Check if you may be a citizen
Status of changes to the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent Updated December 15, 2025
On December 15, 2025, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-3 to change the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent.
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled in December 2023 that the limit was unconstitutional for many people. In March 2025, we introduced an interim measure to support those affected.
We will now process all applications submitted under the interim measure using the new rules.
Depending on your situation, you might already be a Canadian citizen based on the citizenship rules. This page can help you learn more about this possibility, including how to find out for sure.
If you plan to travel soon, get proof of your citizenship and a Canadian passport before you travel to avoid delays at the border.
On this page
- If you were born in Canada
- If you were born outside Canada
- Situations where you’re not a Canadian citizen
- How changes to the Citizenship Act may affect you
- How to confirm if you’re a Canadian citizen
- Before travelling to Canada
If you were born in Canada
You’re likely a Canadian citizen if you were born in Canada. When you’re born here, your province or territory issues a birth certificate. These documents are valid proof of your Canadian citizenship.
Some people born in Canada are not citizens. For example, if your parent was working in Canada with diplomatic privileges for a foreign government or international organization when you were born, then you weren’t a Canadian citizen at birth.
If you were born outside Canada
Some people born outside Canada may be Canadian citizens.
If you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent
If you were born outside of Canada before December 15, 2025, you’re likely a Canadian citizen if your parent was also a Canadian citizen when you were born.
If you were born outside of Canada on or after December 15, 2025, to a Canadian parent also born outside of Canada, you’re likely a Canadian citizen if
- your parent was also a Canadian citizen when you were born, and
- your Canadian parent spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before you were born
If your parent became a citizen after you were born
You’re not automatically a Canadian citizen if your parent was granted Canadian citizenship after you were born.
If you were adopted outside Canada by a Canadian parent
You’re not automatically a Canadian citizen if you were born outside Canada and adopted by a Canadian citizen.
After the adoption is complete, you or your parent can submit an application for citizenship.
Learn more about international adoption.
If you’re a naturalized Canadian citizen (you were granted citizenship)
You’re a Canadian citizen if
- we granted you citizenship as an adult
- we granted you citizenship as a minor because a parent or legal guardian applied for you
When we grant you Canadian citizenship, we issue a citizenship certificate that can be used as proof of your citizenship.
Situations where you’re not a Canadian citizen
You’re not automatically a Canadian citizen if you
- marry a Canadian citizen
- have your refugee claim accepted
- live in Canada for many years as a permanent resident
You’re also likely not a citizen if you
- officially gave up (renounced) your Canadian citizenship and have not applied to get it back
- had your citizenship taken away (revoked)
How changes to the Citizenship Act may affect you
It’s possible that changes to the Citizenship Act gave or restored citizenship to you. Based on these changes, you may be a Canadian citizen if
- you were born outside Canada and your parent was a citizen when you were born
- you were born outside Canada and your parent became a citizen because of these changes (even after your birth)
- you previously lost your citizenship
Learn about changes to the Citizenship Act.
How to confirm if you’re a Canadian citizen
You can apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate if you
- don’t have proof of your Canadian citizenship
- lost your documents or they were stolen
- are not sure if you’re a Canadian citizen and want us to check
This proof will help you apply for a Canadian passport and avoid delays at the border if you plan to enter Canada.
We’ll review your application to check if you’re a Canadian citizen. If you are, we’ll issue you a citizenship certificate (proof of your Canadian citizenship). This certificate is valid proof that you’re a citizen.
Apply for a citizenship certificate.
How to apply for citizenship
If you’re not a Canadian citizen, you may still be eligible to apply for a grant of Canadian citizenship.
Before travelling to Canada
If you think you may be a Canadian citizen, apply for proof of your citizenship, then get a Canadian passport to avoid delays at the border.
- First, apply for a citizenship certificate to prove your Canadian citizenship.
- If you’re a citizen, use your certificate to apply for a Canadian passport.
- Then you can enter Canada using your Canadian passport. Make sure that you