Have you ever thought about how your family background can open doors? If one of your parents or grandparents was born in Canada, you might be eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent!

Applying for a Canadian passport is easier if you have your citizenship certificate in hand. This document proves your Canadian roots and allows you to travel smoothly.

In this blog, we’ll explore who can apply for a citizenship certificate, new interim measures affecting applicants, and the process of applying for a passport.

To qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent, your parent must have been born in Canada, but there’s a twist! There’s a first-generation limit. If you were born outside of Canada and your parent was also born abroad, you might not automatically qualify. But don't worry—there are measures in place to help!

Starting from March 2025, the Government of Canada introduced a way for those affected by the first-generation limit to apply for citizenship through interim measures. Whether you were born before or after some key dates, you might have a path forward. Just check your eligibility!

To apply for a citizenship certificate, begin by gathering your documents and filling out the application form. You’ll need to pay a fee of $75 and wait about seven months to get your citizenship certificate.

Once you receive it, you can apply for a Canadian passport with just a few more steps. Remember, a passport is essential for traveling back to Canada!

If this sounds confusing, don’t fret. You can always reach out for legal consultations to help guide you through the Canadian citizenship landscape!