-apply-for-proof-of-citizenship","tag-born-abroad-canadian-parent","tag-canada-gmc-immigration","tag-canadian-citizenship-abroad","tag-canadian-citizenship-by-descent","tag-canadian-citizenship-law","tag-canadian-citizenship-requirements","tag-canadian-immigration-guidance","tag-canadian-nationality-rules","tag-canadian-parent-citizenship","tag-children-born-outside-canada-citizenship","tag-citizenship-application-process","tag-citizenship-assessment-canada","tag-citizenship-certificate-application","tag-citizenship-descent-rules","tag-citizenship-documents-canada","tag-citizenship-eligibility-canada","tag-citizenship-rights-canada","tag-citizenship-through-a-parent-canada","tag-claim-citizenship-by-descent","tag-descent-citizenship-canada","tag-dual-citizenship-canada","tag-first-generation-rule-canada","tag-immigration-canada-family","tag-immigration-consultants-canada","tag-ircc-citizenship-certificate","tag-ircc-processing-times","tag-ircc-proof-of-citizenship","tag-passport-eligibility-canada","tag-proof-of-canadian-citizenship"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Canadian Citizenship by Descent: Can You Apply?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how Canadian citizenship by descent works, who qualifies through a Canadian parent and how to apply for proof of citizenship.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_CA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Canadian Citizenship by Descent: Can You Apply?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how Canadian citizenship by descent works, who qualifies through a Canadian parent and how to apply for proof of citizenship.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Canada GMC | Canadian Immigration Consultants\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-01-29T09:28:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/citizenshipbydsecentcanadagmc-1.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1536\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mateus\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"\u00c9crit par\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Mateus\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimation du temps de lecture\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Mateus\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/377f663e5aa2803d1299bff5e5527b82\"},\"headline\":\"Can You Get Canadian Citizenship If Your Parent Is Canadian?\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-29T09:28:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":935,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/citizenshipbydsecentcanadagmc-1.png\",\"keywords\":[\"apply for proof of citizenship\",\"born abroad canadian parent\",\"Canada GMC immigration\",\"canadian citizenship abroad\",\"canadian citizenship by descent\",\"canadian citizenship law\",\"canadian citizenship requirements\",\"canadian immigration guidance\",\"canadian nationality rules\",\"canadian parent citizenship\",\"children born outside canada citizenship\",\"citizenship application process\",\"citizenship assessment canada\",\"citizenship certificate application\",\"citizenship descent rules\",\"citizenship documents canada\",\"citizenship eligibility canada\",\"citizenship rights canada\",\"citizenship through a parent canada\",\"claim citizenship by descent\",\"descent citizenship canada\",\"dual citizenship canada\",\"first generation rule canada\",\"immigration canada family\",\"immigration consultants Canada\",\"ircc citizenship certificate\",\"ircc processing times\",\"ircc proof of citizenship\",\"passport eligibility canada\",\"proof of canadian citizenship\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Family\",\"Pathways to Immigration\"],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-CA\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\\\/\",\"name\":\"Canadian Citizenship by Descent: Can You Apply?\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/citizenshipbydsecentcanadagmc-1.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-29T09:28:00+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn how Canadian citizenship by descent works, who qualifies through a Canadian parent and how to apply for proof of citizenship.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-CA\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-CA\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/citizenshipbydsecentcanadagmc-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/citizenshipbydsecentcanadagmc-1.png\",\"width\":1536,\"height\":1024,\"caption\":\"Canadian citizenship by descent passport application with parent and child\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Can You Get Canadian Citizenship If Your Parent Is Canadian?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/\",\"name\":\"Canada GMC | Canadian Immigration Consultants\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-CA\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Canada GMC | Canadian Immigration Consultants\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-CA\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/03\\\/logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/03\\\/logo.png\",\"width\":171,\"height\":50,\"caption\":\"Canada GMC | Canadian Immigration Consultants\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/377f663e5aa2803d1299bff5e5527b82\",\"name\":\"Mateus\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.canadagmc.com\\\/fr\\\/author\\\/mateus\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Canadian Citizenship by Descent: Can You Apply?","description":"Learn how Canadian citizenship by descent works, who qualifies through a Canadian parent and how to apply for proof of citizenship.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/","og_locale":"fr_CA","og_type":"article","og_title":"Canadian Citizenship by Descent: Can You Apply?","og_description":"Learn how Canadian citizenship by descent works, who qualifies through a Canadian parent and how to apply for proof of citizenship.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/","og_site_name":"Canada GMC | Canadian Immigration Consultants","article_published_time":"2026-01-29T09:28:00+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1536,"height":1024,"url":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/citizenshipbydsecentcanadagmc-1.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Mateus","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"\u00c9crit par":"Mateus","Estimation du temps de lecture":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/"},"author":{"name":"Mateus","@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/#\/schema\/person\/377f663e5aa2803d1299bff5e5527b82"},"headline":"Can You Get Canadian Citizenship If Your Parent Is Canadian?","datePublished":"2026-01-29T09:28:00+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/"},"wordCount":935,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/citizenshipbydsecentcanadagmc-1.png","keywords":["apply for proof of citizenship","born abroad canadian parent","Canada GMC immigration","canadian citizenship abroad","canadian citizenship by descent","canadian citizenship law","canadian citizenship requirements","canadian immigration guidance","canadian nationality rules","canadian parent citizenship","children born outside canada citizenship","citizenship application process","citizenship assessment canada","citizenship certificate application","citizenship descent rules","citizenship documents canada","citizenship eligibility canada","citizenship rights canada","citizenship through a parent canada","claim citizenship by descent","descent citizenship canada","dual citizenship canada","first generation rule canada","immigration canada family","immigration consultants Canada","ircc citizenship certificate","ircc processing times","ircc proof of citizenship","passport eligibility canada","proof of canadian citizenship"],"articleSection":["Family","Pathways to Immigration"],"inLanguage":"fr-CA"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/","url":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/","name":"Canadian Citizenship by Descent: Can You Apply?","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/citizenshipbydsecentcanadagmc-1.png","datePublished":"2026-01-29T09:28:00+00:00","description":"Learn how Canadian citizenship by descent works, who qualifies through a Canadian parent and how to apply for proof of citizenship.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"fr-CA","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-CA","@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/citizenshipbydsecentcanadagmc-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/citizenshipbydsecentcanadagmc-1.png","width":1536,"height":1024,"caption":"Canadian citizenship by descent passport application with parent and child"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/canadian-citizenship-by-descent\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Can You Get Canadian Citizenship If Your Parent Is Canadian?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/","name":"Canada GMC | Canadian Immigration Consultants","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"fr-CA"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/#organization","name":"Canada GMC | Canadian Immigration Consultants","url":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-CA","@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/logo.png","width":171,"height":50,"caption":"Canada GMC | Canadian Immigration Consultants"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/#\/schema\/person\/377f663e5aa2803d1299bff5e5527b82","name":"Mateus","url":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/author\/mateus\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45788","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2901"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45788"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45788\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50591,"href":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45788\/revisions\/50591"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50602"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45788"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45788"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.canadagmc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45788"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}