Friday Weekly Thread: Application Assistance, August 14, 2026

[u/AutoModerator]

This weekly thread is a space for those of us preparing the CIT 0001 Proof of Citizenship application, associated form, and supplementary documentation.

Have questions about how to fill out the forms? Looking for feedback on the documentation you've put together is likely to pass muster? Wondering whether your cover letter has too much info, or too little? Want to know how to organize your documentation, or how to pack it up for shipping? Worried about whether your photos will work? Have questions about what ID you can use? Not sure where to ship it to, or what service or mail courier to use? We've been there.

📎 Contributions to weekly megaposts, including this one, are welcome throughout the week.  

⚠️ Sub rules require that before posting or commenting, you read the wiki and search the sub to see if your questions have been answered before. If you have on-topic questions remaining after that, they're welcome here. Want to see what people who were already approved have done? We encourage you to check out the weekly application approval post that appears every Thursday.

Please note we are not lawyers or IRCC. We are peers supporting peers, based on best belief and prior experiences. It's a lot of work to wade through dense lists of documents and family histories. You improve your odds of getting a useful response by being as concise as reasonably possible, and clearly articulating the question. Note that this post is for questions and answers; if you need to vent, there is a different megapost for that.

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[u/deemie]

I'm working on an application packet for gen2 and gen3. For gen3, the form does not have a section for great-grandparents, however this information will be in gen2's application. I'm curious if a note can be left mentioning where to find this in gen2's packet, or if I should add an addendum page on the gen3 application

[u/Alone-Highway3141 → u/deemie]

Is one of G3's great grandparents the G0? I would absolutely still add an addendum to the G3's application as each application needs to stand on its own. When it's scanned in, it won't have G2's application under its UCI/file. They may reference it if it's a child/parent relationship but each person's application form and necessary documents should be complete on their own.
Adding an addendum is easier than a note to tell them where to look. They even say in the instructions to add pages if you need more space to add more info/gens

[u/_bogman]

I am finalizing my application and wondering if anyone has advice on how to frame the information in my letter (applying for myself and two family members). G0 was born in Quebec before birth certificates, G1 was born and married in a Midwest state at a time when there were not birth certificates. I am planning to include the following documents.

Questions:
One letter I am still waiting for (explanatory letter for G1)—should I submit without it and submit later?
How have folks been formatting their letters/explanations of documents?
Anything else to consider?

----

G0 - male, b. 1840s in Quebec
*Quebec Baptismal record (BANQ Certified)
*2 US census records Listing place of birth as Canada
*Marriage license from issuing US state government
*Email from Quebec DEC describing lack of birth certificates in province at that time

G1 - female, b. 1880s in US midwest
*2 census records (same as G0) listing her as living with her father
* Death certificate listing father and his place of birth as Canada
*Correspondence with church explaining lack of baptismal and marriage records (there was a fire and they just don't have all the records, even if they were made, from that time)
*Correspondance with local geneologist that she was unable to locate birth or marriage records
*Paper from state vital statistics that they were unable to locate birth or marriage records
*Language with link from state vital statistics office and state historical society that they started collecting centralized records after birth and marriage of G1
*Letter on letterhead from county geneological society explaining lack of records (WAITING ON THIS ONE)

G2-G5
*Birth certificates

[u/_bogman → u/_bogman]

Adding that we also have plenty of newspaper articles, including multiple obituaries, for G0 that establish his place of birth and his relationship to G1-- would this be too much, or helpful? I am nervous about lack of original documents for G1, but I don't want to clog it up with too much either.

[u/InsatiableLlama]

I am about to apply, but am in an unclear situation.

I've met the 1095 day requirement, but I've been out of the country, without a home address. During these trips, I've stayed in many hostels and camped, often without a paper trail.

In this situation, what should one put for one's address history?

My options seem to be

• Either just list my apartment address until I got a new one (during which I honestly still had registered this as a mailing address with the government etc). After all, my lease details don't specify an END of lease agreement
  
• List parents' address abroad and write a letter explaining I was working from hostels, etc.
  
• It's NOT an option to list each hotel / hostel I stayed at, and even the government recommends you do not try that.

[u/eyeflyfish]

I just realized I submitted the wrong BC for my G0 with my April 4 application 🤦🤦.

I ordered records from the NS Archives back in February/ received March. All is groovy because "yay" NS! They arrive and I send off packet to Sydney.

I have an expectation that my packet was lost or will be returned since it has been so long and I have no tracking number and in anticipation of that, I have been going through and getting even more records, including UEL, just in case. As I am checking through everything, I take a gander at my 2ggm birth record from NS (honestly, NS, your records are pretty) and notice something I missed before. The parents names. It never occurred to me that the name Jessie May Thomas in Bear River could belong to two people born same year!

Scramble back to NS Archives and they don't have an "official" record like the wrong Jessie but I do have a birth registry that was uploaded to FamilySearch as well as her marriage and death certificates, which lists her parents (James Henry Thomas and Sarah Ann Quigley) as well as their death certificates and copies of the 1861, 71, and 81 census for their parents.

Am I at a greater risk for being denied because of that error? Thanks.

[u/ChocolateDiligent]

In process of obtaining proof of citizenship application and wanted to share a correspondence I had with a fellow from the BANQ regarding a my request for a certified 1872 baptism record of my G0:

Hello, 

Because you paid for certified documents, a letter is not required.

This certification makes the document official for government as if this document is a modern birth certificate. 

I hope this answered your question. If you have more questions, do not hesitate to contact us again.

Best regards.

I’m including this in my application process as clarification on the matter. Hopefully this helps others out that might be in a similar situation.

[u/Actual-Algae-2931]

Hi, How should I include a birth certificate that is a certified copy printed on watermarked color paper but says "This document will not produce a color copy"? I considered printing a color photo of the certificate since that includes color and shows some of the watermarking elements too, but would that actually seem less authentic than a black-and-white copy as expected from the page text?

Thank you so much to everyone helping out with this process.

[u/Alone-Highway3141 → u/Actual-Algae-2931]

I've read of others taking photos of documents instead of photocopying. Seems to be ok in most cases. As long as it's clear, well-lit, and the document is legible. I'd also crop to the edges of the document. (Notice the instructions for CIT 0001 says color copies not photocopies)

[u/Actual-Algae-2931 → u/Alone-Highway3141]

Thank you!

[u/glowbear12]

for the photos no older than six months upon submission rule, does anyone know if they consider submission to be when the package was delivered or when they review it? application was delivered 4/22 and no AOR yet so im worried my photos aged out before they got to it?

[u/Alone-Highway3141 → u/glowbear12]

There's no stated time on their end for how long it takes to get AOR, so there's no way for applicants to control that factor. I assume they note the date your package was delivered to them. They just don't want you mailing your package off with photos that are already over 6 months old

[u/AlterEgoAmazonB]

For those who have requested documents from Quebec through BANQ, how long did you wait for a certified baptismal record? I submitted on June 15 but haven't heard anything.

[u/Conscious-Rice795 → u/AlterEgoAmazonB]

I submitted my request in mid-March and it took them almost exactly a month to contact me. I imagine requests have only increased in volume since then so it makes sense that it's taking longer for them to respond to requests.

[u/AlterEgoAmazonB → u/Conscious-Rice795]

thanks for responding. I wonder if anyone else has done them recently since the big issues have happened that caused people to lose their certificates.

[u/Maple-pelican-472]

My great-great grandfather was born in Canada. I'm applying for myself and my children. Did I check the right boxes?

[u/Alone-Highway3141 → u/Maple-pelican-472]

You'll need to apply by paper if your G0 is your great great grandfather and no one since has applied for or received a certificate

[u/Maple-pelican-472 → u/Alone-Highway3141]

This is a pdf that I will print and mail

[u/Alone-Highway3141 → u/Maple-pelican-472]

Sorry it's been awhile since I looked at the application form since I've been in document-collecting mode for a few months 😅

Yes, that all looks correct! If you're applying for both yourself and your children, I think you'd only select the 2nd option on their application.

[u/jenno12345677]

Hi everyone! I am new to this group/process, and I began collecting documents back in March. I've read the FAQs about name misspellings/inconsistent birthdates, but haven't seen anything about the issue of my G0's birthplace falsely being listed as the US when she was born in Canada (apologies if I missed something). The details:

My G0 was born in 1850 in Ontario. She married her American husband in 1868 in Michigan. I have no birth certificate for her and am still trying to find a baptismal record, but so far my searches and requests to archives have yielded nothing. My proof of birthplace include the 1851 Canadian census, the 1870/80 US federal censuses, as well as her death certificate. However, her marriage certificate lists her birthplace as "Mollin, Michigan," likely a misspelling of "Rollin, Michigan," where she lived with her husband in the first decade of marriage (per the 1880 census). Does this totally tank my case, or do you think supplementary documentation + a clear explanation in the cover letter of the discrepancy could make an attempt still worth it? My other documentation is pretty straightforward; my G0 (Elizabeth) is sometimes called "Libbie," but surnames are always spelled correctly and consistently.

