Are You Eligible for a Canadian Passport Through Citizenship by Descent?

If your parent or grandparent was a Canadian citizen, you may already have Canadian citizenship by descent—even if you were born outside the country. This type of citizenship is automatic, but to use it, you’ll need to apply for proof of citizenship before you can get a Canadian passport.

In some situations, people may not qualify directly due to the first-generation limit (FGL). If this applies to you, you might still qualify under the federal government’s interim measures for lost Canadians by applying for a discretionary grant of citizenship.

Who Can Claim Citizenship by Descent?

You could already be a Canadian citizen if:

• Your parent or grandparent was Canadian at the time of your birth or adoption.
• You were automatically granted citizenship by descent at birth, even if outside Canada.

Having a Canadian passport makes travelling to Canada much easier, even though all citizens have the right to enter the country.

To check your eligibility, you can use the government’s “Am I a Canadian?” tool. If confirmed, you must apply for proof of citizenship before requesting your passport.

Who is Affected by the First-Generation Limit (FGL)?

Due to the FGL, many individuals are considered lost Canadians—people who should have citizenship but lost or never received it. Under the interim measures introduced in March 2025, you may apply for a discretionary grant of citizenship if you fall into one of these categories:

1. Born or adopted before December 19, 2023, and affected by the FGL.
2. Born or adopted on/after December 19, 2023, with a Canadian parent who lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days before your birth/adoption.
3. Born before April 1, 1949, and still impacted by the FGL.
4. A former Canadian citizen who lost status for not meeting retention rules under the old Citizenship Act.
   
   

How to Apply for Proof of Citizenship

The proof of citizenship application can be done online or by mail. Here are the main steps:

1. Get the application package – includes the guide, checklist, and forms.
2. Prepare documents – application form (CIT 0001), IDs, photos, translations if needed, and any relevant supporting papers.
3. Pay the $75 fee – online or at a Canadian embassy/consulate if abroad.
4. Submit the application – online or by paper, depending on your location.
   
   

Processing usually takes about five months, though it may be longer if your case is complex. IRCC also offers urgent processing if you provide a valid reason and proof.

Once approved, you’ll receive a Canadian citizenship certificate, which is required to apply for a passport.

How to Apply for a Canadian Passport

You can apply for a passport by mail or in person at a Service Canada location. You’ll need:

• Application form (PPTC 153)
• Canadian citizenship certificate
• Proof of identity (driver’s license, foreign passport, etc.)
• Two identical passport photos
• A guarantor (Canadian citizen) and two references
  
  

Passport fees:

• $120 for a five-year passport
• $160 for a ten-year passport
  
  

Processing times vary:

• 10–20 business days (standard)
• 2–9 business days (urgent)
• Next business day (emergency only)

Unless you pay for pick-up, passports are usually mailed within about five days after printing.

Final Thoughts

If you believe you may have Canadian citizenship by descent, the first step is applying for your proof of citizenship. From there, you can move forward with your passport application and enjoy the benefits of Canadian citizenship.