Canadian Citizenship for Children: Minor Children, Born Abroad & By Descent

Whether your child was born in Canada, born abroad, or is being included in your citizenship application, this guide covers every scenario. CitizenPass makes mastering this easy — read on, then start practicing for free.

Automatic Citizenship

Any child born on Canadian soil is automatically a Canadian citizen at birth. This is known as *jus soli* (right of the soil). It applies regardless of:

• The parents' citizenship status
• The parents' immigration status (even if parents are visitors or undocumented)
• Where the parents were born

The Only Exception

Children born in Canada to foreign diplomats who are accredited to Canada are NOT automatic citizens. This is a narrow exception under international diplomatic law.

Getting Proof of Citizenship

Children born in Canada receive a provincial or territorial birth certificate, which serves as proof of Canadian citizenship. They can also apply for a citizenship certificate if needed.

Under Bill C-3 (December 2025)

Bill C-3 significantly expanded citizenship by descent:

• The old "first-generation limit" has been removed
• Children born abroad to Canadian parents can now inherit citizenship across multiple generations
• For children born after December 15, 2025, the Canadian parent must have 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada

How to Obtain Proof

Parents should apply for a citizenship certificate for their child born abroad. This involves:

• Completing the CIT 0001 application form
• Providing the child's birth certificate
• Providing proof of the Canadian parent's citizenship
• Providing proof of the parent's physical presence in Canada (if applicable)
• Paying the $75 application fee

Eligibility

If you are applying for citizenship and have children under 18 who are also permanent residents, you can include them in your application.

Requirements for Minor Children:

• Must be a permanent resident of Canada
• Must meet the physical presence requirement (1,095 days in 5 years)
• Do NOT need to take the citizenship test
• Do NOT need to prove language ability
• Children 14+ must attend the ceremony and take the oath
• Children under 14 do not need to attend the ceremony

Fee

• $100 per child (no Right of Citizenship fee)

Application Process

• Complete the minor child section of the adult application form
• Provide the child's identity documents
• Include citizenship photos for each child
• The child's application is processed together with the parent's

Canadian Citizens Adopting Abroad

If you are a Canadian citizen and adopt a child from another country:

• You can apply for a citizenship certificate for the child
• The child does not need to become a permanent resident first
• The process depends on whether the adoption is through the Hague Convention

Hague Convention Adoptions

• The adoption is recognized by the province or territory of residence
• Apply for a citizenship certificate after the adoption is finalized
• Processing is generally straightforward

Non-Hague Convention Adoptions

• Additional requirements may apply
• The province or territory must recognize the foreign adoption
• Some provinces require a re-adoption or recognition order

Whether your child was born in Canada, born abroad, or adopted, you can apply for a citizenship certificate:

• Purpose: Official proof of Canadian citizenship
• Cost: $75
• Processing time: 5-12 months
• Useful for: Passport applications, school enrollment, proving status

While your children are exempt from the test, you still need to pass. CitizenPass makes it easy:

• 600+ Practice Questions — Same format as the real IRCC test, with detailed explanations for every answer
• AI-Powered Coach — Identifies your weak areas and builds a personalized study plan just for you
• 80+ Bite-Sized Lessons — All 12 Discover Canada chapters, broken into 10-minute study sessions
• Real-Time Progress Tracking — See exactly when you are ready to pass
• Bilingual Support — Study in English or French, switch anytime
• Mobile + Desktop — Available on iOS, Android, and web — study anywhere

Your Canadian dream is one test away. Join thousands of successful new Canadians — start your free CitizenPass preparation today.