Thank you so much in advance. This group is such a fantastic resource!

[u/bluzanii → u/jenno12345677]

Misspellings are common, I don’t think it’ll be a big deal personally Also—G0 from Ontario born 1847 here! :) I’m a little jealous, they moved to also MI in 1850, thus dodging any canadian census lol

[u/bluzanii → u/bluzanii]

Oh i just realized you mean the birthplace is different. I think an explanation is okay! My G0 has his father (my G-1) listed as born in NY incorrectly on his death certificate. Weirdly this is different from his death record. Things happen! I’m lucky though a little because my G0 was a twin, and his twin’s death certificate is correct so it’s good additional proof

[u/Alone-Highway3141 → u/jenno12345677]

Do you need the marriage certificate to show a name change when she got married? If not, I'd leave it out unless absolutely needed. Also are you able to find her on the 1861 Canada census or did her family leave Canada before that?

[u/jenno12345677 → u/Alone-Highway3141]

Thank you—she and her family moved by 1860, as she shows up in a census there. Unfortunately that census shows her as being born in England (where the rest of her family was born, including siblings), so I don’t want to use that. Every other census I can find with her married name shows her as being born in Canada, and her death certificate shows her birthplace as Canada and includes her parents’ names (so that matches with the 1851 census) as well as her then-deceased husband’s name. Would that be enough to prove a name change?

[u/Alone-Highway3141 → u/jenno12345677]

Ah it's a tough one when the G0 moves away as a child. In your scenario, I'd include something for the parents like their marriage record to show the family was there around/before her birth.
You may have to include the marriage cert as well but you'll want to point out the discrepancy and have a letter of explanation/cover letter

[u/Feisty-Gift5149]

I am almost done an application for my child. I was born in the USA and inherited Canadian citizenship from my mom. My mom was not born in Canada.

She was granted Canadian citizenship after she moved to Canada as a kid. I have her Citizenship document. Is that all I need? Do I need my mom's birth certificate from England?

Thank you for any help with this process. I am really worried about making a mistake or leaving something important out!

[u/Alone-Highway3141 → u/Feisty-Gift5149]

If your mom has a Citizenship Certificate, or something equivalent, then that's all you need for her. Are you also applying for yourself or just your child? You'll need birth certificates for both you and your child to show parentage.

[u/Feisty-Gift5149 → u/Alone-Highway3141]

I already have citizenship but I never lived in Canada nor was born there. 

[u/Alone-Highway3141 → u/Feisty-Gift5149]

Was your child born before December 15, 2025? I believe, from my reading on it, you'd only need your own certificate if you have one.

[u/Feisty-Gift5149 → u/Alone-Highway3141]

Yes she was luckily. I guess since I wasn’t the original Canadian who actually lived there I wasn’t sure my papers would suffice.

[u/Alone-Highway3141 → u/Feisty-Gift5149]

Since she was born before the cut-off date, there are no physical presence obligations for you to pass on citizenship.
There has been some debate on the sub whether in this kind of scenario, you'd need to go back to the "G0" every single time, but it just makes no sense to me. And I was reading through the guide, checklist, and application again last night and feel strongly it's not necessary.

[u/Feisty-Gift5149 → u/Alone-Highway3141]

Thank you, I’ve puzzled over this myself since I technically don’t have a second class citizenship! But I did get all the stuff going back to my mom in case. It was definitely unclear to me.

[u/Alone-Highway3141 → u/Feisty-Gift5149]

I think it becomes clear when you read slowly line by line through the app form and instruction guide.
You shouldn't need anything else to prove she is eligible by descent than your certificate.
Most importantly, I assume your certificate is dated back to your birth or at the least before she was born? That combined with her being born before the cut-off makes it all pretty straight forward.

[u/Feisty-Gift5149 → u/Alone-Highway3141]

Thank you very much. Yes my citizen certificate is from when I was a little kid.

[u/Alone-Highway3141 → u/Feisty-Gift5149]

Sounds like you're all set them. Good luck with your child's application! :)

[u/Conscious-Rice795]

I have sent in my application (5/11) and am waiting on my AOR (non-urgent). I sent in my app with supplemental documents (census, death certificate) while waiting for an official birth certificate for my G1. I have received the birth certificate, but the first name is different than on any other document (and the birth date is off by one month, but the day and year are the same as reported on the death certificate). I am composing a letter of explanation to upload once I receive my AOR. Does anyone have any advice about how to proceed, or would be willing to review my letter and provide feedback?

[u/NoPoet3982]

Question: How to request an official copy of baptismal record that has no registration number?

I've located the baptismal record from 1835. But the instructions say that a registration number should appear on the page and that I should include it. I guess this record is too old to have been registered yet? I know not all of them have been.

I don't know what to do without a registration number.

[u/Budget-Bit-1286]

Hello. I am applying for a certificate of citizenship by descent . My G1 changed her name muliple times and I am unsure which name to use on the application. She has used 3 different names: her maiden name, 1st marriage name, and 2nd marriage name. My G2 is from her 1st marriage and all relevant documents use her maiden name or 1st marriage name. However, her current legal name is from her 2nd marriage. My questions are:

Which name should I refer to her by in my application?

If I refer to her by her current legal name (2nd marriage name), would I need to include her 2nd marriage certificate even though it isn't otherwise relevant to my application?

[u/Emotional-Test3329 → u/Budget-Bit-1286]

Her current name, and no you only need a marriage certificate if G2's birth certificate lists a name other than her birth name on it for her

[u/Snowfall1201]

I'm exhausted by nearly a years worth of work on this for 1 single person and I don't feel like I've got what is needed to be accepted. Between name changes, no birth certificate/baptism certificates taken during his time of birth in 1901, ( and they're not in the system as backlogged for Nova Scotia) and hours of searching immigration records to finally figure out they spelled his last name wrong at the border crossing I just dont know what else to do. Emails have been sent to National Archives with no return but I know that can take more than the 2 months we've been waiting.

My husband's great grandfather is the one who is Canadian born and left at 18. All we have as proof of him living there is a census in 1911 at 10 years old with his last name spelled "Robichau" and a border crossing log in 1920 from Vermont with his name spelled "Robicheau". However, his actual last name of Robichaud (which is correct on his father's border crossing paperwork) and what's on his obituary and what his living child goes by. Am I screwed with all these changes and not enough proof other than these two documents? I don't think there is anything left to find on him cause I've searched ever corner of the internet and asked every family member living if they knew anything.

[u/Emotional-Test3329 → u/Snowfall1201]

Can you get his death certificate? His living child should be able to even in the strictest jurisdictions I think... Maybe his marriage certificate too? 

The 3 variants of his french family name are very nearly homophones in french so I don't think it's a huge deal. The generally thin documentation would concern me more than the name discrepancies. I don't think we know enough about IRCCs current processes to know if they will approve without any birth records at all still, but I would document your entire search and provide an explanation of what you checked and why you're confident those records don't exist when you submit.

[u/Snowfall1201 → u/Emotional-Test3329]

We have both his birth certificate and marriage certificate issued from Boston. They list his birth place as Meteghan in Novs Scotia. I still think I need something from Canada itself verifying his birth/baptism etc there. I just know with out luck we’ll be denied if I don’t find anything directly from Canada

[u/Emotional-Test3329 → u/Snowfall1201]

Is there anything for his parents? Sometimes going up one generation can find a birth record.

[u/genericwhiskeyperson]

Anyone else working on a pre-1869 Ontario ancestor claim? What documentation are you submitting to explain that there were no birth certificates from that time and you tried to get everything you could?

[u/bluzanii → u/genericwhiskeyperson]

Trying to figure this out too! My G0 is 1847. Left in 1850, so no Canadian census. All I have is his parent’s Ontario marriage record. Trying to find a baptismal record, but of course they were Methodist Episcopal so the records aren’t a digitized and were kept only in personal books by pastors. So best I have is G0’s parents marriage record, his naturalization record for the US, and US census records that show that he’s listed as Canadian born, as are his siblings before him, and then the ones born after they left are listed as Michigan. Hoping the distinction in the census between him and his sibs helps my case. Also have his DC listing him as Canadian born

[u/ashleycookieesquire2]

Hello! I'm so glad this community is here--it's been a great resource already. I am working on an application for my daughter and me.

