If you’re a Canadian citizen living in Texas or elsewhere in the U.S., and your child was born outside of Canada, you may be wondering how to officially recognize your child’s Canadian citizenship. The good news? Canadian law allows citizens to pass their citizenship to children born abroad in many cases, but you must apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate to confirm it.
At AA Passport and Visa, a trusted visa and immigration support service in Texas, we help families navigate this process with ease. Below is a detailed guide on how to apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate for your child, from eligibility to application steps, documents needed, and how we can help streamline the process for you.
Why You Need a Canadian Citizenship Certificate
Even if one parent is a Canadian citizen, a child born outside of Canada does not automatically receive a Canadian passport. Instead, you must apply for proof of citizenship, formally known as a Canadian Citizenship Certificate.
This certificate is:
- Official proof that your child is a Canadian citizen.
- Required to apply for a Canadian passport.
- Often needed for registering your child for healthcare, schooling, or other benefits in Canada.
Without it, your child’s citizenship status may be in limbo, especially if you’re planning to move back to Canada or visit for extended stays.
Who Is Eligible?
Children born outside Canada may be eligible for a Canadian citizenship certificate if at least one biological or legal parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of their birth.
Important to note: Only first-generation children born abroad are eligible. This means the Canadian parent must have either:
- Been born in Canada, or
- Naturalized as a Canadian citizen before the child was born.
If the Canadian parent was also born outside of Canada and obtained citizenship through descent, their child is not eligible under current laws.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
1. Gather Required Documents
Before submitting the application, ensure you have the following:
- Child’s original birth certificate (showing parents’ names)
- Canadian parent’s proof of citizenship (Canadian birth certificate or citizenship certificate)
- Legal proof of parentage or custody, if applicable
- Identification documents for the applicant (the parent or legal guardian)
- Two passport-style photos of the child (must meet IRCC specifications)
- Completed Application for a Citizenship Certificate (Form CIT 0001)
All documents not in English or French must include certified translations.
2. Fill Out the Application Form
The main form to complete is CIT 0001. If your child is under 18, the application must be completed and signed by the parent or legal guardian.
3. Pay the Application Fee
The current fee for a citizenship certificate is $75 CAD. Payments must be made online via the IRCC website. Save and print the receipt, as it must be included with your application.
4. Submit Your Application Package
Once completed, mail your full application package to the IRCC office.
Include a tracking number if possible, so you can follow the status of your delivery.
5. Processing Time
Processing times vary, but as of now, it may take 5 to 9 months. Delays are common if:
- Documents are missing
- Photos don’t meet requirements
- Additional verification is needed
That’s where professional assistance can help prevent setbacks.
How We Can Help
At AA Passports, based in Texas, we provide professional citizenship and immigration assistance for families with ties to Canada. Applying for a Canadian citizenship certificate may seem straightforward, but small errors can lead to frustrating delays.
We offer:
- Document checklist and review to ensure nothing is missed
- Application preparation and form completion
- Certified translation services for non-English documents
- Ongoing status tracking and updates
- Assistance with applying for your child’s Canadian passport once citizenship is confirmed
We specialize in helping dual-national families, expats, and professionals navigate cross-border immigration requirements between the U.S. and Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply online for a citizenship certificate?
A: Currently, first-time applications for a child born abroad must be submitted by mail. However, you can pay the fee online.
Q: Can both parents be non-Canadian and still apply?
A: No. At least one parent must be a Canadian citizen at the time of the child’s birth.
Q: What if I don’t have the original birth certificate?
A: You’ll need to request a certified copy from the issuing authority. This is mandatory to prove the parent-child relationship.
Q: Can I get urgent processing?
A: Urgent requests may be granted in special situations, such as medical emergencies or travel to attend a funeral, but documentation is required.
We Can Help
Securing a Canadian citizenship certificate for your child born abroad ensures they have legal status, access to travel documents, and the rights of a Canadian citizen. While the process is doable on your own, partnering with a knowledgeable immigration support team can save time, stress, and avoid common mistakes.
If you’re a Canadian parent living in Texas or anywhere in the U.S. and want help with the process, our team at AA Passports is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s get your child’s Canadian citizenship certificate application started the right way.
