A Canadian citizenship certificate is an official proof-of-citizenship document. It can be used by people who are already Canadian citizens, people replacing or updating a certificate, and some people born outside Canada who need IRCC to confirm citizenship by descent.
At a glance
- First-time proof of citizenship applications
- Replacement of lost, stolen or destroyed certificates
- Updates after legal name changes
- Citizenship by descent and parentage evidence
Proof is different from a grant
A proof-of-citizenship application does not make a permanent resident a citizen. It documents citizenship that already exists under Canadian law.
Evidence across generations
For citizenship-by-descent cases, birth, marriage, name-change and citizenship records may be needed to establish the chain connecting the applicant to the Canadian parent or ancestor.
Current descent rules
Rules concerning citizenship by descent changed in December 2025. Applicants should check the current IRCC eligibility instructions for births outside Canada.
Replacing or updating a certificate
Existing citizens may apply to replace a lost certificate or update information such as a legal name, subject to the documentary requirements.
Official government resources
Use these official sources for the current program rules, forms and government instructions.
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