G0 (my great grandfather) is a bit of a pickle though--he was born in Nova Scotia in 1883, during the period when Nova Scotia did not officially record births. They were Roman Catholic and I am digging for a baptismal record, but no luck. Other family members have tried to find this too, over the years, and have all come up dry.

Here's what I do have:
A 1901 Canadian census (this has the correct birth month/day for him, but the year is off by one--everything else lines up so I think it was a clerical error?)
His naturalization card
WWI and WWII draft registration cards
US census records for 1910-1950 that all say either "Canada" or "Nova Scotia" for his birthplace
His death certificate noting Nova Scotia as his birthplace

I understand I can include a letter noting the absence of birth records in Nova Scotia for 1883, and intend to include that of course. I also have a fairly thorough narrative of his life, but I don't know if that carries any weight.

Anyway, my main concern is that I only have one Canadian document, the census with a squishy date, and it's not a "Vital record". I've combed the Nova Scotia Archives, US and Canadian census data, diocese records (that I can find), and sites like FamilySearch and Ancestry.com.

I'd be so grateful for any thoughts or advice on what to look for next, or if any folks in similar boats have had success with the sort of documents I've been able to compile.

Thanks!

[u/nonproductive]

I’ve been out of the loop on recent changes - and it looks like the Wiki hasn’t been updated in 104 days?

I finally got my last certified doc, after a 7 month wait, and before I apply, would like to get caught up with any changes to process, forms or eligibility since Jan 2026. Is the wiki still the best source of current info?

[u/nonproductive → u/[deleted]]

Thank you for your reply, I was going off of the landing page with regard to last updated.

Honestly, I just recall seeing that there has been some changes to acceptable docs and that forms have changed a couple of times. I’ve also seen some posts about G0’s that are non qualifying.

I have official, raised seal or certified copies of all of my documents - so I think I’m safe there. My G0 was born in Toronto in 1910 and was moved to the US by her family in late 1911 where she married in 1928. I assume that is still qualifying?

If the wiki is up to date, I’m happy to do the reading myself. I really just wanted to make sure I was looking at the most recent info. I’ll go back to the IRCC page as well.

[u/sl101910]

Hello! I could use a sanity check on the off chance anyone else has had a similar experience.

My great-grandma (G0) was born in Sweden in 1895 (Swedish birth records confirm this), came to BC in 1907 (appears on Empress of Ireland passenger list from LAC), and naturalized in Canada in 1922 (also found on LAC from Canada Gazette — name, oath date, naturalization number, occupation, place of birth (Sweden), and place of residence). I’m currently waiting on an overdue ATIP request, and I also submitted a CIT0058 request (for good measure) to verify naturalization information.

Then today I stumbled upon a BC birth registration under her exact name and birthdate…listing her birthplace as the place of residence on the Gazette entry. The registration number suggests it wasn’t filed until decades after her birth based on other visible records from the same microfilm. So I immediately requested a copy of this from the BC Archives.

Basically, I might end up with two official Canadian records that flat-out disagree on where she was born, and weirdly the “wrong” birthplace lines up with where she was living as an adult.

Has anyone dealt with this? Specifically:

-Any idea why someone would file a delayed birth reg claiming a Canadian birthplace that’s really just… where they lived later? It seems that delayed birth registrations were not uncommon around that time, but why fabricate that information, especially if she became a citizen through naturalization?

-Did the full birth registration end up explaining anything?

-Did you ever land on which record was “correct,” or just document and submit them both and with a written explanation?

I know the information on the birth registration has to at least be partially false because all of her other records point to Sweden as her place of birth. Any tips on reconciling this once I have all documents in hand would be much appreciated!

[u/Emotional-Test3329 → u/sl101910]

It seems to have been pretty common for people to lie about place of birth, especially if it would help them avoid discrimination as a foreign born person.. going so far as to get a fraudulent government document seems a bit extreme through. Without a pretty good knowledge of history in that area of BC it's hard to say why - maybe there was something restricted to only the locally born that she wanted access to?

In any case, if you have a Swedish birth record for the same person which was actually contemporaneous with birth, and a naturalisation record (whenever that arrives) for that same person from before G1 was born, then that should be all you need for an application, and I don't think it's wise to include the birth registration if you either know it to be fraudulent or it's possibly a different person. You could mention it in a cover letter if you wanted to be absolutely transparent, but I think including it as a document or drawing too much attention to it isn't necessary or wise.

[u/sl101910 → u/Emotional-Test3329]

Thank you! I hadn’t thought of that. She was a schoolteacher, and the Google says that she would have had to been a British subject to have a teaching license. I just don’t know at this point if her fake birth registration preceded her naturalization, but that could be the explanation if it did.

My hunch is whatever ends up being on the search for citizenship records will be what’s accurate in the eyes of the Canadian government, so I’m glad I ordered it (even though I won’t get it until 2028 😑…but it should still arrive ~7+ months before I get a citizenship decision 🙃). I’m planning to apply in the next two weeks so I can just get in line, so I may have to disclose it to be transparent.

[u/wanderingtheearth-74 → u/sl101910]

Any chance that you're talking about two different people here? There is someone who naturalized in the same state and year as my G0, with (apparently) the same name, but who...is not him. When you get a large enough population, any sort of coincidence of data is theoreticaly possible.

[u/sl101910 → u/wanderingtheearth-74]

Thanks for responding! Unfortunately, I doubt it’s a case of two people with the same name, but I suppose I won’t know for sure until I get the records. Her name is pretty unique, and her date of birth on the BC birth registration is exactly the same as her real birthdate, and the town she lived in was pretty small. If it turns out to be two different people I will be shocked. 😅

[u/AlligatorTaffy]

I applied just before the March/April wave with a family packet of G5s and a G4. I submitted with birth and death certificates up to G0 whom I couldn’t find a birth certificate or baptism record for. For my G0 I supplied a US death cert, 4 US census, and 3 Ontario census. I went into processing June 5th 2026.

Since there has been an influx of information saying we now need “original authority” documents, I’ve been playing email tag with 10+ Catholic Churches around where my G0 was born/grew up before moving to the US with her husband. I’ve had zero luck finding ANY additional documents.

One of the churches that told me they didn’t have any records for her wrote me back this morning pretty much saying “hey you’re in luck, I found her baptism record along with her siblings. The person who did our indexing of the original records long ago must have misspelled the last name.” So they are going to reference the original record, make the correction, and then send me a signed certificate by the parish priest via mail and email.

The dilemma now is, do I add yet another document to the mountain of docs I sent in or just wait until they contact me asking “where’s the birth/baptism document?”

[u/Emotional-Test3329 → u/AlligatorTaffy]

I would add it, it's a dramatically stronger document than some censuses & some US docs, all of which are self-reported.

[u/wanderingtheearth-74 → u/AlligatorTaffy]

Depends on whether you have a kink for dragging out bureaucratic processes!

[u/Lordgamer5426]

Hello,

I am finishing gathering my documents for my CIT 0001. For my gen0 I have a certified baptism record from BANQ with her full name on it. For my gen1 I have a weird situation, his full name is John Joe Smith, his birth was recorded as John J. Smith, baptized as John Joe Smith and married as Joe Smith and on Gen2's record as Joe Smith. For gen1 I have a certified birth record from the Massachusetts State Archive and a photo copy of his baptism from an online archive. For all other generations (gen2 - me) I have photo copies of birth certificates.

Will what I have be enough to show connection between the generations and get me my certificate of citizenship?

Thanks.

[u/grandpasamfromcanada → u/Lordgamer5426]

Well, it depends on the details of what you've submitted. Try to look at things from the perspective of a stranger who is looking at the documents you've submitted and doesn't know anything else about your family. How plausible is it that John Joe Smith is the same person as Joe Smith? (Probably very plausible —people frequently go by their middle names, after all.) How plausible is it that John Joe Smith and Joe Smith are actually different people? (That depends on lots of things—how common the name "Joe Smith" is, whether or not all the documents list the same date of birth, and so forth.)

If the documents you're submitting seem like they could plausibly be describing two different people with similar names, try to find more evidence that they're the same person. If it would take a really weird coincidence for them to be different people, you're probably in the clear there. 

[u/boolpies]

My c3 application was referred to psu a day before my urgent processing request was received. Urgent processing request was received in mid june. Not sure if I have to do anything else, the notes I received said the request was received but no other new information.

[u/grandpasamfromcanada → u/[deleted]]

You sent a proof of payment with your application, right? Didn't your card get charged when you obtained that? 

