Apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate from outside Canada and the United States

A citizenship certificate is a document that proves your Canadian citizenship.

You can use it to access various services and benefits, such as a pension, or apply for a passport.
The certificate is not a travel document.
- If you’re travelling abroad, you must have a valid passport or travel document.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes all proof of citizenship applications in Canada, including online and paper applications.

Canadian embassies, high commissions, consulates and consular offices outside Canada may receive paper applications and securely forward them to IRCC for processing in Canada. Offices outside Canada do not review applications for accuracy or completeness, provide guidance, verify documents, confirm receipt of applications or give updates on an application status.

Eligibility and instructions

Check if you may already be a Canadian citizen (IRCC).

Get proof of Canadian citizenship (IRCC).

If you were born in Canada

A Canadian birth certificate issued by the province or territory of birth is official proof of citizenship.

To obtain a replacement birth certificate, please contact the province or territory in which you were born.

Provincial and territorial contacts for your birth certificate (Statistics Canada).

Electronic versus paper certificates

Electronic certificate:

Available more quickly.
Accessible for download directly by the applicant.
Accepted for Canadian passport applications.
Can be printed or saved as a digital copy.

Learn more about the electronic citizenship certificate (IRCC).

Paper certificate:

Longer delivery time due to protected Government of Canada delivery systems.
Delivered to the postal address you provide.
Accepted for Canadian passport applications.

Citizenship Cards (no longer issued)

Canada stopped issuing plastic wallet‑sized citizenship cards on February 1, 2012.

These cards remain valid proof of citizenship, but they are not replaced if lost or stolen — applicants must instead apply for a citizenship certificate.

I’ve lost my citizenship card / certificate. How do I replace it? (IRCC)

Dual citizenship and travel to Canada

Learn more about passport requirements, exceptions, and special authorizations (IRCC).

Apply online

Many applicants can now submit their proof of citizenship or search of records application online. Applying online is faster, more efficient and saves you mailing costs.

Apply online for a proof of citizenship (IRCC)

Apply online for a search of records (IRCC)

Apply by mail

Some applicants may be required by IRCC to submit a paper application if they are not eligible for the online option.

Get the application package (IRCC).

Canadian embassies, high commissions, consulates and consular offices outside Canada may receive paper applications and securely forward them to IRCC for processing in Canada.

Offices outside Canada:

do not review applications for accuracy or completeness
do not provide guidance
do not verify documents
do not confirm receipt of applications
do not give updates on an application’s status

IRCC will confirm receipt once an application arrives at the processing centre in Canada.

Where to mail your paper application

Paper applications outside of Canada and the United States must be mailed to Attn: Consular section at the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate that serves the area.

Embassies, consulates and offices outside Canada.

Before you submit your paper application

Make sure you:

Clearly label the application for the attention of Citizenship Services
Include your email address on all forms that request it.
Sign and date in the applicable section of all forms as instructed.
Check your photos meet citizenship photo specifications (IRCC).
Pay your fees online (IRCC) and include the printed receipt.
Review and enclose the Document checklist (IRCC) and provide high quality, colour copies of all required documents (both sides).
- Original documents are not required, unless specified. Copies will not be returned.
- Include translations of documents that are not in English or French (IRCC).

Choosing an electronic certificate (e-certificate) will result in getting your certificate faster.

Urgent processing is available only in exceptional circumstances (IRCC).

Offices outside Canada do not confirm receipt of applications. If you wish to track delivery of your application, consider using a trackable mail or courier service.

When processing times begin for paper applications

The processing time for paper applications received at Canadian embassies, high commissions or consulates starts the day IRCC receives your complete application in Canada. The first communication you will receive is an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC — this may take several months.

After you apply

Embassies and consulates cannot provide status updates.

Find out how to check the status of your IRCC application (IRCC).

You can also:

Additional citizenship services and information

Learn more about:

Date modified:: 2026-03-06

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