Key terms related to Canadian citizenship by descent and the application process.
Anchor AncestorThe first person in your family lineage who was born in Canada or became a Canadian citizen. Your citizenship claim traces back through this person.Bill C-3Legislation that received Royal Assent on November 20, 2025 and came into force December 15, 2025. It removed the first-generation limit for Canadian citizenship by descent for persons born before the in-force date.Citizenship by DescentAcquiring Canadian citizenship through a parent, grandparent, or more distant ancestor who was a Canadian citizen, rather than through birth on Canadian soil or naturalization.CIT 0001The official IRCC application form for requesting a Proof of Canadian Citizenship certificate.Dual CitizenshipHolding citizenship in two countries simultaneously. Both Canada and the United States permit dual citizenship.First-Generation LimitThe previous rule (removed by Bill C-3 for past births) that restricted citizenship by descent to only the first generation born outside Canada.IRCCImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — the Canadian government department responsible for citizenship applications and immigration.NaturalizationThe process of becoming a citizen of a country through residency and application, as opposed to acquiring citizenship by birth or descent.Proof of CitizenshipAn official certificate confirming that a person is a Canadian citizen. For citizenship by descent, this is the document you apply for — it proves existing citizenship rather than granting new citizenship.RCICRegulated Canadian Immigration Consultant — a licensed professional authorized to represent clients in immigration matters before IRCC.Substantial ConnectionA requirement under Bill C-3 for future births (after December 15, 2025): the Canadian parent must have accumulated 1,095 cumulative days physically present in Canada for their child to acquire citizenship by descent.Unbroken ChainThe requirement that every person in the lineage between your Canadian ancestor and you must have been a Canadian citizen at the time their child was born. A break in the chain (e.g., through renunciation) can disqualify descendants.Vital StatisticsProvincial government offices that maintain records of births, deaths, and marriages. You order Canadian birth certificates from the vital statistics office of the province where the person was born.