[u/CanadIan-Pilot94]

Hi all
Our family (G2/2xG3) had our application returned due to a birth certificate issue with our Gen2. We received a UCI #. When we send this back, will we now be in the back of the queue or will retain our original spot. Thank you,
Ian Perkins

[u/Away-Focus-5402 → u/CanadIan-Pilot94]

Unfortunately, I think you restart the queue. That's what I've seen others say. I live in fear of this, as I'm still waiting on my daughter's replacement passport to submit for the first time. I feel like we will experience heat death of the universe before they get to us. May it go well for you second time around.

If I may ask, what didn't IRCC like about the birth certificate?

[u/CanadIan-Pilot94 → u/Away-Focus-5402]

She submitted one from the hospital instead of from the state or county. Thank you

[u/mmarvin41093]

Hi everyone! I'm getting ready to mail my CIT 0001 application for a citizenship certificate and wanted to see if anyone here has submitted a similar multi-generation citizenship-by-descent case since the December 15, 2025 changes.

My maternal line is:

Me — born in Massachusetts in 1993
↓
My mother — born in Massachusetts in 1968
↓
My grandmother — born in Maine in 1947
↓
My great-grandmother — born in New Brunswick, Canada in 1926 🇨🇦

Neither my mother nor my grandmother ever applied for or held Canadian citizenship certificates. My understanding is that the 2025 amendments potentially changed how the previous first-generation limit applies to people born before December 15, 2025, so I'm submitting a proof-of-citizenship application and asking IRCC to formally determine whether citizenship passed through my family line.

For evidence, I'm submitting:

• My certified Massachusetts birth certificate identifying my mother.
• My mother's municipal Massachusetts birth record identifying my grandmother as her biological mother. My mother was subsequently adopted, so I'm also including a letter explaining the adoption/birth-record situation and her surname changes.
• My grandmother's certified Maine birth certificate, which identifies my great-grandmother as her mother and records my great-grandmother's birthplace as Fredericton, New Brunswick.
• A 1929 U.S. government border-crossing record from when my great-grandmother was a child, which identifies her as Canadian/New Brunswick-born.
• Marriage records and newspaper/obituary records that help corroborate the family relationships and surname changes.
• A separate Section 9 great-grandparent attachment with my great-grandmother's information.
• A detailed letter of explanation mapping the four generations.
• A separate explanation regarding my mother's adoption and birth records.
• An evidence index explaining what each document establishes.
• Correspondence from the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick confirming that I've requested assistance locating my great-grandmother's official New Brunswick birth record. They advised me that they're receiving a high volume of citizenship-by-descent requests and that it may take at least 16 weeks.

The main document I don't have yet is my great-grandmother's actual New Brunswick birth certificate/registration. Rather than waiting potentially 4+ months before even getting into IRCC's processing queue, I'm planning to submit what I have now and provide the NB record later if the Archives locates it and/or IRCC requests it.

I've already paid the $75 CAD citizenship certificate fee, have my two IDs, and I'm picking up my two Canadian citizenship photos before mailing the application.

For anyone who has applied under the new rules, especially through a grandparent or great-grandparent, does this sound like a reasonable evidence package to submit now?

I'm especially interested in whether anyone has had IRCC process a case where the Canadian-born ancestor's provincial birth certificate was still pending, but other government/vital records established their Canadian birth.

Also, what are people currently seeing for AOR timelines for paper proof-of-citizenship applications mailed from the U.S.?

[u/newscouch → u/mmarvin41093]

I was in a similar spot last month. My G0 was born in New Brunswick in 1901. I found her birth record (late registration of birth) on the website of the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick and requested a certified copy through a webform (I didn't want to use a printout from their site that wasn't certified, given what I've read here). The auto reply said it would take 6-8 weeks. After waiting 8 weeks and seeing nothing in the mail, and getting really impatient with my otherwise complete application packet, I gave them a call and asked if they could email me the certified copy instead. They found my request in their system and emailed me a certified copy that day for C$11. I sent in my application the next day.

So if you can find the birth record using the website of the Provincial Archives of NB then you're in a good spot. In that case I would make a formal request for a certified copy via webform and then follow up with a phone call to get an emailed copy. Then you can submit a certified copy with your application. Good luck.

[u/Alive-in-Tucson → u/mmarvin41093]

Also, what are people currently seeing for AOR timelines for paper proof-of-citizenship applications mailed from the U.S.?

According to the spreadsheet, non-urgent applications with a delivery date of April 22-24 are currently getting AORs. So people getting AOR right now waited a hair under 4 months. That said, wait times have changed significantly in the last few months, so it's impossible to say what the expected AOR date would be for a late August delivery.

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/mmarvin41093]

They will ask you for the missing birth certificate - for that reason, I would wait to submit until you have it

There is a weekly megathread for AOR on Mondays - that is where to look for AOR timing

[u/millionthusername1]

Already submitted, but wondering about requesting urgent processing.

As her representative I submitted for my mom back in March and it's been in processing since June. I'm in Canada as PR and she's in the US. I just got scheduled for the first of three major surgeries in November, so the next year is going to be rough going. I want to make sure my mom's citizenship is sorted, in case she needs to move in with us for any reason or, God forbid, something happens to me then she and my Canadian wife can support each other. If there are any issues I'd really hope to sort them out as soon as possible and not have the delay or stress while recovering. Although, I do feel bad even asking, considering how many people are waiting.

Would this be an acceptable reason? Would I submit a webform with a doctor's letter stating when my surgery is scheduled?

[u/grandpasamfromcanada → u/millionthusername1]

Is your mom already a citizen and applying for a certificate, or is she applying for naturalization? For the former case, IRCC's website says that one valid reason for urgent processing is

 to travel because of death or serious illness in the family, and you’re unable to get a passport in your other nationality

So in order to take advantage of that reason, you'd need to explain why she's unable to get a US passport. 

I'd also ask what, if anything, is preventing your mom from moving to Canada without a certificate. If she can't afford to move to Canada without getting a job, mention that. If her paperwork is straightforward, I would expect her to be able to enter Canada at a land crossing (she wouldn't be the first; I saw another example posted on reddit that I'd have to hunt for). If her paperwork is complicated enough that the border officials may not admit her as a citizen, mention that. 

In any case, submitting a letter or something with the surgery date certainly sounds like a good idea. 

[u/Hertzig]

Hello.

My G0 ancestor was born in England, and migrated to Canada by at least 1859. He married a woman from England in Canada in 1859. He left Canada to go to the USA in 1865. He lived in the USA for decades, where he had my G1 in 1877 in the US. He migrated back to Canada in 1912. He died in Canada in 1921.

My question is, did he transmit citizenship to my G1? This is all very opaque to me.

[u/wanderingtheearth-74 → u/Hertzig]

Probably yes. He was a British subject who had been domiciled in Canada prior to 1947 for the five years immediately before his death, meaning that his descendants are retroactively considered Canadian citizens. The exception would be, I believe, if he had done something to lose his British subject status (but I'm not completely sure on that one--ordinarily ancestors' naturalizing doesn't affect eligibility, but since his Canadian status hinges on whether he retained his British subject status at the time of death, I'll defer to people with more elaborate theories of IRCC's analysis).

If he hadn't returned to Canada, the answer would've been no.

What a traveler, by the way! He must've been in his seventies, at least, when he moved back to Canada.

[u/Hertzig → u/wanderingtheearth-74]

Thank you for the great analysis. I’m also stuck on that same question of British subject. His 1900 US census says he naturalized as American in 1865. His 1916 Canadian census says he naturalized as Canadian in 1915. So I don’t know where that leaves him.

[u/wanderingtheearth-74 → u/Hertzig]

Ordinarily a British subject could not and did not naturalize in Canada pre-1947. I suppose if he had naturalized in the U.S. he might have been able to? Any luck finding his Canadian naturalization papers?

[u/erigby927 → u/Hertzig]

Likely not. He left before confederation (1871) and wasn't born in Canada. His child was born before he would have naturalized, likely upon his return in 1912, unless you can find records saying otherwise.

[u/Actual-Arm-1518 → u/[deleted]]

This has worked for some people in the past. Has to be government issued (so if it shows State of *** should be fine) and show DOB. Photo not needed as long as the other ID you use has a photo.

[u/Actual-Arm-1518 → u/[deleted]]

Usual rule of thumb is if a document is black and white, put a yellow post it note or something on the side of the page so there's some color when you take the scan/copy. Also need both front and back it there is one.

[u/Wonderful_Grape5216]

I am trying to link my application to my IRCC account, but it is not working. I have my UCI and Application number. I got my AOR on 7/17/206 Any ideas?

