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Citizenship Hand Down

The Citizenship Hand Down process allows individuals born outside of Canada to acquire Canadian citizenship if their parent is a Canadian citizen at the time of their birth. This program is designed for those who wish to inherit their parent's Canadian nationality, even if they have never lived in Canada.

Understanding Citizenship by Descent

Canadian citizenship by descent (also known as citizenship hand down) is a pathway to citizenship for children born outside Canada to a Canadian parent. This process recognizes the hereditary connection to Canada and provides a way for eligible individuals to claim their Canadian citizenship rights.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for citizenship by descent, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You were born outside Canada after February 14, 1977
  • At least one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth
  • You are the first generation born outside Canada (limitations apply for second and subsequent generations)

Important Note on Generational Limitations

As of April 17, 2009, citizenship by descent is generally limited to the first generation born outside Canada. This means that if your Canadian parent was also born outside Canada and obtained citizenship through descent, you may not be eligible for citizenship by descent.

There are exceptions to this rule for children of Canadian parents who were working abroad for the Canadian government or Canadian Armed Forces at the time of the child's birth.

Required Documentation

To apply for citizenship by descent, you will need to provide:

  • Your birth certificate showing your parent's name
  • Proof of your parent's Canadian citizenship (citizenship certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
  • Two pieces of personal identification
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • Application fee payment
  • Additional supporting documents as required

The Application Process

The process for obtaining citizenship by descent involves several steps:

  1. Determining your eligibility for citizenship by descent
  2. Gathering all required documentation
  3. Completing the application form (Application for a Citizenship Certificate)
  4. Paying the application fee
  5. Submitting your application
  6. Waiting for processing (typically 6-12 months)

How We Can Help

At Apni Immigration Immigration, we specialize in guiding you through the complex requirements and documentation needed for this process. Our team helps you:

Understand your eligibility for Canadian citizenship by descent

Collect necessary proof of your parent's Canadian citizenship

Navigate complex generational limitations

Assist with the application process

Review your application for completeness and accuracy

Provide guidance throughout the entire process

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Contact Information

123 Immigration Street, Toronto, ON

+1 (647) 354 2579

contact@apniimmigration.ca

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Citizenship Hand Down

You are eligible for citizenship by descent if you were born outside Canada after February 14, 1977, and at least one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth. However, there are generational limitations - citizenship by descent is generally limited to the first generation born outside Canada.

You will need to provide documentation such as your parent's Canadian birth certificate, Canadian citizenship certificate, or Canadian passport that was valid at the time of your birth. Additional documentation may be required depending on your specific circumstances.

Processing times for citizenship by descent applications typically range from 6 to 12 months, but this can vary depending on the complexity of your case and current processing volumes at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The first generation limitation rule means that Canadian citizenship by descent is generally limited to the first generation born outside Canada. If your Canadian parent was also born outside Canada and obtained citizenship through descent, you may not be eligible for citizenship by descent, with some exceptions.

Yes, there are exceptions. Children born to Canadian parents who were working abroad for the Canadian government, the Canadian Armed Forces, or a provincial/territorial government at the time of the child's birth may be exempt from the first generation limitation rule.

No, you do not need to live in Canada to apply for citizenship by descent. The application can be submitted from anywhere in the world. However, you must meet all other eligibility requirements, including having a Canadian parent at the time of your birth.

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Our experienced immigration consultants can guide you through the entire citizenship by descent process, ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and has the best chance of success.

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