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Step by Step Guide

Proof of Canadian citizenship

Important message regarding proof of citizenship

If you were born in Canada, you must provide an original of either:

  • a Canadian birth certificate (issued in Canada by the province or territory of your birth), or
  • a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.

If you were born outside of Canada, you must provide one of the four Canadian citizenship documents below:

  • Certificate of Canadian citizenship
  • Certificate of Naturalization in Canada
  • Certificate of Retention of Canadian citizenship
  • Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad

Changes to the Canadian Citizenship Act

To avoid any delays, indicate in section 4 of the application form if you acquired citizenship of another country before January 1st, 1947.

The Government of Canada has made significant changes to the Citizenship Act. For more information on who may be affected by the changes, visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada's (CIC) website.

Birth certificates

Birth certificates are available from the Registrar of Vital Statistics in the province or territory of your birth. For more information on how to obtain a birth certificate, contact your Canadian Vital Statistics Office.

Since November 26, 2001, only the following identity documents are accepted as proof of Canadian citizenship for Canadians born in the Province of Quebec.
  • a birth certificate issued after January 1, 1994, by le Directeur de l'état civil in the Province of Quebec
  • a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
Since February 2009, Manitoba Division Registrar Certificates no longer constitute an acceptable proof of Canadian citizenship for passport issuance purposes. Only the following identity documents are accepted as proof of Canadian citizenship for Canadians born in the Province of Manitoba:

Birth certificate for children under 16 years of age

To avoid processing delays or the possible rejection of your application, we strongly recommend that you provide a birth certificate showing the names of both parents.

Certificate of Canadian citizenship

A Certificate of Canadian citizenship may be obtained at the following address:

Registrar of Canadian Citizenship
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
P.O. Box 10000
Sydney, NS, B1P 7C1

Web site: www.cic.gc.ca

Toll free: 1 888 242-2100
TTY* toll free: 1 888 576-8502 (from 7:00 to 17:00)
*For persons who are deaf or hard of hearing

Dual citizenship

Canadian law permits Canadians to have more than one nationality. However, your Canadian citizenship may not be recognized in the country of your other citizenship, and the authorities of that country may prevent Canada from providing you with consular assistance. This is especially true if you did not use your Canadian passport when entering that country.

Date Modified: 2009-08-03
Important Notices