Looking for a bit of help please. My mother was born in Canada in 1956 and is a citizen, though her Canadian passport is currently out of date. She moved back to Scotland with my Granny and her siblings in the 1960’s after my granda’s sudden passing. I am listed on said passport but have never had my own one issued I believe I am a citizen by decent.
Am I correct in thinking that?
If I am, do I just contact the case processing place in Nova Scotia direct to get the ball rolling?
Any advice for or against my initial thoughts will be much appreciated. Thanks
In general, you can derive citizenship by being a child of at least one parent who was born in Canada (there is no residency requirement), but there might (or might not) be nuance or exception in your situation given that your mom was born in 1956 (I'm not all that familiar with the nitty gritty detail of the Citizenship Act governing Canadian citizenship by descent).
But I believe this is a straightforward case, and that you are a citizen (from birth), provided that your mom was a citizen because she was born in Canada (not everybody who was born in Canada was automatically a Canadian citizen), and at the time of your birth, she was still a citizen. It might not be a bad idea to apply for proof of citizenship if it's easy for you to get access to your mom's Canadian birth certificate. It's only 75 CAD, and you'll probably get decision within 6 months
In general, you can derive citizenship by being a child of at least one parent who was born in Canada (there is no residency requirement), but there might (or might not) be nuance or exception in your situation given that your mom was born in 1956 (I'm not all that familiar with the nitty gritty detail of the Citizenship Act governing Canadian citizenship by descent).
I believe this is a straightforward case, and that you are a citizen (from birth), provided that your mom was a citizen because she was born in Canada (not everybody who was born in Canada was automatically a Canadian citizen), and at the time of your birth, she was still a citizen. It might not be a bad idea to apply for proof of citizenship if it's easy for you to get access to your mom's Canadian birth certificate. It's only 75 CAD, and you'll probably get decision within 6 months
Both my mum and Granny are still alive in Scotland and may still have the original birth certificate would that save the need for getting proof of citizenship? My mum found the passport for me in a matter of days so pretty sure if they have it she will find it.
Both my mum and Granny are still alive in Scotland and may still have the original birth certificate would that save the need for getting proof of citizenship? My mum found the passport for me in a matter of days so pretty sure if they have it she will find it.
Unfortunately, there is no way around getting the proof of citizenship.
Unlike the United States (and maybe some other countries as well), Canada requires all citizens by descent to apply for proof of citizenship if they want to exert the claim of their citizenship (not sure how it would work in the border if you persistently claim you are a citizen without showing this proof).
For example, to apply for a Canadian passport, you would have to provide a proof of citizenship, and your parent(s)'s birth or naturalization certificate will not be accepted as one.
Your parent's birth or naturalization certificate will not be accepted as well when you try to apply for Social Insurance Number (which you will need for employment), healthcare, driver's license, etc.
So yes, you are a citizen, and have been a citizen from the day you were born. You do not need to apply for citizenship, but you still need to apply for a proof of citizenship in order to apply for a passport or do other things that citizens have the rights for.
Unfortunately, there is no way around getting the proof of citizenship.
Unlike the United States (and maybe some other countries as well), Canada requires all citizens by descent to apply for proof of citizenship if they want to exert the claim of their citizenship (not sure how it would work in the border if you persistently claim you are a citizen without showing this proof).
For example, to apply for a Canadian passport, you would have to provide a proof of citizenship, and your parent(s)'s birth or naturalization certificate will not be accepted as one.
Your parent's birth or naturalization certificate will not be accepted as well when you try to apply for Social Insurance Number (which you will need for employment), healthcare, driver's license, etc.
So yes, you are a citizen, and have been a citizen from the day you were born. You do not need to apply for citizenship, but you still need to apply for a proof of citizenship in order to apply for a passport or do other things that citizens have the rights for.
Looking for a bit of help please. My mother was born in Canada in 1956 and is a citizen, though her Canadian passport is currently out of date. She moved back to Scotland with my Granny and her siblings in the 1960’s after my granda’s sudden passing. I am listed on said passport but have never had my own one issued I believe I am a citizen by decent.
Am I correct in thinking that?
If I am, do I just contact the case processing place in Nova Scotia direct to get the ball rolling?
Any advice for or against my initial thoughts will be much appreciated. Thanks
Yes, as the child of a Canadian-born parent, you are a Canadian citizen. As stated previously, you will need to get proof of citizenship in order to apply for a passport, etc.
