Is citizenship by descent the same as naturalization?

No. Citizenship by descent means you are already a citizen — you are applying for Proof of Citizenship, not a grant of citizenship. You do not need to live in Canada or pass a citizenship test.

How much does the application cost?

The government fee for Proof of Citizenship is approximately CAD $75. Additional costs include document retrieval ($20-50 per certificate) and optional lawyer fees ($500-5,000 depending on case complexity).

How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship by Descent

If you qualify for Canadian citizenship through your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents, here is the step-by-step process.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying, confirm your eligibility path:

Parent path — straightforward, can usually DIY
Grandparent path — moderate complexity, lawyer recommended
Great-grandparent path — complex, lawyer strongly recommended

Use our eligibility quiz for a quick assessment.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Universal requirements:

Your birth certificate (long form, showing parents' names)
Your Canadian ancestor's Canadian birth certificate
Birth certificates for every person in the chain between your ancestor and you
Marriage certificates for any name changes in the chain
Valid government-issued photo ID

Order Canadian birth certificates from the province of birth:

Ontario: ServiceOntario
British Columbia: BC Vital Statistics
Quebec: Directeur de l'état civil
Alberta: Alberta Vital Statistics
Other provinces: search "[province] vital statistics birth certificate"

Step 3: Complete the Application

Download form CIT 0001 (Application for a Citizenship Certificate) from the IRCC website
Complete all sections accurately
Include two citizenship photos (meeting Canadian passport photo specifications)
Pay the application fee

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Mail your completed application with all supporting documents to:

IRCC Case Processing Centre (Current mailing address available on the IRCC website — verify before sending)

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Simple parent cases: approximately 6-12 months
Grandparent cases: approximately 12-18 months
Great-grandparent cases: approximately 18-24+ months

IRCC may contact you for additional documents during processing.

Step 6: Receive Your Certificate

Once approved, you will receive a Canadian Citizenship Certificate by mail. This is your official proof of Canadian citizenship.

With this certificate, you can:

Apply for a Canadian passport
Enter Canada as a citizen (no visa required)
Access Canadian healthcare (after establishing provincial residency)
Vote in Canadian elections (if you establish residency)
Pass citizenship to your children (subject to current rules)