Frequently asked questions:
Applying for citizenship

Proof of citizenship

Could I be a Canadian citizen and not know it?

In general, if you were born in Canada, you are a Canadian citizen. This may not apply if you were born in Canada and at the time of your birth, one of your parents was in Canada with diplomatic status and your other parent was neither a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident.

You are also a Canadian if you were born in another country after February 14, 1977, and one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth.

If you were born in another country after February 14, 1977, to a Canadian parent who was also born in another country to a Canadian parent, you may need to take steps to retain your citizenship before you turn 28 years of age.

You may be a Canadian if you were born in another country before February 15, 1977, and one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth.

Find more information about proof of citizenship in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.

Related Links

• Proof of citizenship