Americans can obtain Canadian citizenship if at least one parent is Canadian

Americans born to first-generation Canadian citizens may qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent.

In order to prove that you are eligible for citizenship, you must apply for proof of citizenship. You can apply at any age and you are still eligible if your parents are deceased. It costs around $75 to apply.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires proof of citizenship from applicants to demonstrate that their biological or legal parent was in fact a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth. You can provide proof such as your parents’ birth certificate, your Canadian citizenship card or your citizenship certificate.

Get a free legal consultation on applying for proof of Canadian citizenship

You can apply online for proof of citizenship if your Canadian parent was:

• obtained citizenship on or after April 17, 2009, or
• born in Canada on or after February 15, 1977.

Otherwise, you will need to submit a paper application.

Once you submit the application for proof of citizenship and government fees, IRCC will review it to make sure it is complete. After that, you will receive an « acknowledgment of receipt ». If your case is complicated, IRCC may need to contact you for more information or documents. IRCC may also need more time to process complicated cases.

Once IRCC approves your application, they will send you a certificate of Canadian citizenship.

With the proof of citizenship document, you will be able to call Canada home. You can get a Canadian passport, vote in an election, and enjoy the host of privileges that come with being Canadian, like universal health care. At the same time, you don’t have to give up your US citizenship.

An experienced Canadian immigration lawyer can help you submit your application to ensure that you meet all the requirements and can obtain Canadian citizenship without delay.

Get a free legal consultation on applying for proof of Canadian citizenship

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