Child Board Abroad to Divorced non-Canadian

[Canucker42]

Hi, I was married to an Iraqi lady for about 1 year, she came to Canada on a sponsorship, after 6months things did not work out, and she left back to Iraq and we got divorced, now, after 4 years my ex-wife tells me she gave birth to my child, my child is 3.5 years old now and has an iraqi citizenship registered under my name. My ex-wife wants me to have the kid now because she has gotten married to someone else, and doesnt want to keep my child. I am not sure what to do, can someone please lead me to the right direction. Thank you, and god bless.

 

[Kazakhstan]

So I assume the child was born in Iraq and you were a Canadian citizen at the date of birth of your child.

If your child's Iraqi birth certificate states you as the father, then obtaining Canadian citizenship is a matter of applying for the child's certificate of citizenship.

Here's official info about how to apply: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/proof.asp

A quote ("you" in there is your child):

If you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent on or after January 1, 1947, then send the following supporting documents:

- A birth certificate which lists your parents (issued by responsible government authorities in the country where you were born)

- Proof that one or both of your natural parents were Canadian citizens when you were born

- Two (2) pieces of personal identification, such as a driver’s licence and a health insurance card, one of which must have your photo on it.

- Other documents, such as a marriage certificate/divorce certificate and/or a legal name change certificate (if applicable)

 

[Canucker42]

ok, thats a start... I came to Canada with my parents when i was 4years old, we became citizens when I was 8 years old. Does that effect the procedure for my Daughter's Canadian citizenship/passport process?

 

[Kazakhstan]

ok, thats a start... I came to Canada with my parents when i was 4years old, we became citizens when I was 8 years old. Does that effect the procedure for my Daughter's Canadian citizenship/passport process?

As long as you were a Canadian citizen on the date your daughter was born and can prove it, that's all that matters. You should start gathering the required documents and apply ASAP, as getting proof of citizenship (citizenship certificate) is a lengthy process. Here's the application package:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/certif.asp

Note that in your case you'll need to submit clear and legible certified copies of your documents. And, of course, your daughter's documents which aren't in English or French, have to submitted along with a certified translation into English or French.

Processing time:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/canada/certif-processing.asp

If you need your daughter to travel to Canada to join you before she receives her citizenship certificate, because she is over 2 years old, you can apply for a Canadian facilitation visa for her:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2009/ob154.asp

"if a child of a Canadian citizen has not yet obtained proof of Canadian citizenship, a facilitation visa can be issued where the identity of the child is not in question".

 

[Canucker42]

Thank you so much, I feel much better now with this information, Thank you, and God bless.

 

[PMM]

Hi

Thank you so much, I feel much better now with this information, Thank you, and God bless.

Should be prepared that the visa office may request a DNA test.

 

[Kazakhstan]

Here's more information:

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/thailand-thailande/consular_services_consulaires/citizenship-citoyennete.aspx?lang=eng&view=d

Good luck, I hope one day you will be reunited with your daughter.