Citizenship by Descent in Canada

Born in Canada means Canadian from birth, with one narrow exception below. Apply for a Canadian passport using the provincial or territorial birth certificate.

Almost everyone born in Canada is a citizen from birth, whatever their parents’ nationality and however long ago they left.

The one exception: a child born in Canada is not a citizen if, at the birth, neither parent was a citizen or permanent resident and one of them was a foreign diplomat or consular officer, or worked for one with diplomatic status. If that does not describe the parents, it does not apply.

If you need proof of citizenship other than a passport, you can also apply for a citizenship certificate.

Email yourself a summary

Send your result and every answer you gave to your inbox, so you have it when you need it. We're copied on the email, so if you'd like our team to take a closer look, just reply.

Email Address

Notes (Optional)

Email My Summary