Maple News reports that children born in the United States to Canadian parents may be eligible for Canadian citizenship — a right that can be passed down under Canada’s first-generation rule. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canadian citizenship can automatically be transferred to the first generation born outside Canada, so long as at least one biological or legal parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of the child’s birth.
To formalize this citizenship, parents must apply for a Proof of Citizenship — officially known as a Canadian citizenship certificate. This document serves as legal evidence that the child is a Canadian citizen. As per IRCC guidelines, the application currently costs approximately $75 CAD, and processing typically takes around five months. In certain urgent situations, expedited processing may be available.
Applicants must provide a clear, full-colour copy of the child’s original birth certificate showing the name of the Canadian parent. They’ll also need to submit evidence demonstrating that the parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of the child’s birth. Acceptable documents include the Canadian parent’s birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or similar official records proving their status.
In some circumstances, if the Canadian parent’s name isn’t listed on the child’s birth certificate due to factors such as surrogacy or court rulings, IRCC will accept supporting documents such as hospital records, pre-birth orders, or surrogacy agreements. However, adoption orders are not valid for this specific application. An accompanying explanation is required to clarify why the parent’s name is missing from the birth certificate or why the document was changed.
It’s important to note that being a Canadian citizen does not necessarily guarantee the right to pass that citizenship to children born abroad, especially if the parent themselves was born outside Canada. The rule only applies to the first generation born outside the country. That means if the Canadian parent was also born abroad and gained citizenship through their own Canadian parent, they may not be able to pass it on further.
Once approved, the Canadian citizenship certificate opens access to numerous benefits, including healthcare, education, and consular services. Additionally, Canadian citizens are not subject to travel restrictions into Canada, which proved especially critical during COVID-19 border measures.
Maple News encourages eligible families to review their documentation carefully and seek assistance if needed to ensure a smooth application process. The Proof of Citizenship pathway is a practical and valuable option for Canadians abroad who wish to formalize their child’s connection to Canada.