I’m Canadian, but my child was born outside Canada. Are they Canadian?
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Status of changes to citizenship by descent
The Citizenship Act currently includes a first-generation limit to citizenship by descent. This limit generally means someone isn't automatically a Canadian citizen if
- they were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, and
- their Canadian parent was also born outside Canada to a Canadian parent
In December 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice declared that the first-generation limit for many individuals is unconstitutional.
An extension until August 9, 2024, has been granted by the Court. This means that the current rules still apply until further notice.
For more information, you can
Your child is likely a Canadian citizen if at least 1 parent (legal parent at birth [opens in a new tab] or biological parent)
- was born in Canada, or
- became a naturalized Canadian citizen before the child was born
To find out for sure, apply for a citizenship certificate for your child.
Help tool
Form and guide
- Application for Canadian citizenship – Adult
- Application for Canadian citizenship – Minor applying with parent or guardian
- Application for Canadian citizenship – Minor applying alone
- Application for Canadian citizenship – Adopted person
- Application for Canadian citizenship – Stateless person born to a Canadian parent
- Application for Canadian Citizenship – Canadian Armed Forces
Glossary term
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