Resuming Canadian citizenship

Overview

Resuming Canadian citizenship

A former Canadian who formally ceased to be a citizen may apply to resume citizenship if the statutory requirements are met. This is different from applying for proof where citizenship was never actually lost.

Verify how citizenship ended

Obtain the renunciation certificate or historical decision and confirm that later legislative amendments did not restore citizenship automatically. A person who is already Canadian needs proof, not resumption.

Historical women’s and descent cases can be legally complex.

Become and remain a permanent resident

Resumption generally requires current permanent-resident status and no unfulfilled conditions. The former citizen may need to qualify for PR through an immigration program first.

An expired PR card does not itself disqualify a person who retains status.

Meet presence and tax requirements

The applicant generally needs at least 365 days physically in Canada as a PR during the two years before applying and must meet applicable income-tax filing duties. Reconstruct absences exactly.

Ordinary citizenship half-day credits do not replace the resumption rule.

Check prohibitions and take the oath

Criminal, security and citizenship prohibitions can prevent approval. An approved adult generally takes the oath before citizenship is resumed.

Afterward, obtain a Canadian passport for international travel.