To be eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent, at least one parent must be Canadian at the time of your birth. An application for proof of citizenship can be made if your parent was a first-generation Canadian. IRCC issues a standardized document “Proof of Citizenship” that provides proof that you are a Canadian citizen.
Who can apply?
If your parent was a citizen by birth or naturalization at the time of birth. A parent who became a citizen by descent cannot pass citizenship on to you. Irrespective of the fact whether your Canadian parent is alive or deceased. There is also no time limit on the period between your parent leaving Canada and your application. This means you can gain Canadian citizenship even if your parent left Canada decades ago. Adopted children are not eligible for a Canadian citizenship certificate.
How to apply?
To apply for the certificate, an application package can be downloaded from the IRCC’s website. The applicants must show their biological or legal parent was a Canadian citizen when the applicant was born by providing documents such as the birth certificate, Canadian citizenship card, or citizenship certificate of the Canadian parent. IRCC will send an “acknowledgment of receipt”. After approval, IRCC will send a Canadian citizenship certificate.
IRCC offers an urgent processing option in special cases. This option provides individuals with a facilitated and expedited route if they need to access benefits such as healthcare, a social insurance number, to start a job, or in case of emergency travel to or from Canada.