Unlocking Canadian Citizenship: Are You Eligible?
Unlocking Canadian Citizenship: Are You Eligible?
Are you or someone you know hoping to gain Canadian citizenship? There’s great news! The Canadian government has introduced new options for people who've faced challenges due to the first-generation limit (FGL) on citizenship by descent.
If you were born outside of Canada and didn’t inherit citizenship from a Canadian parent, you might be eligible for a discretionary grant of citizenship! Let’s break down what this means and see if you qualify.
In essence, you could be eligible if you:
- Were born or adopted before December 19, 2023, and are impacted by the FGL.
- Were born on or after December 19, 2023, and your Canadian parent had a strong connection to Canada by the time of your birth or adoption.
- Were born before April 1, 1949, and are affected by the FGL.
- Lost your citizenship under previous laws.
The interim measures allow you to apply for citizenship before new legislation takes effect. Examples of those who qualify include Amanda, who can gain citizenship because she was born to a Canadian parent but couldn't inherit citizenship at birth, and Timothy, who can apply because his Canadian parent met residency requirements.
To start your application, you’ll first need to request a citizenship certificate. This is proof of your citizenship status and is necessary for accessing various services.
Excited to learn more? Don't hesitate to reach out for a free legal consultation and get detailed guidance on your journey toward becoming a Canadian citizen!