I’m Canadian, but my child was born outside Canada. Are they Canadian?

In December 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice declared that the first-generation limit for many individuals is unconstitutional.

However, the Court has suspended the declaration until December 19, 2024. This means that the current rules still apply until further notice.

• how the first-generation limit affects you
• what you can apply for (including urgent application, if applicable)

Your child is likely a Canadian citizen if at least 1 parent (legal parent at birth [opens in a new tab] or biological parent)

• was born in Canada, or
• became a naturalized Canadian citizen before the child was born

To find out for sure, apply for a citizenship certificate for your child.

Naturalization (grant of citizenship)

The formal process by which a person who isn’t a Canadian citizen can become a Canadian citizen.

The person must usually

• become a permanent resident first
• get their citizenship at a citizenship ceremony