- born in Canada on or after February 15, 1977, or
- granted Canadian citizenship on or after April 17, 2009
If you’re a parent applying on behalf of a child (under 18 years old)
You can apply if:
- your child was granted Canadian citizenship on or after April 17, 2009, or
- one of your child's parents was
- born in Canada on or after February 15, 1977, or
- became a naturalized Canadian citizen on or after April 17, 2009
If you’re applying for your child(ren):
- you can only submit applications for 3 children at the same time
- you must be the child’s biological parent or legal parent at birth
- the reason for applying must be the same for everyone (for example, all of your children need to replace their lost certificates)
Before you start
To apply online, you need
- to read the instruction guide for applying online (opens in a new tab)
- an email address
- access to a scanner or digital camera
- a valid credit card or Canadian debit card (you’ll pay online when you submit your application)
Start your online application
- we’ll check again if you’re eligible to apply online
- you can apply online urgently if you qualify
Once you start your online application, you have 60 days to submit it.
The online application works best in Google Chrome.
If you need urgent processingWe may be able to process your application faster in some cases.
You need to apply on paper
You need to apply on paper if
- you were born in Canada on or before February 14, 1977
- you became a naturalized Canadian citizen on or before April 16, 2009
- you were born outside of Canada to a parent who
- was born in Canada on or before February 16, 1977, or
- became a naturalized Canadian citizen on or before April 16, 2009
- For example, you don’t know when your parent was born or if your grandparent was a crown servant.
Don’t apply online if you’ve already applied on paper, as we’re still processing your paper application. If you do, we won’t process your online application.
Adopted minors born outside Canada: You need to apply for your adopted child’s Canadian citizenship
To get a citizenship certificate for your adopted child, you have 2 options:
- Option 1: Apply for your child to become a Canadian citizen as an adopted person (opens in a new tab) .
- Option 2: Apply for your child to become a Canadian citizen through naturalization (opens in a new tab) .
Do not apply directly for a citizenship certificate (online or on paper).
- If you do, we’ll return your application.
- This is to respect the adoption laws of other countries and the Citizenship Act (opens in a new tab) .
Adopted adult born outside Canada: You need to apply for your Canadian citizenship
To get a citizenship certificate, you have 2 options:
- Option 1: Apply to become a Canadian citizen as an adopted person (opens in a new tab) .
- Your adoptive parents need to help with part 1 of the application process (proving their Canadian citizenship).
Do not apply directly for a citizenship certificate (online or on paper).
- If you do, we’ll return your application.
- This is to respect the adoption laws of other countries and the Citizenship Act (opens in a new tab) .
Permanent resident minors: You need to apply for the child’s Canadian citizenship
- If we approve the application, they’ll get the certificate after the citizenship ceremony (opens in a new tab) .
- Do not apply directly for a citizenship certificate (online or on paper). If you do, we’ll return your application.
Getting a certificate for the first time: You can’t apply together with an adopted child who was born outside Canada
You cannot apply for yourself and an adopted child (under 18) born outside Canada at the same time (online or on paper).
Adopted child born outside Canada
To get a citizenship certificate for your adopted child, you have 2 options:
- Option 1: Apply for your child to become a Canadian citizen as an adopted person (opens in a new tab) .
- Option 2: Apply for your child to become a Canadian citizen through naturalization (opens in a new tab) .
Do not apply directly for a citizenship certificate (online or on paper).
- If you do, we’ll return your application.
- This is to respect the adoption laws of other countries and the Citizenship Act (opens in a new tab) .
If your adopted child was born in Canada, you can apply together on paper.
Applying for yourself (adult 18 years of age or older)
Change your answer to the question above to “Myself (Adult 18 years of age or older)” to find out how you can apply.
Apply on paper
You can apply on paper if you can’t or don’t want to apply online.
1. Get the application package
The package includes the instruction guide, forms and document checklist.
- download and print the checklist and the forms
- fill out all the forms
- include all documents listed in the document checklist
If your documents aren’t in English or French, you’ll need:
- colour copies that are clear and easy-to-read
- a translation of the documents
- a sworn statement (affidavit) from the person who did the translation (we don’t accept translations by family members)
We may be able to process your application faster in some cases.
2. Pay the application fee
You can pay your fees online.
- Methods of payment depend on where you’re applying from.
- If you’re submitting more than one application at the same time, you can pay all the fees together.
- You cannot get a refund once we start processing your application.
- If you need help, check the payment instructions.
There is no cost for this update until May 30, 2026.
You’ll have to pay the usual fees if you’re
- applying for your first citizenship certificate, or
- replacing a certificate or card that’s lost, stolen or damaged
3. Submit the application
Answer the following question to find out where to submit your application.
If you’re a parent or legal guardian applying for a minor child (under 18 years old)
Select the country or territory where the child lives:
- Yes, I’m applying so my child can use their reclaimed Indigenous name
- No, I’m applying for a different reason
- Yes, I’m applying so my child can use their reclaimed Indigenous name
- No, I’m applying for a different reason
If you’re applying for yourself
Select the country or territory where you live:
- Yes, I’m applying so I can use my reclaimed Indigenous name
- No, I’m applying for a different reason
- Yes, I’m applying so I can use my reclaimed Indigenous name
- No, I’m applying for a different reason
Where to submit your application if you’ve reclaimed your Indigenous name
To submit your application to apply for, update, or replace your citizenship certificate or card with your reclaimed Indigenous name
- Gather your documents, including
- the completed application form
- either the eligibility form or the statutory declaration, depending on your situation
- your supporting documents
- Put them in an envelope
- label the outside with “CTA 17 – Proof” in large, dark letters
- Address the envelope to
Citizenship and Passport Cases Division
Case Management Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
300 Slater Street, 12th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Track your application
We recommend that you use a postal or courier service with a tracking number to ensure you get proof that your application was delivered to the IRCC office.
