CIT 0302 - Application to Renounce Canadian Citizenship Under Subsection 9(1)

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Citizenship fees
• How to complete your application
• Where to send your application
• What happens next

This is not a legal document. For legal information, refer to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations or the Citizenship Act and Regulations, as applicable.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Overview

This application is for an adult Canadian citizen who wishes to renounce his or her Canadian citizenship. To renounce your Canadian citizenship you must prove you are a Canadian citizen. You must also prove that you are, or will become a citizen of a country other than Canada, if this application to renounce is approved.

Note: If you acquired or reacquired your citizenship as a result of changes to the Citizenship Act that took effect on April 17, 2009, you may be eligible to apply to renounce your citizenship under section 7.1 of the Citizenship Regulations. See the guide, Application to Renounce Canadian Citizenship for certain persons who acquired citizenship on April 17, 2009 (R7.1).

Before you apply

Read the instructions carefully. They contain important information. Be sure you are eligible to apply before you submit your application. There is no refund of the processing fee.

If you renounce your Canadian citizenship, you lose all the rights and privileges of a Canadian citizen. If you have any questions about this, you should ask the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate, if you are residing outside Canada, or contact the Call Centre, if applying from within Canada.

Who can apply to renounce their Canadian citizenship?

To qualify to renounce your Canadian citizenship you must:

• not reside in Canada;
• be a Canadian citizen;
• be a citizen of a country other than Canada, or show that you will become a citizen of a country other than Canada, if your application to renounce is accepted;
• not be a threat to Canada’s security or part of a pattern of criminal activity;
• be 18 years of age or older; and
• understand the significance of renouncing your Canadian citizenship.

What you must send with your application

Fee

See the Citizenship fees section of this guide.

Documents

You must send originals or clear and legible certified true copies. An authorized person must swear or affirm that the copies are true copies of the originals. Within Canada, an authorized person can be a commissioner of oaths, a notary public or a justice of the peace.

Outside Canada, an authorized person can be a foreign service officer, a judge, a magistrate, an officer of a court of justice or a commissioner authorized to administer oaths in the country in which the person is living.

Documents needed are:

• a birth certificate or, if unobtainable, other evidence that establishes your date and place of birth;
• evidence that establishes your Canadian citizenship, for example: certificate of Canadian citizenship or Canadian provincial birth certificate;
• evidence that establishes that you are, or will become a citizen of a country other than Canada, if your application to renounce Canadian citizenship is approved;
• evidence you live outside Canada;
• two (2) additional pieces of identification.

Translated documents

If supporting documents are not in English or French (for example, a marriage certificate issued in another country) you must supply a photocopy of each document, a translation and an affidavit from the person who completed the translation. Translations by family members are not acceptable.

Documents issued by the Quebec Government

Baptismal certificates, birth certificates, and marriage certificates issued by the government of Quebec before January 1, 1994, are no longer accepted. If you have one of these certificates, you must obtain a new document. This can be done by contacting the office of the Directeur de l’état civil du Québec by visiting their website at: www.etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca.

Note: Additional documents may be required during the processing of your application.
Failure to include the necessary documents (e.g., two (2) pieces of identification) will result in delays in processing your application.

Note

Photographs

You must:

• provide two (2) identical citizenship photographs (except Renunciation applications, only one (1) photo is required);
• print the Citizenship Photo Specifications page and take it to the photographer to make sure you get the correct size photo;
• follow the steps explained on the form; and
• do not staple, glue or otherwise attach the photo directly to the application.

Citizenship fees

Calculating your fees

Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. Fees must be included with this application.

Explanation of fees and refunds

The following table describes the fees that are required and if they are refundable. All payment must be made in Canadian funds.

Processing Fee

Amount: $100 for each person

Non-refundable once processing has begun, regardless of the final decision.

Important information

Incorrect fee payment

Incorrect fee payments may delay processing your application.

Payment issue – No fee included

CIC will return your application.

Note: Processing of your application will only start after you return your application with requested fees.

Payment issue – Insufficient fees included

CIC will inform you of how much to pay and how to pay.

Note: Processing of your application will only continue after you provide the missing fees.

Payment issue – Overpayment

CIC will:

• start processing your application, and
• send you a refund as soon as possible.

Note: You do not have to request a refund, it will be done automatically.

Payment method options

Preferred method of payment

Important information. Payment of fees online is the preferred method of payment for both inside and outside Canada.

Inside and outside Canada – Online fee payment

Availability
For clients located inside and outside of Canada.

Resources required
You can pay your fees online if you have:

• a credit card (Visa, Master Card or American Express)
• access to a computer with an Internet connection
• a valid email address
• access to a printer (you will need to print the receipt)

Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to pay using the Internet.

1. Go to the CIC website
   • Select Pay your fees.
   • Select Pay my fees online.
2. Follow the online instructions
   At the end, click on the button to print the CIC official receipt.
   Note. Do not exit without printing the receipt (page)!
3. Fill in the Payer Information Section by hand.
4. Attach the bottom portion (copy 2) of this receipt to your completed application.

Proof of payment
The receipt printed off of the Internet in step 2 of the instructions above will serve as your proof of payment.

