Maple News reports that individuals who fall outside traditional pathways for Canadian citizenship—commonly referred to as ‘Lost Canadians’—now have a vital opportunity to apply for citizenship through interim measures established by the Canadian government. These provisions are in place as Canada works on amending the first-generation limit (FGL) under the Citizenship Act, which currently restricts automatic citizenship by descent to only the first generation born abroad to Canadian parents.
Applicants eligible under these interim rules can apply immediately for a discretionary grant of citizenship, provided they submit the correct supporting documentation. The specific documents required will depend on the applicant’s personal situation and whether they are applying via paper or online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
All applicants must submit the following core documents: a completed CIT 0001 citizenship certificate application form, photographs meeting IRCC specifications, two pieces of personal ID (with at least one showing a photo), and payment receipt. Additional forms may be required for those using representatives, undergoing gender or name changes, or in other specific circumstances.
Beyond these universal requirements, further documentation is needed based on the applicant’s unique citizenship scenario. For individuals born abroad to Canadian parents, proof such as a foreign birth certificate naming a Canadian parent and evidence of the parent’s Canadian status—like a Canadian citizenship certificate or birth certificate—is required. If the Canadian parent isn’t listed on the birth certificate, applicants should provide supplementary documents and a written explanation.
Separate documentation requirements apply to British subjects and women who lost British status due to marriage before the introduction of Canadian citizenship laws in 1947 or 1949 (for Newfoundland and Labrador). These applicants must prove their residency history, marital status, and links to Canada or Canadian spouses through long-form birth certificates, marriage certificates, and historical immigration records.
Once an application is submitted to IRCC, the department will review eligibility and issue a confirmation if the first-generation limit applies. Those affected will receive an invitation to formally request a discretionary grant. Additional documents may be requested at this stage, and certain applicants may also seek urgent processing if eligible.
Maple News encourages all potential applicants to carefully review IRCC’s application guides and document checklists to ensure completeness and accuracy before submission. The discretionary grant offers a critical opportunity to reclaim or obtain Canadian citizenship for those previously excluded under the former framework of Canadian nationality law.