Pathway finder
My citizenship was refused or is delayed: My child’s
Routes people usually look at
1
A grant of citizenship for a minor child
Usually applied for by a parent who is a citizen or is applying at the same time.2
Proof of citizenship
If the child may already be a citizen through a parent.
What’s usually involved
- Check whether your child is already a citizen. If so, you apply for proof, not a grant.
- For a grant, confirm your child is a permanent resident and that a parent is a citizen or applying at the same time.
- Apply online with the parent’s application, or separately.
- If approved, children under 14 do not take the oath; those aged 14 to 17 do.
Documents you’ll typically need
Timing
Timing depends on whether the application is filed with a parent’s and how complete it is. Check IRCC’s processing times page.
Common pitfalls
- Applying for a grant when the child is already a citizen
- Missing consent or custody documents
- Not filing at the same time as the parent, when that would have been simpler
This is general information, not legal advice about your situation.
Talk it through with Manny
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