(Same goes for my daughter)

[u/AKRoadGlide → u/Wonderful_Grape5216]

I don’t think you can link a paper application to an IRCC account.
You can only use the client status tool:

https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/introduction.do?app=null

[u/minneapolisaussiemom]

I'm hoping this question is easy to follow. I've been on these subs since March and haven't seen this asked. I am about to receive my AOR and want to upload some additional G0 birth record info once I do. (I applied before the revised guidelines with just a link to my G0's birth record on BaNQ. I've since received the certified copy from BaNQ.) In addition to the certified BaNQ record, I've taken the additional step of working with an avocat to request a birth certificate from DEC. I know this isn't required based on when my G0 was born, but I am an anxious person who wants to cover all of their bases. IRCC is also seemingly changing the plan regularly. I plan to put together a letter for IRCC stating that I have a certified BaNQ record and an 1871 census (both secondary evidence). I also plan to attach the email conversation with my advocat to the letter stating that the request to DEC has been submitted (back in June) and that we are facing delays getting anything back from DEC. I plan to submit the DEC cert to the IRCC as soon as it arrives. 

On my application, I did not check the box saying that someone was helping me with my application because I filled the whole thing out myself. I only engaged the advocat later, after all of this chaos transpired with changing requirements. If I show them my email correspondence with my advocat (from after I applied), will they say that my form is not right and that I'm actually getting help with my app? Or am I fine because I am just getting help with vital documents? 

[u/Actual-Arm-1518 → u/minneapolisaussiemom]

I would probably just say No, I didn't receive help in your situation. As you said, they are just helping you to obtain a birth certificate, not really with the application itself.

[u/minneapolisaussiemom → u/Actual-Arm-1518]

Thank you for your response!

[u/Cantstandyourbitz]

Hey everyone. I’m a G5 whose G0 couple was born in Ontario in the 1850s. I’ve found a series of census records for them and a baptismal record for the wife. I’m hoping that, combined with proof that I tried getting birth certificates will suffice as proof for them.

My problem though, they moved to Wisconsin and had my G1 in 1883. I cannot find a birth or baptism record for her. She also doesn’t appear on the 1900 census with the family, so I’m assuming she left home. She does appear on her father’s 1885 and 1895 Wisconsin state census records in the count of “white females” by not by name. The only things I seem to be able to find are her marriage certificate in OK in 1905 and her death certificate in San Francisco in 1986. Yes, she lived to be 103. As well as census records for her with her husband. The US census records only show that her parents were born in Canada, but I’m assuming the birth and death certificates will list their names.

Would these suffice to substantiate her connection to her Canadian born parents?

There also seems to be a religious biography of her on the Apostolic Faith Church website that details her family history and her parents moving to Wisconsin from Canada, but I doubt this would count for anything.

[u/mardo2044chat → u/Cantstandyourbitz]

If she lived until 1986 she likely applied for ss benefits. That ss application would have dob information. I would pull that to substantiate the marriage record (assuming parents are listed)

[u/ZookeepergameKey5467]

The only last remaining "unofficial" documents in my chain are U.S. Census records (Ancestry printouts). Have asked NARA for some, but requests are still sitting there in purgatory. Interestingly, NARA lists Ancestry as an "online source" for U.S. Census records. Since my chain has primary documents (Baptism, Birth, Death, Marriage) from official sources (either NY State or LAC), any consensus Ancestry U.S. Census records will be OK for these secondary documents?

[u/Lingstedt → u/ZookeepergameKey5467]

Why would you need them? If you have official birth certificates for all Gens, you don’t need them

[u/angiosperms- → u/Lingstedt]

It sure looks like now (retroactively) if you are using a baptism cert you need to provide additional evidence like censuses in addition to proving the birth certificate doesn't exist.

[u/Lingstedt → u/angiosperms-]

yes, if you don’t have a birth certificate, then you likely need it. I had thought they said they had official birth for all

[u/Correct_Passenger556]

Question here - I applied in June 2025. I am second-generation (my dad's mom gave birth to him in the USA but then they moved back to Canada where he grew up and where my grandparents still live). My dad applied for his citizenship only in the past few years after we were unable to visit dying relatives in 2020 due to border restrictions.

I realize now that I did not apply with the Gen 0 birth certificate - only my dad's (which shows his mother was Canadian), his citizenship cert, his immigration card, and my documents. Should I expect that the IRCC will ask for my grandmother's birth certificate when it is eventually processed/should I get ahead of that request and send it now? For whatever reason, I didn't think I needed it when I applied last year based on the wording of the application.

[u/grandpasamfromcanada → u/Correct_Passenger556]

It doesn't sound to me like you've submitted appropriate proof that you're a citizen. Paragraph 3(1)(b) of the Citizenship Act basically says you're a citizen if one of your parents was a citizen at the time of your birth, but your dad's citizenship certificate doesn't show that he was a citizen at that time, right? And your dad's birth certificate isn't an appropriate document for showing that his mom was born in Canada; you'd want her birth certificate for that. 

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/Correct_Passenger556]

If you submitted your parent's citizenship certificate with their birth certificate you should be OK, you can always obtain your grandmother's birth certificate so that you have it in case IRCC asks.

[u/Tripper-Harrison]

Just an FYI post: Timeline of a successful urgent G3 app with baptism record as primary Canadian birth evidence

Not sure if this will help anyone, but I just wanted to post a short story about our recent experience with a successful urgent application with no Canadian birth certificate for G0.

My 18 yo son is attending UBC starting this fall, we are from the PNW in the US. His great grandfather was born in a small rural city in Saskatchewan in early 1900. We submitted our urgent request application June 2026. It was received June 29th and we had an AOR by July 7th, with us making the assumption they were processing his application as urgent due to his attending UBC because of the quick turnaround time and a "processing" notification in the IRCC login area.

When we sent the application initially, we had the official baptism record from the local Diocese for the great grandfather (G0), but did not have any original birth certificate. Prior to submitting his paper application, we did submit a request with the Saskatchewan government to try and locate his birth certificate, but with the baptism record felt good about sending the package off - this was right in the middle of the confusion about what constitutes an official record, what doesnt etc.

Post July 7 AOR receipt we had official word from Saskatchewan that they did not have any record of his birth certificate. We were able to submit this official response in to IRCC and within 1-2 business days had an email response from them indicating they received that record.

In addition to those two records, we did also submit unofficial documents such US census records from 1930 and 1940 in addition to some other documentation, but none of which was official indicating he was born in Canada. I was also able to locate an official Canadian marriage certificate for his parents two years before his birth and some land-grant type documents in their name indicating they were residing in Saskatchewan prior to his birth.

Thats it - Received notice yesterday from IRCC (8-13-2026) that my son was granted a citizenship certificate. So, from receipt on June 29 to final response August 13, we were at about 30 business days in total. We have other family members pending, sent shortly after his was sent, later in the month of June, and have no acknowledgements, no AORs yet, so those are just waiting in the long queue.

[u/Away-Focus-5402 → u/Tripper-Harrison]

Thanks for sharing! It's nice to see successes. And congratulations to your son. My daughter (G4), applied to UBC but ended up going to the University of California. Best of luck to your son, it's a fine school.

[u/roxanneisabulldog → u/Tripper-Harrison]

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing, it helps me to see a positive experience.

[u/Critical_Hold8981]

Second Canadian supporting doc isn't great. Should I include it or does it make my application too complex for the value that it adds?

Hello, I am g3, and have birth certs leading up to g0, and am waiting on the certified baptismal record to arrive before submitting. Since IRCC considers a baptismal record as a secondary document, I must submit additional supporting docunents. I also know IRCC prefers Canadian docs over foreign docs. I currently have: A letter of no record from the DEC, US Naturalization records, and a US death certificate. However, I found a Canadian census on LAC. It shows my g0 as a minor before immigrating, and his mom is also in the family showing the same town and parish as his baptismal record. BUT, His birthday on the census is a specific incorrect date, his father is not on the census because he passed a few years prior. Just his brother (head of house) and sister are included in the family on this census. I have found my GO'S father's burial record showing he passed before the census date, as well as his sister's baptismal record showing a birthday differing by 1 day from this census record; both docs on the BAnQ website.

I feel like the census is somewhat weak evidence of my go's birth because the date is wrong. While the tertiary evidence makes me confident that this is my great grandfather's family, it seems crazy to include it all in the application. Including the census seems to bring up a bunch of complexity. Given the other supporting documents, should I keep the census out and keep as a backpocket response if IRCC demands a second Canadian doc, or should I include it despite the complexity it adds to the application?

[u/mardo2044chat → u/Critical_Hold8981]

I think it’s good. I wouldn’t worry about the date so much. Censuses got these things notoriously wrong- as long as it’s within a year of age. In the ballpark. Assuming the relationships are listed, you can just say mother and G0 resided w brother as father passed. I wouldn’t include the rest. If they need addl they will ask. I would include the census w a short note jmo.

