Canadian Citizenship for U.S.-Born Children and Adults

First-Generation Canadians Born in the U.S.

Who qualifies:
If at least one parent was born in Canada (or became a naturalized Canadian before the child’s birth), their U.S.-born child is a Canadian citizen by descent.

Applies to minors and adults:

• Whether your child is a newborn, 25, or 55, the law is the same.
• They are already Canadian, but they must apply for Proof of Citizenship (Citizenship Certificate) to have it officially recognized.

How to Apply for Proof of Citizenship (from the U.S.):

1. Provide the Canadian parent’s proof of citizenship (birth certificate or Citizenship Certificate).
2. Provide the U.S.-born child’s birth certificate showing the parent- child relationship.
3. Include ID, proof of name changes (if any), and a compliant digital photo.
4. Apply online or by paper with IRCC, paying the $75 CAD fee.
5. Wait several months for a digital or paper Citizenship Certificate.

Once approved, the person (child or adult) may apply for a Canadian passport, which is required for Canadians flying into Canada.

Second-Generation Canadians Born in the U.S.

Who this affects:
If the Canadian parent was also born outside Canada (citizen by descent), the child , even if, now an adult is considered second generation abroad.

Current law:

• They are not automatic citizens.
• They may apply through IRCC’s interim discretionary grant of citizenship process (section 5(4) of the Citizenship Act).

Proposed changes (Bill C-3):

• Remove the first-generation limit.
• Require the Canadian parent to show a substantial connection to Canada (at least 3 years of residence before the child’s birth).
• Retroactively restore citizenship to many previously excluded families.

(Sources: [IRCC – Bill C-3 announcement], [The Guardian – Canada to restore citizenship rights])

Example Scenarios

Example 1: First Generation (Child)
Emma was born in Chicago. Her mother, Laura, was born in Vancouver. Because Laura is Canadian-born, Emma is already a Canadian citizen by descent. To prove it, Laura applies for Proof of Citizenship on Emma’s behalf. Once Emma has her certificate, she can apply for a Canadian passport before visiting family in Canada.

Example 2: First Generation (Adult)
Maria was born in Toronto and later moved to Boston, where her son Alex was born. Alex is now 30. Because Maria is Canadian-born, Alex has been Canadian since birth. He only needs to apply for Proof of Citizenship to confirm his status.

Example 3: Second Generation (Adult)
Daniel was born in the U.S. to a Canadian-born mother, making him Canadian by descent. His daughter Jessica was born in New York and is now 28. Because Daniel was born abroad, Jessica is second generation abroad. She is not automatically Canadian under current law, but may qualify under interim discretionary measures — and could be recognized automatically if Bill C-3 passes.

Example 4: Second Generation with Canadian Residence (Parent)
Michael was born outside Canada but became a citizen by descent through his Canadian-born father. Michael lived in Canada from ages 5 to 20 — 15 years — before moving to the U.S. At 30, he had a U.S.-born child, Liam.

• Current law: Liam is not automatically Canadian. Michael must apply for Liam’s citizenship under the discretionary grant process.
• Proposed Bill C-3: Liam would qualify automatically as Canadian because Michael had more than 3 years of physical presence in Canada before Liam’s birth.