Citizenship Certificate: Who Qualifies and What You Get
If you were born abroad or lost your original proof of citizenship, you can apply for a certificate to serve as legal evidence of your status.
A Citizenship Certificate is an official document that provides you with legal proof of your status as a Canadian citizen.
Who it's for
This scheme is designed for specific groups of Canadian citizens who need official documentation to verify their identity or status. It is intended for Canadian citizens who were born abroad rather than within the country. It is also the solution for individuals who previously held proof of their citizenship but have lost their original documents.
What you get
By applying for this certificate, you receive a formal document that serves as your legal proof of citizenship. This document is used to verify your status to government bodies and other official entities when your birth certificate or other original proofs are unavailable or do not sufficiently prove your Canadian citizenship.
What it costs you
There is a $75 fee required for the application process. Beyond the financial cost, you should account for a significant investment of time. Because the application requires verification, you should expect long processing times that can span several months before your certificate is issued.
The catch to know
The most important thing to understand is that this certificate is not a travel document. While it proves your citizenship, it cannot be used to cross borders or board a plane. If you are planning to travel, you must obtain a separate passport to use for your trip.
How to apply
- Determine if you meet the requirements based on whether you were born abroad or lost your previous documents.
- Prepare all necessary supporting documentation required to prove your citizenship status.
- Complete the official application forms provided by the issuing agency.
- Pay the required $75 fee as instructed in the application process.
- Submit your completed package through the official government portal.