Chapter CP 10 - Proof of Citizenship

Section 1 - Applications for proof of citizenship

1.1 This section is about

applications for proof of citizenship by Canadian citizens

1.2 Authorities

1.3 Who is a citizen?

Sections 3 and 4 of the Act describes persons who are and who are not citizens. The former and current Act provides for loss of citizenship. See Appendices in Chapter 15.

According to the Act a person is a Canadian citizen if the person was:

• born in Canada after February 14, 1977 (or on a Canadian ship, or on an aircraft or air cushion vehicle registered in Canada)—paragraph 3(1)(a)
• born outside Canada after February 14, 1977, and at the time of his or her birth one of his or her parents, other than a parent who adopted him or her, was a citizen—paragraph 3(1)(b)
• granted and where required, has taken the oath of citizenship or, acquired citizenship, after February 14, 1977—paragraph 3(1)(c)
• a citizen immediately before February 15, 1977 (citizenship must be established under the former Act)—paragraph 3(1)(d)
• entitled, immediately before February 14, 1977, to become a citizen under paragraph 5(1)(b) for the former Act—paragraph 3(1)(e)

1.4 Direct mail-in to CPC-Sydney

As of April 1, 1997, all applicants for proof of citizenship mail their applications directly to CPC-Sydney. All applications will be processed in Sydney and certificates will be mailed directly to applicants.

1.5 Exceptions

In cases where a proof application must be completed at the local office, the citizenship officer insures that the documentation is complete, the application is completed, and the fee is collected. If the application can be approved, the citizenship officer at the local office, approves the application, then forwards the entire file, including any faxed information received from CPC-Sydney, to CPC-Sydney for certificate preparation and issuance, and file retirement.

1.6 Application

A Canadian citizen who wants proof of citizenship must submit an Application for a Citizenship Certificate form, along with the required documents that establish his or her claim to citizenship, photographs and fee.

See Chapter 9, section 1.4.

1.7 Documents

The documents required to establish a claim to citizenship vary depending on the requirements of the provision of the Act under which a claim is being established. Certified copies of the required documents are to be included with the completed application for persons applying for a proof of citizenship for the first time. Persons applying for a replacement certificate may submit photocopies of required documents.

See the Documents Required-Guide on the Application for Citizenship Certificate form for a list of required documents.

1.8 Nationality laws of other countries

Citizenship officers in CPC-Sydney and the local offices, do not rule on the nationality laws of other countries. Where a ruling is required to make a determination of status under the provisions of the Citizenship Act, the onus is on the applicant to obtain the necessary information from the authorities of the country concerned.

1.9 Check for loss of citizenship status

Before the application for citizenship is approved, the citizenship officer must confirm that the person did not lose his or her citizenship status.

1.10 Surrender previous certificates

If the reasons for requesting a replacement certificate are other than theft, loss or destruction of the original certificates, the original naturalization, large, miniature, commemorative certificates, and pink transmission copy must be returned for cancellation. They may either be surrendered at the time of application or exchanged at a citizenship office. To indicate the certificate has been "misplaced" is not acceptable.

An applicant is not required to surrender a certificate of registration of birth abroad or a certificate of retention. These certificates were issued for registration as a citizen and retention of citizenship and are not citizenship certificates.

See section on Exchanging Certificates

1.11 Application by a minor for proof

A minor citizen, regardless of age, may file an application for proof of citizenship on his or her own behalf in accordance with the Regulations.

As a cautionary measure, however, where a child is under 14 years of age, a parent should be encouraged to make or countersign the application or, alternatively, be advised that the child has made an application.

The responsibility for ensuring that this action occurs rests with the official processing the application.