Canadian Citizens

• Simple definition of Canadian citizen:
• A person who was born in Canada or who has applied through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and has received a citizenship certificate

You are probably a Canadian citizen if you…

• Were born in Canada
• Were naturalized—applied for and received a grant of Canadian citizenship
• Received Canadian citizenship as a minor when a parent or legal guardian naturalized and applied for citizenship
• Were born outside Canada after April 17, 2009, and at least one parent was born in Canada
• Were born outside Canada after April 17, 2009, and at least one parent was naturalized in Canada before your birth
• Became a citizen because of changes to the Citizenship Act (e.g., “Lost Canadians”)

You are not automatically a Canadian citizen if you…

• Are married to Canadian citizen
• Are adopted by a Canadian citizen
• Have a refugee claim that is accepted
• Have lived in Canada as a permanent resident for many years
• Were born outside Canada to Canadian parent(s) on or after April 17, 2009, but neither parent was born or naturalized in Canada

You are probably not a Canadian citizen if you…

• Renounced Canadian citizenship and never applied to get it back (e.g., Conrad Black)
• Had citizenship that was revoked by the Government of Canada
• Were born in Canada to foreign diplomats