Inside Canada only – Fee payment at financial institutions

If you do not wish to pay using the Internet, payment must be made at a financial institution in Canada. The financial institution will let you know what method of payment it accepts. There is no banking charge to pay at a financial institution.

Note. The only acceptable forms of payment inside Canada are online or through a financial institution. If you send any other form of payment inside Canada your application will be returned.

Availability
For clients located inside Canada only.

Resources required
A payment receipt form (IMM 5401) can be ordered online.

1. Calculate the total fee amount to be paid using the chart Calculating your fees at the beginning of this section.
2. Fill out one (1) payment receipt form (IMM 5401).
   Important information. An original payment receipt form (pink and white) must be used. A photocopy is not acceptable.
   For more information. See Obtaining an original receipt form – inside Canada in this section.
3. Insert the total amount paid on line 09 Citizenship or Immigration Services Fees.
   Important information. Do not complete the top two portions of the receipt. These will be completed by the financial institution.
4. Fill in the Payer Information section on the back of the payment receipt form.
   Do you already have an open file and know the client identification number (client ID) that we have assigned to you?
   • If yes, enter the number in the box provided for that purpose.
   • If no, leave that box empty.
5. Bring the receipt form and your payment to the teller (cashier) at the financial institution. Do not present your application, only your receipt form.
   The teller (cashier) will:
   • stamp and enter the amount paid in the upper two portions of the receipt form, and
   • give you the top two portions of the form.
   Important information. Do not make payment using the automated teller machines or on a financial institution website.
6. The following list indicates what you should be doing with the different parts of the IMM 5401 receipt.
   • Copy 1 (top): Keep for your records.
   • Copy 2 (middle): Attach to your completed application.
   • Copy 3 (bottom): The financial institution will keep the bottom part.

Proof of payment
Completed payment receipt form (Original form IMM 5401)

Obtaining an original receipt form – inside Canada
You may obtain an original receipt form (IMM 5401) inside Canada by:

• ordering through our website

For more information. See Contact Information at the beginning of this guide.

Outside Canada only

The following mode of payment may be used if you do not have access to the Internet.

If you do not have access to the Internet, you may pay directly to the Canadian embassy, High Commission or consulate closest to your home.

Make sure you bring your completed application and the correct fees.

Note. The only acceptable forms of payment outside Canada are online or payment directly to the Canadian embassy, High Commission or consulate responsible for your area.

You can find information on fee payment methods outside Canada by visiting the CIC website

• Select Pay your fees.
• Select Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates.

You must choose the consular office responsible for your area.

How to complete your application

Follow the instructions carefully. Delays will result if the application is not properly completed, or if all of the necessary documents have not been submitted. If you need more space to answer any questions use an extra sheet of paper and indicate the number and/or letter of the question you are answering.

Warning: If you send us an application that has any misleading or fraudulent information on it, you can be charged with a criminal offence, and you may be subject to criminal prosecution in a court and refusal of your application for renunciation of citizenship.

Follow these step-by-step instructions

Section 1

You must indicate whether you would like service in English or French.

Section 2

You must indicate if you have ever applied to renounce your Canadian citizenship before. Check “no” or “yes”. If “ yes” give the date you last applied.

Section 3

• You must indicate if you ever had a certificate of Canadian citizenship or naturalization by checking “no” or “yes”. If you check “yes”, write down the surname/last name, given names, certificate number and the date the certificate was issued.
• You must indicate whether you are returning the certificate of Canadian citizenship and/or the pink transmission copy of a certificate with your application. If not, indicate if the certificate was stolen, lost, or destroyed. Indicate if the theft or loss was reported to police and give details. You must return any Canadian citizenship certificates in your possession. Failure to do so will result in delays in processing your application.

Section 4

A. Write down your surname/last name and given name(s), as they appear on your Canadian citizenship certificate or birth certificate.

B. If you have legally changed your name, indicate what your new name is. Remember to supply the original or a certified true copy of your legal change of name document (for example, provincial/foreign government change of name certificate, court order, marriage certificate, adoption order, divorce decree, etc.).

C. If you have used another name in the past, or are known by a name other than the one you listed above, write it down on the application form. (Other names can include your birth name, nicknames, call names, community names, etc.)

D. You may request that the certificate of renunciation of Canadian citizenship show a name other than the one on your Canadian citizenship certificate or birth certificate, if you can provide identification to support the name you are requesting. If this change is significant, linking documentation showing the use of both names, or the basis for the change will also be required. Examples of linking documents include a marriage certificate, a foreign change of name certificate, an adoption order, a foreign passport showing both names, or a divorce decree.

Note: You cannot request a name change after your application has been submitted.

Section 5

Question 5A

Check the box to indicate if you are a citizen or a national of a country other than Canada. If yes, indicate the name of the country.
 
If no, and you are not a citizen of another country, write the name of the country of which you will become a citizen if your application to renounce Canadian citizenship is approved. Attach proof.

Question 5B

Indicate the reason(s) you wish to renounce your Canadian citizenship.

Section 6

Indicate if you live inside or outside Canada. Provide proof of residence.