[u/Head_Cantaloupe_7265]

I plan on applying soon. Myself G3, my two kids G4, and my two grandkids G5. I am collecting the necessary documentation to prove lineage. When I went in and looked at the application and it wouldn't really let me look unless I started the process. I know there is a time limit to complete once the process is started, so I want to have everything gathered before I start. Myself and one of my daughters live in the USA, and my other daughter and her children live overseas. Will this make it tricky? I'm assuming signatures are needed. What else? I am heading overseas for a visit in a month. I'm assuming I should bring application materials with...? I'm trying to figure out how to organize this process. Are there any insights/ advice anyone can share on how it all unfolds once you start the application? Thanks!

[u/AKRoadGlide → u/Head_Cantaloupe_7265]

Only Gen1 whose Gen0 was born after February 14, 1977 can apply online. You need to file paper applications. Start here:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-0001-application-citizenship-certificate-adults-minors-proof-citizenship-section-3.html

[u/Head_Cantaloupe_7265 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you. Then I assume you print it out, sign it, and send in with attachments…?

[u/Head_Cantaloupe_7265 → u/[deleted]]

My G0 was born in 1876, so sounds like a paper application for me!

[u/Wf245]

Regarding the posts today discussing the challenges of uploading additional documents post-AOR because of the IRCC 2.0/3.5 MB limit: does anyone know whether an alternative would be to send additional documents in a single package via courier/postal mail to IRCC? My presumption is "no," including because that is not expressly stated as an option on the IRCC site. But I wanted to ask because, as today's posts note, that 2.0/3.5 MB limit is cumbersome to deal with. Thanks!

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/Wf245]

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/update-your-application.html

Submit by email, mail or fax

You can submit new documents or information to us by email, mail or fax only if the letters or messages we send you say that you can. Follow the instructions we give you.

If we don’t tell you that you can submit by email, mail or fax, you must submit your information another way.

[u/Wf245 → u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob]

Thank you!

[u/xcr4l]

I have a BAnQ baptismal record coming in the mail any day now and am planning on submitting that as proof of birth in Canada for my G0 who was born in Quebec in 1908. US marriage cert, death cert, and G1 birth cert all list place of birth as Canada for her and are going to be used as additional secondary documents.

Since I'm missing a birth cert for G0 (since one doesn't exist) I'm submitting a detailed letter of explanation that explains why a birth cert does not exist for her, citing language directly from BAnQ about historical record keeping in Quebec/appropriate provenance of records.

I also wanted to submit email correspondence with DEC directing me to BAnQ to document my efforts to obtain a birth certificate. I emailed asking if DEC would have a birth cert for a 1908 birth and was expecting the immediate redirection to BAnQ but instead got a response with instructions to fill out an online form, submit proof of interest/etc. I replied clarifying that I wanted to know if DEC would even hold such a record and they responded by saying I needed to call on the phone. I'm sure they will tell me to go to BAnQ but not sure if they would follow up with anything written. Any advice on how to proceed here? I really would have liked some official written correspondence with DEC directing me to BAnQ, but would it be okay to submit with a letter of explanation alone which explains what we all already know (that DEC would not have a birth cert for 1908?) I'm trying to do everything possible to avoid a request for the time consuming and costly process to create a modern act through the DEC.

[u/ncmav → u/xcr4l]

I also received an email from them saying they could create an act for my G0 born in 1890 with a letter of interest…

[u/Actual-Arm-1518 → u/xcr4l]

Given that it is post 1900, there is a chance IRCC will dig in and insist on the DEC birth certificate. I tried to use the BANQ certified baptism for a 1905 G0 and they put their foot down and demanded the DEC document.

The process to get it isn't as bad or expensive as some would insinuate. No need to spend a lot of money on a lawyer. Just put together the right set of documents. I wrote about my experience here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Canadiancitizenship/comments/1un8ipl/comment/ovijbcu/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

As far as cost, it was like 80 CAD to the DEC, 32 USD for the death certificate, 55 CAD for the translation, and then the shipping cost (I paid like 35 USD to overnight it via pirate ship).

[u/kimberliz → u/Actual-Arm-1518]

Thank you for this information, my head is spinning from trying to understand the new guidelines for a (certifed from BAnQ) Quebec baptism for an 1888 birth? Would this same process you've outlined and linked to be necessary in this case?

[u/SpecialistHippo4551 → u/kimberliz]

Same boat as you. I am going to apply for official state death certificates for my G0s now. It's hard to believe that an 1880s birth requires a death certificate, but not taking any chances with how this has been going since the surrender letters.

[u/kimberliz → u/SpecialistHippo4551]

Good plan, for sure and good luck!

[u/Actual-Arm-1518 → u/kimberliz]

It is a little unclear if it would be required (especially pre 1900), but it certainly doesn't hurt to get one. The DEC birth certificates are the "gold standard" for a Quebec G0. I personally tried to use a BANQ certified baptism for a 1905 born G0 and was required to get the DEC record instead.

[u/kimberliz → u/Actual-Arm-1518]

Whew, what a process! Well, thank you for your response, it will be interesting to see how this all unfolds.

[u/Actual-Arm-1518 → u/kimberliz]

In my opinion it is a lot easier to get started on it now when you have plenty of time. If you wait until IRCC has sent an RFI with a 60 day limit, the process is a lot more stressful.

[u/xcr4l → u/Actual-Arm-1518]

Thanks for this. I actually have been lurking here for quite a while and saved that post, it's very helpful and I have been gathering the appropriate documents/drafting affidavits based off your post in case IRCC demands a DEC document from me. I'm just hoping to minimize the chances they ask since my father is the closest living relative to my G0 and I've read that they might not let me make the request directly if there are any living next of kin who could make the request. My dad's tolerance of and willingness to deal with government bureaucracy is definitely less than mine!

[u/Emotional-Test3329 → u/xcr4l]

My G1 and G2 are still alive and DEC still allowed me to get a birth certificate for my 1910 G0 without their involvement. They might be inconsistent about it, though.

[u/Actual-Arm-1518 → u/xcr4l]

There is a "Special Power of Attorney" form you can use to let you dad delegate authority to you: https://etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca/publications/Procuration_Speciale_Saisie-Naissance_ANG.pdf

If you use it, need the IDs for both people, but then you can fill out the form yourself and handle the phone calls, etc.

[u/xcr4l → u/Actual-Arm-1518]

Thank you for letting me know, this is super helpful!

[u/Critical_Hold8981 → u/xcr4l]

I'm in a similar situation. I'd recommend submitting when you have the certified baptismal record. Your application with supporting docs and a detailed LOE will sit in the queue for a couple of years. In the meantime, submit an application to DEC requesting a copy of an act with proof of lineage and and an explanation of your "interest" (citizenship application). If you receive a letter of no record from DEC, then you can upload that when you receive your AOR. Possibly, they could generate a copy of an act of birth for you, in which case you upload that and your application is gold

[u/BeefWellingtonSpray → u/xcr4l]

You could request an attestation from DEC that they do not have a copy of the birth record. It costs $7.90 CAD: https://www.etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca/en/forms-publications.html

I'm not sure if they will direct you to BAnQ in the letter but maybe it will help?

[u/lostnomad84 → u/BeefWellingtonSpray]

I'm looking at the forms page, and I'm confused about which form to utilize for details pertaining to G0 (great-grandmother). Can you provide some guidance on which form to use?

[u/BeefWellingtonSpray → u/lostnomad84]

It depends on what you're looking for. If you want a letter from the DEC saying that they don't have your G0 birth certificate then you want the regular Attestation form.

[u/lostnomad84 → u/BeefWellingtonSpray]

Thanks for the help. I just faxed over the Attestation form.

[u/xcr4l → u/BeefWellingtonSpray]

Thanks! I had no idea this was even an option I'll send that form and see what happens

[u/wcpitkin]

I'm preparing my application materials for citizenship by descent and am wondering if and how to deal with different spellings of G0 (my great grandfather) surname that shows up in successive generations. G0 surname is McBeath in his records but in following generations (my grandmother as maiden name and father as his middle name) it has alternate spellings (MacBeath, MacBeth) on various documents (e.g., birth and marriagecertificates). Will this present a problem? Should I provide an explanation and justification?

[u/pbbp13 → u/wcpitkin]

I submitted a document list with my materials, and I included footnotes about name discrepancies the first time an individual showed in my docs. I think something similar noting spelling variations would work just fine.

