Children born outside of Canada
If your child is born outside Canada, you do not need to register the birth in Canada.
Not all children born outside of Canada to Canadian citizens are entitled to Canadian citizenship.
How to confirm if your child is a Canadian citizen.
If a child is born abroad on or after December 15, 2025, beyond the first generation, that child must demonstrate that their Canadian parent spent at least 1,095 days in Canada prior to the birth of the child.
Additional information on the requirements for citizenship by descent.
You will need proof of citizenship for a child born outside Canada if you plan to get them a Canadian passport.
How to apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate from outside Canada and the United States.
A citizenship certificate is not a travel document. If you’re travelling abroad, you must have a valid passport or travel document.
Related links
- International adoption
- Dual citizens
- Passports for children (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
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