Children born outside Canada to at least one Canadian parent automatically qualify for Canada citizenship by descent under the Citizenship Act.
This right, limited to the first generation born outside Canada, provides one of the most straightforward legal pathways to Canadian citizenship.
This guide explains:
- What is the first generation limit to citizenship by descent in Canada?
- What is the C 3 bill for Canadian citizenship?
- How to get citizenship by descent in Canada
- How long does it take for a citizenship application to be approved in Canada?
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What is citizenship by descent in Canada?
Citizenship by descent in Canada is based on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood) and is governed primarily by the Citizenship Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-29).
Under this law, a child born outside Canada automatically acquires Canadian citizenship at birth if at least one parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of the child’s birth.
However, this right is limited to the first generation born abroad. This means children of Canadian citizens qualify, but grandchildren and later generations generally do not, unless special provisions apply (adoption cases or cases involving statelessness).
For individuals who fall outside this rule, citizenship through naturalization must be obtained (by becoming a permanent resident and meeting residency and other requirements) rather than by descent.
This program reflects Canada’s effort to maintain a balance between preserving ties with Canadians abroad and preventing indefinite transmission of citizenship through generations with no real connection to the country.
What is the new citizenship rule in Canada?
En new proposed citizenship rule would allow Canadians born abroad to pass on citizenship to their children if they can prove at least 1,095 days (three years) of physical presence in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption.
Currently, only the first generation born outside Canada automatically qualifies. This first-generation limit was introduced in 2009, significantly narrowing eligibility.
Reforms under Bill C-71 (2024) and Bill C-3 (2025) aim to extend citizenship by descent beyond the first generation, restoring broader rights for Canadians abroad while still ensuring ties to Canada remain strong.
What is the 28 year rule in Canada?
The 28-year rule was a former requirement under Canadian nationality law.
Before 2009, second-generation Canadians born abroad had to apply to retain their citizenship before turning 28. If they failed to do so, they risked losing their status.
This rule was repealed in 2009, meaning today’s first-generation citizens by descent keep their status for life without renewal requirements.
What’s the application process for descent citizenship in Canada?
If you qualify for citizenship by descent, you need to apply for a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, which serves as official proof of status. This document is required for obtaining a Canadian passport or accessing rights as a citizen.
The application process generally involves:
- Providing proof of your parent’s Canadian citizenship (such as a birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or Canadian passport).
- Submitting your own birth certificate to establish the parent–child relationship.
- Completing the application form issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and paying the processing fee.
- Supplying supporting documents like translations (if applicable), identity documents, and sometimes additional evidence if circumstances are complex (e.g., adoption, name changes).
After submission, your application will be reviewed by IRCC.
Once approved, you will receive the Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, which confirms your status and allows you to apply for a Canadian passport.
Who is eligible for citizenship by descent in Canada?
Eligibility for citizenship by descent in Canada is limited to:
- Individuals born outside Canada to at least one Canadian parent.
- Adopted children of Canadian citizens (if the adoption meets legal requirements).
Grandchildren of Canadian citizens are not eligible unless the parent maintained or reacquired Canadian citizenship through another legal pathway.
How long does it take to get Canadian citizenship by descent?
For most applicants, obtaining proof of citizenship takes 6–12 months.
More complex cases, such as when documentation is missing or needs to be verified internationally, can extend the timeline to 18 months or longer.
How expensive is it to get citizenship in Canada by descent?
The total cost of obtaining citizenship by descent in Canada typically ranges from CAD 200 to CAD 1,000, depending on document and professional fees.
The government’s processing fee for a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is CAD 75, with extra expenses coming from:
- Document translations into English or French
- Certified copies or apostilles
- Courier or mailing costs for originals
- Legal or immigration consultant fees if used
What are the benefits of Canadian citizenship?
Canadian citizenship comes with broad legal, social, and mobility advantages that go beyond permanent residency.
These include:
- One of the world’s strongest passports, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 160 countries, including the US, EU, and most of Asia.
- Unrestricted residence, work, and study rights anywhere in Canada, without the need to renew permits or maintain residency obligations.
- Full political participation, such as the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections, and eligibility to run for public office.
- Legal protections and social benefits, including access to universal healthcare, education, and Canadian consular assistance abroad.
- The ability to transmit citizenship automatically to your children if they are the first generation born outside Canada, giving families security across borders.
What are the disadvantages of Canadian citizenship?
Few potential drawbacks to consider, especially for dual nationals and expats include:
- Tax residency considerations – Canada taxes residents on worldwide income. While citizenship alone does not trigger tax liability, those who relocate back to Canada could face higher taxes compared to low-tax jurisdictions.
- Military or civic obligations – While Canada does not have mandatory military service, citizens may be called for jury duty, which is a legal obligation.
- Loss of easier mobility through other passports – In rare cases, dual citizenship may create complications if another country of nationality does not allow multiple citizenships or enforces mandatory military service.
- Renunciation costs – If a citizen later decides to give up Canadian nationality, the renunciation process involves paperwork, fees, and in some cases, bureaucratic delays.
- Travel restrictions in certain countries – A Canadian passport is very strong, but dual nationals may face restrictions when traveling to or from countries that do not recognize dual nationality.
What is free after Canadian citizenship?
After becoming a Canadian citizen, many public benefits become fully accessible, such as:
- Universal healthcare under provincial plans.
- Tuition-free public primary and secondary education.
- Domestic tuition rates and subsidies for post-secondary education.
- Eligibility for social benefits like the Canada Child Benefit, Employment Insurance, and retirement programs such as the Canada Pension Plan.
What is the easiest way to get Canadian citizenship?
The easiest way is through citizenship by descent, since no residency or language requirements apply if you were born abroad to a Canadian parent.
For others without Canadian ancestry, the easiest path is usually permanent residency followed by naturalization after meeting residency and integration requirements.
How strong is a Canadian passport?
En Canadian passport is one of the strongest in the world, consistently ranking in the global top tier of travel documents.
According to the Henley Passport Index and the Arton Passport Index, Canadian citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 160 countries.
The Nomad Capitalist Passport Index also places Canada highly, factoring in not only travel freedom but also taxation, global perception, and dual citizenship rights.
Altogether, these rankings confirm Canada’s position within the top 10 globally, making it a highly valuable passport for international mobility.
How long does it take to get a passport after citizenship in Canada?
Standard passport processing in Canada typically takes 10–20 business days domestically, though processing times abroad may be longer depending on the consulate.
Once your citizenship is confirmed and you receive your Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, you can immediately apply for a passport.
Conclusión
Canada citizenship by descent provides one of the most straightforward nationality pathways in the world, offering automatic recognition to children of Canadian citizens born abroad.
While the rules are limited to the first generation, the benefits make it a highly valuable route.
For those with Canadian parentage, this remains the easiest and most direct way to secure Canadian nationality.
Preguntas frecuentes
Can I get Canadian citizenship if my great grandparents were Canadian?
No. Citizenship by descent does not extend to great-grandchildren or even grandchildren of Canadians.
Unless your parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth, you cannot claim citizenship directly through your grandparents or great-grandparents.
How much is a work permit in Canada?
A Canadian work permit generally costs CAD 155 for an individual application. For open work permits, the fee is CAD 255.
Additional fees may apply for biometrics or if you hire legal assistance.
How much time to spend in Canada to get citizenship?
To qualify for Canadian citizenship, you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the last 5 years before applying.
Can I get Canadian citizenship if my dad has it?
Yes. If your father was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth, you may automatically qualify for citizenship by descent.
However, this usually applies only to the first generation born abroad.
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