Citizenship By Descent
“Born Abroad, Canadian by Bloodline.”
If you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, you may already be entitled to Canadian citizenship by descent. This pathway allows eligible individuals to claim citizenship based on their parent’s Canadian status at the time of birth. At Northfield & Associates, we help you navigate this legal process — from confirming eligibility to submitting a complete and accurate application. Let us guide you in securing the citizenship that is your birthright.
Citizenship By Descent
Canadian citizenship is obtained automatically by being born in Canada. Citizenship can also be obtained by descent for children born outside of Canada where a parent is a first-generation Canadian citizen, meaning that the parent was either born in Canada or naturalized as a Canadian citizen.
Rules and Exceptions
Changes to Citizenship Rule as of 2009
In 2009, the rules for Canadian citizenship changed for children of Canadians born outside of Canada. As of April 17, 2009, the rules changed to restrict citizenship by descent to the first generation born abroad. As a result, if you were born outside of Canada to a Canadian parent, you will NOT be considered Canadian if your Canadian parent was also born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, making you the second or more generation born outside of Canada.
The Exception to Citizenship Rule
There is an exception to the first generation rule if your Canadian parent or grandparent was employed in certain situations. If you were born outside of Canada as a second or later generation, the first-generation rule will not apply to you if your Canadian parent was employed outside Canada, when you were born with the Canadian Armed Forces, with the federal public administration, or with the public service of a province or territory.
Sponsorship Option
If a child born to a Canadian parent isn’t eligible for citizenship by descent due to the first generation limit, the Canadian parent can potentially sponsor the child for permanent residence in Canada if the child is under the age of 22 and unmarried.
Need Help with Your Citizenship Application?
The rules around citizenship by descent can be complex. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your specific situation.
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