CITIZENSHIP BY BIRTH
Canada · Citizenship by birth
A child born in Canada is generally a Canadian citizen from birth, subject to statutory exceptions such as certain diplomatic cases. The province or territory registers the birth; citizenship evidence supports a separate child-passport application.
Nationality, registration & parents
Birth in the country
Provincial or territorial birth registration
Parents need their own route
From travel planning to documents
Entry & family planning
Travel planning covers entry documents, length of stay, healthcare arrangements and costs. A child’s nationality rights do not replace parents’ entry permission.
Birth registration & documents
Register with the province or territory and obtain the appropriate birth certificate showing parentage. The child’s passport requires its own photos and parental or guardianship documentation, with names matching the birth record.
Parents’ status & onward travel
A child’s Canadian citizenship does not change a parent’s visitor, worker or residence status. Parents seeking settlement can assess immigration routes using their own language, employment or other qualifications.
Budget & long-term planning
Budget for healthcare, insurance coverage, accommodation, registration, certification, travel documents and professional services. Allow time after birth for registration and passport issuance, and arrange the documents needed for onward travel.
Frequently asked questions
Does every local birth confer nationality?
A child born in Canada is generally a Canadian citizen from birth, subject to statutory exceptions such as certain diplomatic cases. The province or territory registers the birth; citizenship evidence supports a separate child-passport application.
Do parents gain status automatically?
A child’s Canadian citizenship does not change a parent’s visitor, worker or residence status. Parents seeking settlement can assess immigration routes using their own language, employment or other qualifications.
Which documents should follow birth?
Register with the province or territory and obtain the appropriate birth certificate showing parentage. The child’s passport requires its own photos and parental or guardianship documentation, with names matching the birth record.