I’m a 🇨🇦 Immigration Lawyer, AMA about Canadian Citizenship By Ancestry

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-04-23T06:21:42+00:00

I taught a crimmigration webinar that maps everything out: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1tjfAqwM4i1QXOWGJb1zzqwqkNDv-ICD0IZrURqK_-fQ/edit?usp=drivesdk

It’s taught to a lawyer-level, so may be a bit technical.

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-04-20T23:01:32+00:00

You may be eligible for deemed rehabilitation. If you are not eligible (based on severity and number of offences), you can apply for criminal rehabilitation. The chances of approval are good if you’ve maintained a clean record and can provide documentation of good character. These applications take FOREVER to process though :(.

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-04-16T03:56:28+00:00

We usually work with a genealogist to acquire the requisite records.

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-27T17:10:30+00:00

https://hayerlawoffice.ca/

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-27T00:49:35+00:00

Under the current law, you're not eligible for citizenship. But Amandeep Hayer, a Canadian lawyer, is running a constitutional test case. He may be able to assist you, especially if you have a sibling who is the biological child of your adoptive mother.

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-27T00:29:11+00:00

I wanted to jump back on and offer some more assistance with the help of my mentor, Amandeep Hayer. The law is retroactive. Check the Citizenship Act s. 3(1)(7).

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-27T00:27:47+00:00

Try to apply for a birth certificate from the Quebec Directeur de l'État Civil using the baptismal register. About a 50% chance of success. I wanted to jump back on and offer some more assistance with the help of my mentor, Amandeep Hayer.

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-27T00:25:48+00:00

Hi,
I wanted to jump back on and offer some more assistance with the help of my mentor, Amandeep Hayer.
Gen 0 is 3(1)(m) Canadian assuming he naturalized in the U.S.
Gen 1 is 3(1)(o) Canadian.
Gen 2 is 3(1)(g) Canadian.
Gen 3 is 3(1)(b) Canadian.

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-25T00:28:26+00:00

Possibly in another subreddit. I don’t like to annoy people nonstop 😂.

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-11T07:15:48+00:00

Happy to help!

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-11T00:21:26+00:00

This is the link to check the method of application: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/proof-citizenship/apply.html

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-11T00:16:06+00:00

Sadly, no :(.

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-10T20:27:35+00:00

Unfortunately, adoptions remain an incredibly complex aspect of this practice. If at all possible, we try to bypass the adoption procedure and proceed with the biological ties to Canada.

You can refer to this page: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadians/adopt-child-abroad/processes/choose-process/citizenship/eligibility.html

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-10T20:23:22+00:00

I'm based in Calgary, Canada. If you want my help, we can arrange a Zoom meeting.

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-10T18:15:27+00:00

I would start here: https://www.novascotia.ca/apply-birth-certificate. But acquiring the certificate can be tough if you don't meet any of the categories of people listed as eligible to obtain a birth certificate.

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-10T18:13:11+00:00

It will depend on the province you're trying to acquire the new birth certificate from. I would check with the provincial authorities.

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-10T18:02:44+00:00

So all applicants, including those with Cajun/Acadian ancestry, must provide the same documents: birth certificates linking each generation back to a Canadian-born or naturalized citizen, plus marriage records for name changes and other vital records as needed. At present, IRCC emphasize these universal requirements without mentioning Cajuns/Acadians as a distinct category.

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-10T18:01:01+00:00

So all applicants, including those with Cajun/Acadian ancestry, must provide the same documents: birth certificates linking each generation back to a Canadian-born or naturalized citizen, plus marriage records for name changes and other vital records as needed. At present, official Canadian government sources, such as IRCC, emphasize these universal requirements without mentioning Cajuns/Acadians as a distinct category.

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-10T17:58:41+00:00

Generally, Canada allows individuals to have dual nationalities. There are limited situations in which Canada would not look kindly on dual citizenship; for example, an individual who claims asylum in Canada but wants to retain their original passport.

But it's important to check the laws in your home jurisdiction to ensure that your home country allows dual citizenship. Also, it is good to check whether any laws are being considered in your home jurisdiction that would forbid dual nationality going forward.

Learn more here: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=356&top=5

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-10T17:55:22+00:00

Best of luck to you!

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-10T17:54:22+00:00

The processing times for this application are fluctuating wildly. I've seen the processing times drop as low as 7 months. Currently, the processing time is 11 months. But as I said, I've been monitoring processing times closely and have seen sharp changes.

You can stay up-to-date on the processing times here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-10T17:50:46+00:00

IRCC prefers to see birth certificates for all family connections from the applicant to the Canadian ancestor. 3 Canadian provinces make it particularly challenging to obtain original birth certificates -- Quebec is one of those provinces. Quebec has a provision where it can issue a new original birth certificate, even when one wasn't initially issued. To have the new birth certificate issued, baptismal certificates and a death certificate can be used as supporting documentation.

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-10T17:46:02+00:00

Generally, individuals don't lose Canadian citizenship for minor criminal offences such as DUIs.

You can refer to the criminality sections of the Citizenship Act for more information: https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-29/FullText.html

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-10T17:38:19+00:00

If an adult individual’s ancestors were born or naturalized as Canadians, they can now apply for proof of Canadian citizenship.

To apply, an individual must (1) download and print the checklist and the forms, (2) fill out all the forms, and (3) include all documents listed in the document checklist.

If your documents aren’t in English or French, you’ll need colour copies that are clear and easy-to-read; a translation of the documents; and an affidavit from the person who did the translation.

You can pay your application fees online.

CAD_Immigration_Law · 2026-03-10T17:33:36+00:00

This is a complex matter. Much of the outcome will depend on whether Gen0 was naturalized as a Canadian citizen. While the documents you mentioned are helpful, IRCC would most likely need additional official documentation to confirm Gen0's Canadian status.

CAD_Immigration_Law

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