Desk of Contents
Should you had been born outdoors Canada and have a Canadian grandparent, chances are you’ll quickly be eligible to use for Canadian citizenship even when your father or mother was additionally born overseas. Thanks to imminent modifications below Invoice C-71 (now Invoice C-3), extra second-generation Canadians could have the prospect to reclaim their Canadian roots.
However what should you don’t know whether or not your grandparent was truly a Canadian citizen? Don’t fear that’s a standard query, and one you possibly can resolve by following a couple of key steps.
Why This Issues: The Finish of the First-Era Restrict
For a few years, Canadian regulation restricted citizenship by descent to just one technology born overseas. In case your mother and father had been born outdoors Canada to a Canadian citizen, and also you had been additionally born overseas, you couldn’t inherit citizenship even when your grandparent was Canadian.
That’s altering.
Invoice C-71 now Invoice C-3 will take away this “first-generation restrict”. As soon as the regulation is in impact, many second-generation Canadians born overseas, together with these with a Canadian grandparent, will lastly change into eligible to use for citizenship.
Nevertheless, eligibility nonetheless will depend on one essential truth: whether or not your grandparent was a Canadian citizen on the time of your father or mother’s beginning. That’s why confirming your grandparent’s standing is the important first step.
Step 1: Seek for Household Data
Begin by searching for paperwork which may show your grandparent’s Canadian citizen, reminiscent of:
- A Canadian beginning certificates
- A Canadian citizenship certificates
- A Canadian passport
- Army or authorities service data
- Naturalization or immigration papers
Should you don’t have these, you possibly can formally request affirmation via IRCC.
Step 2: Request a Search of Citizenship Data
Should you’re not sure about your Grandparent’s standing, you possibly can submit an Software for a Search of Citizenship Data.
What Is It?
This official course of checks whether or not your grandparent was ever acknowledged as a Canadian citizen. If IRCC finds a report, they may present a letter stating that your grandparent was a Canadian citizen, which can be utilized in your personal citizenship software below Invoice C-71.
To use, you’ll want to finish the Software for a Search of Citizenship Data (CIT 0058). Embody:
- Proof of your identification
- Particulars about your grandparent (title, date/hometown, and many others.)
- Consent out of your grandparent (if residing) or proof of loss of life (if deceased)
Processing can take a number of months, so it’s greatest to begin as quickly as potential.
Step 3: Put together for Your Citizenship Software
In case your grandparent’s standing is confirmed, you’ll be prepared to use as soon as Invoice C-71 (Invoice C-3) takes impact.
Typical necessities embody:
- Totally accomplished and signed software kind CIT0001 (to be up to date as soon as the invoice is in pressure)
- Two legitimate items of ID reminiscent of a passport, driver’s license, or well being card, considered one of which should embody a photograph
- Your long-form beginning certificates (displaying father or mother names)
- Your father or mother’s and grandparent’s beginning certificates
- Proof of your father or mother’s or grandparent’s Canadian citizenship (certificates or report search outcomes) in the event that they naturalized in Canada OR a search of citizenship to show their standing
- Proof of title change, if relevant
All have to be licensed color copies.
Step 4: Get Skilled Help
Whereas some purposes are easy, others change into advanced if paperwork are lacking or names don’t match. Immigration professionals may help by:
- Advising in your eligibility below Invoice C-71 now Invoice C-3
- Submitting the Search of Citizenship Data in your behalf
- Making ready and organizing your last citizenship software
Last Ideas
Canada’s new citizenship regulation is a once-in-a-generation alternative for individuals with Canadian heritage to reconnect and declare their citizenship. In case your grandparent was Canadian otherwise you suspect they could have been, now could be the time to behave.
A Search of Citizenship Data is an easy however highly effective first step in confirming your loved ones’s connection to Canada. Don’t let uncertainty cease you, by beginning the method now, you’ll be prepared to use when Invoice C-71 now Invoice C-3 comes into pressure.
