What Documents Do You Need to Apply for a Discretionary Grant of Canadian Citizenship?

Many people born outside Canada as children or grandchildren of Canadian citizens now have the chance to apply for Canadian citizenship without waiting for amendments to the Citizenship Act.

These individuals, often called “lost Canadians,” can apply for discretionary grants of citizenship under interim measures currently in place. These measures address the first-generation limit (FGL) rules on citizenship by descent.

What You Need to Know Before Applying

The documents you need will depend on whether you apply online or on paper, and on your specific situation. To make sure your application is complete, always refer to:

• The proof of citizenship application guide (online or paper version), and
• The proof of citizenship document checklist.
  
  

Documents Required by All Applicants

Every applicant must include the following:

• Application form for a citizenship certificate (CIT 0001).
• Photographs that meet the required specifications (two originals for paper applications or one colour image for online applications).
• Two pieces of valid ID, with at least one showing your photo.
• Proof of payment of the processing fee.
  
  

Documents Required in Special Situations

Depending on your personal situation, you may also need:

• Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) if someone is assisting you with your application.
• Statutory Declaration – Request for a Change of Sex or Gender form if you are declaring a gender change.
• Proof of a legal name change (such as a marriage certificate, court order, or adoption order).
  
  

Additional Documents Based on Citizenship Circumstances

Applicants may also need to provide specific documents depending on their background. Below are three main scenarios:

Scenario One: Born Outside Canada to a Canadian Parent

If you were born abroad to a Canadian parent and never received citizenship documents, you will need:

• Your foreign birth certificate showing your Canadian parent’s name.
• Proof of your parent’s Canadian citizenship (such as their birth certificate, citizenship or naturalization certificate, or other accepted documents).
  
  

If your parent’s name does not appear on your birth certificate, you must also provide:

• Supporting documents confirming your parent’s name at the time of your birth (e.g., court orders, surrogacy agreements, hospital records).
• An explanation of why your parent’s name is missing or why your birth certificate was changed or replaced.
  
  

Scenario Two: British Subject with Residency in Canada or Newfoundland Before 1947/1949

If you were a British subject and lived in Canada or Newfoundland before citizenship laws came into effect, you must provide:

• A long-form birth certificate.
• Proof of British subject status.
• Proof of permanent resident (landed immigrant) status in Canada.
• Evidence of your residency in Canada or Newfoundland during the required period.

If you were a married woman before 1947, you must also include your marriage certificate and details about your husband’s nationality.

Scenario Three: Women Who Lost British Subject Status Through Marriage

If you lost your British subject status upon marriage, you will need:

• A long-form birth certificate.
• Your marriage certificate.
• Proof of your husband’s nationality before 1947.
• Proof of your British subject status (if applicable).
• Proof of permanent resident status in Canada.
  
  

The Application Process

Once you identify which scenario applies to you and collect all required documents, you can apply for a discretionary grant of citizenship by submitting a proof of citizenship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

After reviewing your application, IRCC will:

• Confirm whether the first-generation limit applies to you, and
• If applicable, invite you to request a discretionary grant of citizenship.

In some cases, IRCC may request additional documents. Certain applicants may also be eligible for urgent processing if they meet specific conditions.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a discretionary grant of citizenship can be complex, and the documents required vary depending on your personal history. To avoid delays, carefully review the document checklist and ensure all information is complete before submission.