Proof and certificates of citizenship: Delayed registration of birth outside Canada
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Paragraph 5(1)(b) of the former Act (1947) referred to children born outside Canada, on or after January 1, 1947, in wedlock to a Canadian father or if born out of wedlock, to a Canadian mother. The former Act required children born outside Canada to a Canadian parent to be registered as citizens within two years of the birth. Children not registered within the two-year period were not entitled to be registered except under special circumstances.
Paragraph 3(1)(e) of the Citizenship Act extended paragraph 5(1)(b) of the former Act into the current Act so that an unregistered child born before February 15, 1977 is entitled to registration. Subsection 4(3) of the Citizenship Act (1977) allowed the Minister to extend the registration period. Although this transitional provision allowed for delayed registration expired on August 14, 2004 it is important to be aware of when making decisions on related application types.
Registration of a birth between January 1, 1947 and February 14, 1977 falls under regulations made under the previous Act.
Registration of a birth after February 14, 1977 falls under the regulations of the current Act.
Note: deceased persons could not have been registered.
Registration period
Subsection 4(3) of the current Act expired on August 14, 2004. Only applications postmarked on or before August 14, 2004 can be processed for delayed registration under 3(1)(e)/4(3).