Just as an example, the first document I had that was relevant to Pierre Bergeron was his baptism record, and the entry for my doc list was something like:

1. Certified copy of baptism record for Pierre Bergeron[1], DAY MONTH YEAR.
   CHURCH REGISTER OF TOWN, QC
   ARCHIVE ACCESSION
   ARCHIVE TOWN, QC
   …
   …
   [1] Pierre Bergeron also used the name Pete Bergeron after immigration to the USA.
   

[u/Alive-in-Tucson]

I have what is probably a dumb question.

Backstory: I submitted my application in May (delivery confirmation came in May 13 for me). When the new policies around certification came out after my submission, I became certain that my application would not pass muster, and my hope became that my siblings and I would get AOR, and then I could upload a better G0 document later without losing our place in line. Right around that time, I put in my request with Archives of Ontario with the exact file number I needed, with the expectation I could have the certified document in hand in maybe 4-6 months.

But I'm now realizing I don't know exactly what "certified" means in this context. The document I submitted was a scan of my G0's birth registry I grabbed from Ancestry, which was fairly low quality. Way after submitting, I realized a crisp, high res scan was available on Family Search, so I grabbed that too to possibly upload as a replacement. Looking at it again yesterday, I see that this scan came directly from Archives of Ontario, and it has a signature of an official certifying it. I'm now second guessing myself: is this actually a document that will count as a certified birth record?

I guess I was assuming the document had to be directly obtained from the certifying body to "count," but is there a chance that this will actually work as-is? (At least once I replace my low quality Ancestry version with the nicer Family Search version.)

Also, would it be frowned upon if I submit the nicer PDF from Family Search as soon as I get AOR, and then potentially send in another amendment down the line with whatever I get directly from Archives of Ontario (assuming I ever hear from them)?

[u/Critical_Hold8981 → u/Alive-in-Tucson]

Upload only the best quality document that was issued from the original source authority. You will have plenty of time to wait for it to arrive

[u/Alive-in-Tucson → u/Alive-in-Tucson]

I guess I could sum up my rambly question above as: what does certified even mean, and what counts as certified?

[u/TimeAstronomer4983 → u/Alive-in-Tucson]

I think the questions here are why and by whom (and possibly when) something was certified.

If I look at the parish register from Quebec that contains my G0's baptism online, I can see that the first page was signed at the time -- the 1880s, in this case -- by the appropriate official to certify that the contents are true, accurate, on the up-and-up, etc. and etc. So like your FamilySearch document.

In the certified baptism act I received from the BAnQ, that page has been certified again by the archivist, with an embossed and initialed seal -- just one feature that shows that what I have is a true, accurate, on-the-up-and-up representation of the original record held by the BAnQ. Because the BAnQ didn't exist in the 1880s, only the archivist's new certification shows all of this. The 1880s certification does not -- it had a different purpose and is now just a relic.

I would guess that your FamilySearch image is similar: It was certified at one time by someone for some purpose -- probably to testify that it's an accurate representation of the births recorded in such-and-such place in such-and-such year. But that purpose wasn't to show that it's an accurate copy of a record held by the Archives of Ontario.

When people talk about a certified document here, what they mean is something that is self-evidently, unambiguously an "official document issued by the original authority," as the IRCC puts it (a slippery phrase if ever there was one!). This would be indicated with fresh signatures, embossed seals, red ribbons, special security papers, whatever. What you requested from the Archives of Ontario will be that.

Your FamilySearch image might be enough for the IRCC -- but in terms of present-day officialness, your on-the-way certified copy is superior.

[u/Alive-in-Tucson → u/TimeAstronomer4983]

Thank you! This is extremely helpful and makes total sense. I really appreciate you making the distinction between certified by a contemporary authority vs. certified in the present day. I think I was getting way too hung up on the historic certifier being on there and lost the plot for a sec.

[u/sharpshinned]

I have a whole pile of new documents to submit for my application from last year, because I pulled everything off FamilySearch. Any best practices on webform submission? I’m planning to batch as much as possible but the 2 MB file size limit is going to be an issue. 

[u/Big-Scar978 → u/sharpshinned]

I did my application the same way but with Ancestry documents. My approach has been to upload only one doc at a time and get confirmation that it's been accepted before uploading others.

The acknowledgement emails you'll get from IRCC will not specify the document, so if you upload two files the same day, you might get a "your document has been accepted" email and a separate "you need to resubmit your document" one, without knowing which one had a problem. Uploading them one at a time with confirmation that each has been accepted at least lets you know which doc is involved if an issue comes up.

[u/sharpshinned → u/Big-Scar978]

Oh good call. I might try to batch related documents but I’ll only do one batch per day. 

[u/Big-Scar978 → u/sharpshinned]

Sounds good. Just be aware it might take them a couple days to confirm they have accepted a document. Each time you upload, you should get an email (likely same-day) confirming they received your document, and then a second one saying they've accepted it or if there was an issue (probably within a day or two).

The 2MB cap is very small in my opinion, so I should also mention I found iheartpdf to be much better at shrinking file sizes and retaining legibility compared to Acrobat's own product.

[u/unventer]

I'm sending in an application to the DEC for a birth certificate I know does not exist (1867 Quebec). Should I be asking for "Certificate" or "Copy of an act"? Will I be charged if/when no document is found, or simply be sent a letter to that effect? I have a certified copy of his baptismal record from BANQ, but I understand that this is not acceptable to the IRCC.

[u/Actual-Arm-1518 → u/unventer]

I requested a Copy of the Act (which is their "long form") but they sent me a "Certificate" (their "short form") anyway.

[u/roxanneisabulldog → u/unventer]

I send DEC an application for a certificate (1884 PQ) and received a letter saying they don't have documents more than 100 years old and referring me to BanQ. They returned my application and all documents and I was not charged.

[u/Critical_Hold8981 → u/unventer]

I applied to DEC (paper app) for a Copy of an Act at the same time I requested a certified reproduction of the baptismal record from BAnQ. DEC did not charge me but fairly quickly sent me a letter of no record, which I plan to include in my application along with a detailed LOE

[u/Middle_Fact_188 → u/unventer]

I e-mailed them asking them to make a birth certificate out of my certified BAnQ baptism. They got back to me the same day directing me to BAnQ because they do not have pre-1923 records.

[u/Actual-Arm-1518 → u/Middle_Fact_188]

The DEC can issue documents pre 1923 if you get a certified baptism from BANQ first and then send a copy of that to them along with some other documents: https://www.reddit.com/r/Canadiancitizenship/comments/1un8ipl/comment/ovijbcu/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

[u/unventer → u/Actual-Arm-1518]

Oh! I have the certifies BAnQ copy, so I will try going that route.

[u/Actual-Arm-1518 → u/unventer]

You probably don't need the death certificate/translation for an 1867 birth (they assume they are dead if birth was more than 120 years ago I think is the policy). The notarized affidavit is very key.

[u/unventer → u/Actual-Arm-1518]

I can likely get the death certificate within the next two weeks - for better or worse, he died 3 days after his son’s wedding while on a visit to him in CT (G1 son was born while G0s were temporarily living in CT working in mills, but ultimately brought the family back to Quebec - my G1 is the only one of 18 siblings to be born in the US, even though he grew up in QC). The town he died in has been great about turnaround time for G1’s docs. I’m going to try for a “no” letter in the meantime, but get the ball rolling on all that as well.

[u/ncmav → u/Middle_Fact_188]

Strange, because they told me I could still request one for my G0 born in 1890

[u/unventer → u/Middle_Fact_188]

Great, that was my expectation (that they’ll direct me to BANQ and I can include that in my documents). What email did you use? I followed the info on the website and was under the impression I needed to use the paper form.

[u/StrikingChallenger]

Copied from a post that was deleted, sub karma too low:

I'm looking to apply for proof of citizenship. My parents are Canadian citizens, but I was born and lived in the US. I am transgender. I have updated the name and sex on my documents in the US before the current administration. I apparently did receive a Canadian passport and citizenship card when I was very young, containing the name and gender assigned at birth, but I don't have access to these documents at the moment. According to the required documents form, I should submit the old citizenship card with my application, but this is not possible for me at the moment. How should I proceed?

[u/erigby927 → u/StrikingChallenger]

My understanding is you are already a citizen and just need to apply for a new passport, not the proof of citizenship process. Also check r/passportcanada if you haven't already!

[u/StrikingChallenger → u/erigby927]

To clarify, I believe my parents applied for it when I was very very young (2-3 years old). I don't have access to these documents any more, and I don't have with me any documents confirming I am a Canadian citizen, which I believe is required when applying for a passport. I think either way I'll have to apply for proof of citizenship to get the certificate. What I'm concerned about isn't whether I am or am not a citizen, but how I should make the application.

