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Complete guide to claiming Canadian citizenship through your ancestors — eligibility, documents, timeline, costs, and how to file. Reviewed by Ancestra's canada counsel.
Quick Facts
Eligibility
Canada citizenship by descent is governed by Citizenship Act §3(1)(b) · Bill C-71. First-generation born abroad are citizens by right. Bill C-71 (in force 2025) restores citizenship to beyond-first-generation descendants where a substantial connection test is met. We assess your eligibility, file with IRCC, and represent you on RFEs.
Eligibility for Canada citizenship by descent depends on three key factors: (1) the generational distance between you and your Canadian ancestor — most Canadian programs cover beyond first-generation (bill c-71, 2025), but some go further; (2) whether the citizenship line was broken by naturalization in another country before the next child's birth in the line; and (3) the specific statute in effect at the time of each birth in the line.
Ancestra's written eligibility opinion addresses all three factors for your specific case, citing the exact statute and consular venue that applies. Our genealogists specialize in recovering the civil registry, parish, and consular records required to establish the unbroken lineage that Canadian nationality law requires.
Key constraints & rules
The #1 thing to know
Bill C-71 (2025) is the most significant Canadian citizenship reform in decades. It retroactively reinstates citizenship for 'Lost Canadians' and opens beyond-first-generation claims with the substantial connection test.
Generational limit
Beyond first-generation (Bill C-71, 2025). First-generation born abroad are citizens by right. Second-generation+ must meet the substantial connection test (1,095 days physical presence in Canada).
Transmission rule
Both parents equally since 1977. Before 1977, paternal only.
Dual citizenship
Permitted — Canada allows dual citizenship.
Language requirement
None for citizenship by descent.
Residency requirement
Substantial connection test: 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence in Canada for second-generation+ applicants. Crown servants exempt.
Filing authority
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Key statute
Citizenship Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-29), §3(1)(b); Bill C-71 (2025)
Special paths available
Lost Canadian reinstatement: for those who lost or never received citizenship due to historical gender inequities (pre-1977), the 1947 cutoff, or the 2009/2015 first-generation limit.
The 5-step process
Discovery & eligibility memo — Ancestra conducts a private 90-minute consultation, reviews what you know about your Canadian ancestry, and delivers a written eligibility opinion citing the specific statute that applies to your case.
Genealogy & document recovery — Our network of genealogists retrieves the Canadian records from the relevant civil registry and parish archives, plus the destination-country naturalization (or no-record) documentation.
Advisory & strategy — With documents in hand, we re-confirm eligibility, identify any discrepancies (name variants, date conflicts), and choose the fastest filing venue for your Canada case.
Dossier compilation — Our paralegals compile the application binder in the exact format the Canadian consulate or ministry requires, with translations, apostilles, and cross-reference indexes.
Submission & representation — We book the consular appointment or file with the ministry, attend with you (or by power of attorney), draft every RFE response, and stay with you through the oath ceremony and passport issuance.
Documents you'll need
Below is the standard checklist for an Canada citizenship by descent filing. Ancestra retrieves most of these on your behalf — you typically only need to provide what you already have (your own birth certificate, your parents', and any old family documents you've inherited).
Canada FAQ
How do I qualify for Canada citizenship by descent?
You qualify for Canada citizenship by descent if you have a Canadian ancestor (typically beyond first-generation (bill c-71, 2025)) and the citizenship line was never broken by naturalization in another country before the next child's birth. First-generation born abroad are citizens by right.
How long does the Canada citizenship by descent process take?
The Canada citizenship by descent process typically takes 8–16 months, depending on the filing venue (consular, judicial, or administrative) and the completeness of your dossier. Ancestra quotes a specific timeline forecast in your eligibility memo based on the consulate or court that will handle your case.
What documents do I need for Canada citizenship by descent?
You'll need: certified long-form birth certificates for each person in the line, marriage certificates (and divorce/death where applicable), the Canadian ancestor's birth certificate (retrieved from the civil registry or parish of their commune of origin), naturalization records (or a "no record" letter), apostilles on all foreign documents, and certified sworn translations. Ancestra retrieves most of these documents on your behalf.
How much does Canada citizenship by descent cost?
Canada citizenship by descent costs $5,000 – $15,000 (all-in, fixed fee), all-in on a fixed fee basis. This typically includes document retrieval, apostilles, translations, dossier compilation, consular filing, and counsel representation through the oath. Ancestra quotes a specific fixed fee in writing after consultation — no hourly billing, no add-ons.
Can I keep my current citizenship if I claim Canadian citizenship?
Canada permitted dual citizenship. You can hold both your current citizenship and your Canadan citizenship simultaneously — no renunciation required.
Do I need to travel to Canada to file?
Usually not. Most Canada citizenship by descent filings are handled at the Canadian consulate in your country of residence. In-person attendance at the oath ceremony may be required, but counsel can often attend by proxy.
Cost & Timeline
Ancestra quotes a fixed fee in writing after your consultation. No hourly billing, no add-on charges for translations, apostilles, or routine RFE responses. Below is the typical range for Canada cases:
All-in cost
$5,000 – $15,000 (all-in, fixed fee)
Timeline
8–16 months
From the Ancestra Journal
Bill C-71, the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act, restores Canadian citizenship to beyond-first-generation descendants of Canadians born abroad. Here's who qualifies, what the substantial connection test means, and how to file.
June 8, 2026 · 7 min read
Other canada programs
Run our free 4-minute eligibility check, or book a private consultation with a case lead who specializes in Canada citizenship by descent. You'll get a written eligibility opinion within 48 hours, citing the specific statute that applies to your case — no commitment, no retainer.