Canada's citizenship by descent rules now prioritize original birth and marriage certificates. Applicants must submit documents issued by the original authority for family lineage proof. Long-form birth certificates and marriage certificates are crucial for establishing parent-child relationships. Missing records require documented proof of genuine search efforts by applicants. Processing times for these applications have significantly increased to nineteen months.

Canada has clarified its citizenship rules for people born abroad, emphasizing direct descent from a Canadian parent. Understand the updated Canadian citiz

Canada has changed its citizenship-by-descent rules following the passage of Bill C-3 on December 15, 2025.