Born abroad before 15 December 2025
If your parent was a Canadian citizen, you're a citizen automatically in most cases, even if your parent was also born abroad. There's no 1,095-day test for you or your parent.
We check your days in Canada and your history before you apply, and help people born abroad to a Canadian parent get proof of citizenship under the 2025 changes to the law.
We'll call you during office hours, 9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week.
Book a free video meeting now Call (289) 309-3069Naturalization
Most refusals and delays start with a days count that doesn't add up or travel that wasn't declared. Check everything before you send it.
days in Canada in the 5 years before you apply
years of tax filing in those 5 years, if you had to file
CLB level for English or French speaking and listening, ages 18 to 54
Physical presence
The 1,095 days don't have to be in a row. What matters is the 5 years just before you apply, and an accurate record of every trip out of Canada.
Ask us to check your countCitizenship by descent
For years, a Canadian born abroad generally couldn't pass citizenship to a child also born abroad. Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), changed that. It has been in force since 15 December 2025.
Ask if you're already CanadianIn force as of October 2026
Your date of birth or adoption decides which rule applies. Anyone who was already a Canadian citizen before Bill C-3 isn't affected.
If your parent was a Canadian citizen, you're a citizen automatically in most cases, even if your parent was also born abroad. There's no 1,095-day test for you or your parent.
If your Canadian parent was born in Canada or naturalized, the usual rules apply. If they were born or adopted abroad, they need 1,095 days in Canada before your birth.
Children adopted abroad by a Canadian parent who was born or adopted abroad can apply for a direct grant of citizenship. For adoptions from 15 December 2025, the parent needs 1,095 days in Canada before the adoption.
If Bill C-3 made you a citizen automatically and you didn't ask for it, a simplified process lets you give up (renounce) that citizenship.
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At least 1,095 days (3 years) in the 5 years before you apply. Days as a permanent resident count in full. Days in Canada before you became a permanent resident, as a temporary resident or protected person, count as half days, up to 365 days in total.
Yes, if you're 18 to 54. You also need to show English or French speaking and listening skills at CLB or NCLC level 4. Adults 55 and over, and children under 18, don't take the test or show language.
You may need to have filed Canadian income tax returns for at least 3 of the 5 years before you apply, if you were required to file in those years.
Yes. Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), received Royal Assent on 20 November 2025 and took effect on 15 December 2025. IRCC is deciding applications under the new rules.
If you were born before 15 December 2025, in most cases yes, automatically. You still need to apply for a citizenship certificate to prove it. If you were born on or after that date, it depends on whether your Canadian parent spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before you were born.
Video meetings are free. In-person meetings at First Canadian Place are $100.
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By video (free) or in person at First Canadian Place ($100), 7 days a week.