Having a Canadian relative does not always mean you can claim citizenship. What matters is whether that person is part of your direct family line, such as a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent.
For people born outside Canada before December 15, 2025, citizenship may pass through several generations. However, the connection must remain unbroken: each parent must have been a Canadian citizen when their child was born. It does not matter whether they knew they were Canadian or ever applied for proof.
Relatives outside your direct line cannot pass citizenship to you. This includes siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. A Canadian spouse also cannot make you a citizen automatically, although they may be able to sponsor you for permanent residence.
The date someone became Canadian is important. If your parent became a citizen after you were born, you usually cannot receive citizenship through them. However, if they were later recognized as having been Canadian since birth under Bill C-3, you may also be recognized as a citizen.
Adopted children born outside Canada generally follow a separate citizenship process. Step-parents and legal guardians cannot pass citizenship through descent.
To check your eligibility, begin with your Canadian-born or naturalized ancestor and follow the family line one generation at a time. You will usually need birth certificates, citizenship records and other documents showing the connection between each person.
