Acquisition and loss of citizenship
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Acquisition
There are several ways in which an individual may acquire or resume Canadian citizenship.
Loss
The Canadian Citizenship Act, in force from January 1, 1947, until February 14, 1977, contained several provisions for automatic loss of citizenship. The automatic loss of citizenship at the age of 28 years old, under the current 1977 Act, and the retention requirements were repealed on April 17, 2009.
Renunciation
There are two types of renunciation of Canadian citizenship: renunciation under subsection 9(1) of the Citizenship Act for Canadian citizens and renunciation under section 7.1 of the Citizenship Regulations for certain persons who became Canadian citizens as a result of the legislative amendments in 2009 and 2015.
Revocation
This section provides information on how Canadian citizenship may be revoked.
Retention
This section provides background on birth outside Canada by descent and guidelines on retention of citizenship for persons born outside Canada on or after February 15, 1977, to a Canadian parent in the second or subsequent generation.
Resumption
This section is about resumption of Canadian citizenship by a former citizen.