In this guide, I’ll be revealing all you need to know about Canadian citizenship by descent. I’ll also guide you through the personal assessment to know if you’re entitled to the Canadian citizenship by descent or not.
What is the meaning of Citizenship by decent?
Citizenship by descent is a form of birth-right citizenship. It’s also known as jus sanguinis or “right of blood”. This simply entails that the citizen status of a person depends on his or her heritage.
In addition, if you have a parent that was born in Canada, it qualifies you for citizenship by descent. However, the citizenship act in Canada was changed in 2009. This act limits citizenship by descent to just one generation. What this entails is if one of your parents is a Canadian citizen, then you’re also a citizen by descent but if you’ve a grandparent that is a Canadian and you’re born before the implementation of the new act, then you’re also in luck to obtain citizenship by descent.
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How to obtain Canadian Citizenship by descent?
- Firstly, identify if you have any ancestry or heritage that could lead to your citizenship through descent. You can communicate any of your siblings or relative to lecture you on family tree or history. You need to find out if your one of your parent is currently a Canadian citizen or grand-parent. You can only acquire through your grand-parent if you were born before the date (17th April 2009) Canada implemented the new act of citizenship by decent which is the first generation rule.
- Prepare your documents. There are important documents on the checklist before you can obtain Canadian citizenship by birth. It’s important you’ve the original copy of your birth certificate that was issued by the government in the country where you were born and that lists your parents’ names. You’re also to provide evidence that identifies one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth. Also provide other required documents; you can go through the checklist link I’ll provide before the end of this content.
- After you must’ve provided the above documents, you can proceed to your application
- Pay the necessary fees online
- Submit application.
You can proceed with the document checklist, application and payment process through the official Canada immigration portal. After the whole process and qualification, you’ll be offered a Canadian citizenship certificate as a proof of citizenship.
If you’ve any related question related to Canadian citizenship, please do let me know via comment section. However, those of you that are ineligible for Canadian citizenship by descent can apply for the Canadian green card.