I’m Canadian, but my child was born outside Canada. Are they Canadian?
Your child is likely a Canadian citizen if at least 1 parent (legal parent at birth [opens in a new tab] or biological parent)
- was born in Canada, or
- became a naturalized Canadian citizen before the child was born
To find out for sure, apply for a citizenship certificate for your child.
Your child is not automatically a Canadian citizen if they’re an adopted child born outside Canada.
Help tool
Form and guide
- Application for Canadian citizenship – Adult
- Application for Canadian citizenship – Minor applying with parent or guardian
- Application for Canadian citizenship – Minor applying alone
- Application for Canadian citizenship – Adopted person
- Application for Canadian citizenship – Stateless person born to a Canadian parent
- Application for Canadian Citizenship – Canadian Armed Forces
Glossary term
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