Proof of citizenship: Who can apply

Any Canadian citizen may apply for a citizenship certificate.

If you wish to:

• confirm your status as a Canadian citizen;
• update your citizenship certificate;
• replace a lost, destroyed or stolen certificate.

If you are a citizen born in Canada

• You may apply for a citizenship certificate if you wish, although your provincial or territorial birth certificates should be sufficient to prove your Canadian citizenship.
  • Your birth certificate cannot serve as proof of citizenship if you were born in Canada after February 14, 1977, and at the time of your birth, your parents were neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents, and at least one parent had diplomatic status in Canada.
  • If you were born in Canada before February 15, 1977, to a parent with diplomatic status, please contact us to find out if your birth certificate is a valid proof of citizenship.

If you were born outside Canada

• You will get a citizenship certificate if you have successfully completed all the steps to become a Canadian citizen.
• You can also apply for a citizenship certificate if you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent and you meet certain requirements.
  • Use the self-assessment tool to find out if you are a Canadian citizen.
  • Get more information about who is considered a Canadian citizen under the new citizenship rules.

Learn about:

• How to apply
• After applying
• Frequently asked questions: Proof of citizenship