Canada’s citizenship laws follow the principle of jus soli, meaning any child born on Canadian soil automatically becomes a Canadian citizen, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. This means that if parents holding Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) have a child while in Canada, the child is granted Canadian citizenship at birth. However, this does not extend any automatic immigration benefits to the parents.
The only exception to this rule applies to children born to foreign diplomats or representatives of foreign governments. For all other cases, Canadian citizenship is a right bestowed at birth if the child is born within Canada’s borders.
While the newborn child is a Canadian citizen, the parents’ legal status in Canada remains tied to their TRV or other temporary immigration documents. Parents must independently apply for permanent residence or other immigration pathways if they wish to stay in Canada long-term. The child’s citizenship does not provide any direct or immediate immigration privileges for the parents.
It is also important to note that although a Canadian citizen child has the right to live in Canada, they cannot sponsor their parents for permanent residence until they are at least 18 years old and meet sponsorship requirements.
In summary, a child born in Canada is automatically a citizen, providing them with the full rights and privileges of Canadian citizenship. However, parents holding TRVs must navigate Canada’s immigration system independently, as the child’s citizenship does not immediately change their status.