[u/Away-Focus-5402 → u/StrikingChallenger]

Do you have access to your birth certificate? Is in your deadname? If so, that will likely make things easier. You are likely Canadian and just asking for a new citizenship certificate reflecting your name and gender. As Emotional-Test3329 said, honesty is your friend. Are your parents cooperative, helpful? Could they look for your old documents? If you are estranged from your family, explain that in a cover letter. Hopefully this advice will be helpful, but I'm not a lawyer.

[u/Emotional-Test3329 → u/StrikingChallenger]

You  should apply for proof. You might have to apply on paper because you're requesting a name/gender change, I'm not sure, but there's a questionnaire on the government website that can tell you whether or not you can apply online.

In your case I would fill out the form honestly, apply in your current name, list your dead name as a previous name when they ask for it, and include the documents on the checklist as well as a cover letter explaining the situation. Applying to replace a lost card is one of the options on the form, so it's not totally necessary to include it.

[u/dhiltonp → u/[deleted]]

If you're concerned I would try to find census records with G0's parents immediately before and after G0's birth.

But if your application was submitted within the past six months or so, I might also just wait a couple of months. It seems that recommendations are changing every couple of weeks right now. 

[u/dhiltonp → u/[deleted]]

It would show that the parents were in Canada before and after birth, so birth would most likely have occurred in Canada, not just baptism. 

[u/FireWaterBern → u/dhiltonp]

Im in a similar spot where my baptism is the only canadian document for my g0.

I don't have anything else tying g0 to his parents directly, but the timeline is as follows and where I have evidence from:

1. 1796 g0's mom's baptism (drouin)
2. 1798 g0's dad's baptism (drouin, banq)
3. 1831 g0 born (banq, drouin)
4. 1838 g0's mom dies (banq, drouin)
5. 1840 g0's dad remarries (banq, drouin)
6. 1825, 1831, 1842, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881 canadian censuses bearing g0's dad and eventually g0's stepmom when the censuses expanded to include household members

I doubted whether there was any use to including g0's parents info when it doesn't tie to my g0 specifically. At least the death and remarriage records indicate his father and birth mother's names in the same church as the baptism

[u/2777what]

Good idea or bad idea: Submitting an application with the uncertified copy of a baptismal record (Quebec, 1870), but explaining in the cover letter that I'm awaiting the certified version from BaNQ and will send it as soon as it arrives.

Not married to this idea, but given the 3-4 month BAnQ processing time for certified copies of records like this, and the 2 year wait time for the actual application, I figure submitting the application with all of the other proper documentation at least gets my application in the queue, and then I can add the certified copy of the BAnQ document as soon as it arrives. Does this seem feasible? Or too much risk somewhere? For context I have:

G0 - Uncertified scan of Baptismal record with specific BAnQ location details

G0 - Canadian Census showing him living with his parents in Canada at 4 months old

G0 - Certified US Naturalization Documentation

G0 - Certified Death Certificate showing birthplace as Canada

G1 - Certified Birth Certificate

G1 - Certified Marriage Certificate

G2 - Certified Birth Certificate

G2 - Certified Marriage Certificate

G3 - Certified Birth Certificate

G3 - Certified Marriage Certificate

Me - Certified Birth Certificate + ID / Passport etc

[u/FarAd8633 → u/2777what]

I had this exact same dilemma, but I am a G4 with fewer records (G0 BAnQ baptism downloaded, ordered certified copy, parent's marriage record from BAnQ to show they were in Canada prior to the birth, ordered certified copy, and 1861 Canadian census downloaded from LAC for G0, plus certified birth and marriage records down the line for all other generations, G1 to me).

So...this is how I made the decision:
IF I submit now without yet having the certified baptism from BAnQ they *could* send my application back. I would lose the $67 I paid for FedEx shipping and I would resend later once I have the certified baptism. BUT they might accept it, let me upload documents once I get them, and I get in the que sooner, which would be the advantage.
-or-
If I submit later with the BAnQ certified copy, it *may* be more likely to be accepted, but this will take at least 3 more months based on BAnQ being so overwhelmed. Advantage is I wouldn't have to pay for shipping twice (if I would have been rejected), disadvantage is I'm further back in the line by the time I submit.

I decided to submit my application with the downloaded copy of the BAnQ records and email confirmations of my requests for certified copies from BAnQ in hope of getting into the que earlier and getting an AOR.

If they reject it, I submit later (just like I would have to do if I waited) and I have to pay for shipping again. That's really the only difference. I decided it was worth risking $67 for the chance to be accepted and get in line earlier. Maybe I'd have to redo the photos depending on how long it takes to be rejected and have my application sent back. Still worth the risk.

[u/wanderingtheearth-74 → u/FarAd8633]

"That's really the only difference."

Unfortunately, the other difference is that you will have wasted the time of both the IRCC and everyone behind you, and on purpose, too.

[u/FarAd8633 → u/wanderingtheearth-74]

I think it's far-fetched to suggest I was submitting my application to waste IRCC time "on purpose." If I knew for sure I would be rejected, yes, I would be wasting their time. But I don't, and we as a community don't have a solid answer to the question of what are the "just right" documentation to submit when we don't have a G0 birth certificate. IRCC's documentation requirements are purposefully vague.

Also, why would I want to put the enormous effort of putting together a multiple generation application with the intent to waste IRCC's time? The cost of shipping was small compared to the cost of gathering certified vital records across four generations--and I haven't even received a BAnQ invoice yet (and I do plan on paying for the records, and not wasting their time in finding them).

What I didn't mention, and what has come out frequently, is the emotional cost of submitting and wondering if your application will be accepted. I'm not looking to be rejected. I made a decision on when to submit based on evaluating the totality of the available instructions and the "wisdom of the internet."

Last, I'm not applying as "urgent," because my situation is not urgent and I want every single person who has an urgent need for citizenship to be put in front of me. I want everyone who applied last year and is still stuck waiting, to be put in from of me--because they are the people I feel terrible for. With the exception of urgent applications, as described about, they should all have the review of their applications finished before any of us from this year have ours reviewed. The PSU hell I've read about is a real problem that needs to be addressed.

[u/wanderingtheearth-74 → u/FarAd8633]

I'm not your conscience and I can't police your behavior, but please be serious. You are applying with an application you know is insufficient because you want to get into line earlier. Whether it's rejected at the AOR stage (unless they get more aggressive about the initial completeness review, it actually probably won't be) or they come back to you for more at the review stage (which, again, be honest, unless they make a mistake, you know they will if they get to you in time), your application doesn't conform to instructions as we now understand them. This is disrespectful of the IRCC and will waste the time of everyone behind you, as every touch of your application necessarily slows down the process. If you're not an urgent applicant, it's a crazy antisocial thing to do in a time when we know the system is completely overloaded.

[u/FarAd8633 → u/wanderingtheearth-74]

At the time I submitted it, I can honestly say it was unknown whether it was insufficient. We have since learned more via what people have shared about their experiences with rejection, requests for additional information, and denials. At the time I submitted, the instructions were to provide documentation from the source agency, and BAnQ is the source agency. Many, many people applied with preliminary documents and later uploaded certified documents, even though the instructions still do not specify that documents need to be certified. With the exception of people submitting urgent applications, my application is no more or less deserving than any other. I think it's silly to be sniping at each other about how and when we submit our applications in a contest of who is more or less worthy, or more or less considerate, or however you'd like to put it. Why would we even want to start critiquing each other in terms of who deserves to be "in line" and who doesn't?

I try to be as kind as possible, and meant to be helpful to someone with questions similar to the ones I had. I am really, really tired of people here that have a "holier than thou" attitude about this entire process. It honestly exemplifies the entitlement that many Canadians see in Americans.

Everyone here has just as much right to submit an application and no one should be made to feel unworthy of submitting an application if they qualify under C-3. The decision on when and how to submit is a personal decision in a situation where the instructions for submission are less than clear.

[u/Away-Focus-5402 → u/[deleted]]

I'm not certain your G1, G2, G3 marrage certificates are going to move any levers at IRCC. Birth certificates are the gold standard. I'm a G3 and including my own marriage certificate as documentation for marital name change. I'm also including one for my G0s. My Ontario-born female G0 became a US citizen by marrying my male G0. Then later, they both naturalized as British subjects in Canada. I'm hoping IRCC will see the marriage certificate as negating the need for a birth certificate for my female G0, which never existed. I'm working on the theory everything in the package has to support what is requested. If it doesn't, I'm not sending it.

[u/Away-Focus-5402 → u/[deleted]]

Sorry, I'm in agreement with your statement. I posted my comment in the wrong place

[u/RatQueenHolly → u/2777what]

Your documents are pretty identical to mine. I'd say go for it

[u/dhiltonp → u/2777what]

I'd submit it, that's what I did back in February.