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Canadian Citizenship

Canadian citizenship is governed primarily by the Citizenship Act, RSC 1985, c C-29, as amended. The Act sets out who is a citizen by birth and descent, the requirements for grant of citizenship, and the processes for revocation, renunciation, and resumption.

Entitlement to citizenship

Citizenship by birth — s 3(1)(a)
Citizenship by descent — s 3(1)(b)
Citizenship by adoption — s 5.1
Second generation born abroad — the s 3(3) bar

Grant of citizenship

Grant of citizenship — s 5 requirements
Physical presence requirement — 1095 days
Language and knowledge requirements — s 5(1)(d)(e)
Intent to reside — s 5(1)(c.1)
Prohibited persons — s 22

Loss and restoration of citizenship

Renunciation — s 9
Revocation — s 10
Resumption of citizenship — s 11

Appeals and review

Citizenship judges — s 14
Appeal to Federal Court — s 14(5)