A. Provide your current home address complete with postal code (or foreign equivalent).

B. If your mailing address is different from your home address, include your mailing address, complete with postal code.

C. We may need to contact you by phone. List the phone number(s) where you can be reached.

D. Indicate your e-mail address using this format (if applicable): name@provider.net CIC may contact via e-mail if necessary

Section 7

A. Print your date of birth exactly as it appears on your certificate of Canadian citizenship or your birth certificate. This is the date of birth that will appear on your certificate of renunciation of Canadian citizenship. Indicate the place and country where you were born.

B. Indicate whether you are male or female, your height, the colour of your eyes and your legal marital status.

If you received a certificate of Canadian citizenship on or after February 15,1977, go to Section 12.

Section 8

If you are a woman and married before January 1, 1947:

• Print your husband’s surname/last name, given name(s), country and date of birth.
• Print the country in which you were married and the date of your marriage.
• Indicate if your husband is a Canadian citizen; if he is, provide the details.
• Enter the number from your husband’s citizenship certificate, if he has one, and the date he acquired citizenship.

Section 9

If your most recent certificate of Canadian citizenship was issued before February 15, 1977 or you have never had a certificate, list all absences from Canada of one (1) year or longer before 1977. List from the date you left Canada to the date you returned. Indicate the country where you went and the reason for the absence.

Section 10

A. Indicate if you are claiming Canadian citizenship by birth outside Canada to a Canadian parent.

B. Indicate if you have entered Canada. If yes, write down the date you entered.

C. Indicate if you were a British subject living in Canada before 1947. If yes, write down the date you entered Canada.

Section 11

Answer all questions on information regarding your parents:

• Indicate the relationship of your parents to you by indicating Natural or Adoptive.
• Print your parents surname/last name, given name(s), date of birth and place/country of birth.
• Indicate where your parents were married (if applicable) and the date of the marriage.
• Indicate how your parents obtained Canadian citizenship.
• Indicate if your parents have left Canada for more than one (1) year before 1977. If yes, write the dates they were away and the country (countries) they visited.
• Indicate if your parents are or were citizens of a country other than Canada. If yes, write the details showing the country, date and how the citizenship was obtained.
• Indicate if your parents were employed in Canada by a foreign government or international agency. If yes, provide details.
• If your parents were born in Canada, indicate if one of his or her parents was employed by a foreign government or international agency. If yes, provide details.

Section 12

You must sign the application with the signature you currently use on other official documents. Indicate where and when (place and date) you signed your application. Make sure you are eligible to renounce your Canadian citizenship because the application fee is not refundable.

You must sign the bottom of the photo with the same signature used on the application and on other official documents.

The application must be signed and dated before it is sent for processing. If your application is not signed and dated, it will be returned to you. Your application will also be returned to you if it is stale-dated (we receive an application signed more than three (3) months ago) or if it is post-dated (we receive an application dated into the future).

Section 13

The individual, authorized officer of a firm or organization who assisted in the completion of this application must complete and sign this section.

Where to send your application

If you are living outside Canada, submit your application to a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate for processing.

or

If you are living in Canada, on the envelope to mail your application, print:

Affix sufficient postage (top right of the envelope)

Sender (top left of the envelope)
(Your name)
(Your Address)
(Your Postal Code)

Recipient (centre of the envelope)
Case Processing Centre - Sydney
Renunciation
P.O. Box 10000
SYDNEY, NS  B1P 7C1

If you are sending more than one application (for example, applications for family members), you may send one receipt to cover all applications. Mail the receipt and all applications together in one envelope so that they will be processed together.

What happens next

Once your application is received in Sydney, Nova Scotia, it will be reviewed and processing will begin.

Some applications may encounter delays and require more time for processing. In these cases, you will be contacted for more information or asked to supply additional documents.

If you are sending an application from outside Canada, allow sufficient time for your application to be received at the Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Sydney, Nova Scotia, as mail service can vary between countries.

If your application is approved, you will receive a certificate of renunciation.

Checking your application status

To see the current status of your application online:

• Log on to Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website at www.cic.gc.ca
• Click on Check Application Status in the Online Services section on the right-hand side of the home page.
• Then click on Client Application Status and follow the instructions provided.

To obtain details on how to remove your application status information from the Internet, visit the “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) section.

If you reside in Canada:

You can also contact the Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 and speak to an agent.

If you are outside Canada:

Contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your region.

Processing times

You can obtain current processing times on our website at www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/canada/cit-renunciation.asp

Protecting your application information

We protect your personal information. Your personal information is only available to our employees who need to see it in order to provide the services to you. We will not disclose any information to anyone else without your written consent. You can obtain additional information on the protection of your data by visiting the “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) on our website.

Remember: You must advise us of any change of address or telephone number by calling the Call Centre or by entering your new address on our website by clicking on the “Online Service - Change of Address” feature.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has a quality assurance program. In this program, some applications are randomly selected for special review. The review means that you might be called to an interview with a Citizenship and Immigration Canada official, so that we can make sure that all the documents you gave us are correct, and that your application was completed properly. The interview is very short, and should not result in any delay to the processing of your application.