Canadian Citizenship Certificate (Proof of Citizenship)

This guide is written for people living in the United States who are eligible for Canadian
Citizenship (by birth in Canada or through a Canadian parent) and need official proof of citizenship i.e. A Canadian Citizenship Certificate (sometimes called “proof of citizenship”). It also includes a short section for readers outside the U.S. at the end.

What is a Canadian Citizenship Certificate?

A Citizenship Certificate is IRCC’s official proof that you are a Canadian citizen. You can
receive it as an electronic certificate (e-certificate) or paper certificate.

You cannot use a citizenship certificate as a passport or government photo ID. It proves
citizenship status, and is typically used to obtain a Canadian passport, a Social Insurance Number, or to show status to employers or schools.

Who should use this guide?

U.S. citizens and residents who:

•       Were born in Canada and now live in the U.S., and want proof of citizenship; or
•       Were born in the U.S. (or another country) and have a Canadian parent who was born in Canada or became a naturalized Canadian before you were born (citizenship by descent).

Quick self-check: common U.S. scenarios

1. Born in Canada, now living in the U.S.

Apply for a certificate (first-time or replacement). Your effective date of citizenship will be your date of birth. 

2.Born in the U.S. to a Canadian parent

You may already be Canadian. You’ll need your U.S. birth certificate showing parentage and proof your parent was Canadian at your birth (e.g.,
Canadian birth certificate or citizenship certificate). 

3. Replacing an old citizenship card/certificate

You must return any previous certificates or cards (including pink transmission copies). You can’t hold more than one valid certificate. 

Choose your application route (from the U.S.)

You can apply online or by paper. IRCC will mail approved certificates to U.S. addresses; if your address is outside Canada and the U.S., delivery goes via the Canadian embassy/consulate you select. 

Online application (recommended for most in the U.S.)

• Apply if you’re getting a first-time certificate or replacing a lost/stolen/damaged one.
• You’ll upload one digital citizenship photo and your supporting documents. If you choose a paper certificate, IRCC will mail it to your U.S. address; if you select an e-certificate, you’ll download it from your online account.

Paper application (by mail or at a consular office)

• Submit by mail or at a Canadian embassy/high commission/consulate (useful if you live outside Canada/U.S.).
• Include two printed citizenship photos and required documents. 
• Fee (per person): CAD $75, paid online.

What you need to prepare

1) Documents that establish your claim

• Born in Canada: Canadian birth certificate.
• Born in the U.S. to a Canadian parent:
• U.S. birth certificate showing parentage, and
• Proof your parent was Canadian at your birth (Canadian birth
  certificate or citizenship/naturalization certificate).
•  Legal parent at birth: Since July 2020, a non-biological legal parent listed on your original birth record can pass down citizenship (e.g., in surrogacy contexts). 

2) Identity documents (U.S.-friendly list)

Provide two valid IDs (name + DOB; at least one with photo). If you can’t provide Canadian ID from the U.S., foreign (U.S.) government IDs are acceptable (with translation only if not in English/French). Typical examples include a U.S. passport or state driver’s license.

3) Photos

• Online application: 1 digital citizenship photo that meets IRCC specs (upload the photo and photographer info).
• Paper application: 2 printed citizenship photos meeting IRCC specs (do not
  staple/glue to the form).

4) Translations (if applicable)

Any document not in English or French needs a translation and an affidavit by the
translator (if not a certified translator in Canada).

5) Previous certificates (if replacing)

Return all prior citizenship/naturalization certificates and any pink transmission copies; you cannot hold more than one valid certificate.

E-certificate vs. Paper Certificate

• E-certificate: Fast delivery to your IRCC account; valid for proving citizenship; certificate number starts with “X.”
• Paper certificate: Mailed to your U.S. address if you live in Canada/U.S.; number starts with “K.” Both are valid proofs; neither is a passport or an identity card. 

What IRCC officers verify

IRCC confirms your identity, effective date and basis of citizenship (birth in Canada or descent), whether your Canadian parent was Canadian before your birth, name/date-of-birth changes, and that previous certificates are accounted for. 

Mini-checklists (U.S. readers)

A) Born in the U.S. to a Canadian parent

• U.S. birth certificate (shows parentage)
• Proof parent was Canadian at your birth
• Two IDs (e.g., U.S. passport + state driver’s license)
• 1 digital photo (online) or 2 printed photos (paper)
• Fee receipt (CAD $75) + translations if any 

B) Born in Canada, now living in the U.S.

• Canadian birth certificate
• Two IDs (one with photo)
• 1 digital photo (online) or 2 printed photos (paper)
• Fee receipt (CAD $75) 

C) Replacement of an old card/certificate

• Return all prior certificates/cards (and pink transmission copies)
• ID documents + photo(s) + fee receipt Where IRCC will send the certificate

• Mailing address in the United States or Canada: IRCC mails certificates directly to you.
• Address outside Canada/U.S.: IRCC delivers via the Canadian embassy/consulate you choose. 

Sources (IRCC Operational Instructions & Guides)

• Applications for citizenship certificates (who can apply, required documents, officer verifications). 
• Guide for Online Applications — CIT 0001 (U.S. delivery, digital photo, ID rules, when paper is required).
• Guide for Paper Applications — CIT 0001 (paper route, two printed photos, fees, submissions by mail/consulate). 
• Documents establishing citizenship (what proves descent, what to submit).
• Types of citizenship certificates (what’s valid/invalid; re-lamination).
• Valid proofs of Canadian citizenship (e-certificate vs paper; “X” vs “K”; usage limits).
• First-generation limit — status & interim measure (updated).
• Urgent processing for proof of citizenship (reasons, how to request from the U.S.).