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Minor born outside of Canada

Dalboy1980

Hero Member
Jan 21, 2016
371
196
Hi All

A query, my youngest daughter was born in the UK whilst our Canadian Citizenship was still going through, now I know that if a minor is born and a parent is ALREADY a Canadian citizen then we can apply for citizenship for the little one.

However if born before we obtained our citizenship (we are now citizens) what is the process then? To complicate it a little further we are currently in the UK looking after sick parents whilst we do intend on returning.

I guess can we apply for her PR from here and then land etc and apply for her citizenship or what would be the best course of action?

Hope above makes sense.

Thanks
 

armoured

VIP Member
Feb 1, 2015
17,254
8,871
I guess can we apply for her PR from here and then land etc and apply for her citizenship or what would be the best course of action?
My understanding is your daughter does not get citizenship by descent due to the timing, she will indeed have to become a PR first and then - after landing and becoming a PR - can apply immediately for citizenship on basis of citizen-parents. On the positive side, she will be a citizen by naturalization and can pass citizenship to her children. It's also quicker to get citizenship in this way - perhaps 5-8 months.

Yes, you can apply now to sponsor her and return at your convenience (since I assume she has UK passport, will not need a visa but only an ETA).
 

Dalboy1980

Hero Member
Jan 21, 2016
371
196
My understanding is your daughter does not get citizenship by descent due to the timing, she will indeed have to become a PR first and then - after landing and becoming a PR - can apply immediately for citizenship on basis of citizen-parents. On the positive side, she will be a citizen by naturalization and can pass citizenship to her children. It's also quicker to get citizenship in this way - perhaps 5-8 months.

Yes, you can apply now to sponsor her and return at your convenience (since I assume she has UK passport, will not need a visa but only an ETA).
Thanks for the info....I was also thinking that I'll apply for the PR from here (UK) and in theory once she has her PR then we can apply for Citizenship immediately. I'll ask the silly question (sorry in advance) but I assume she needs to land officially in Canada first? And once that's done then she can (or us even) can apply for her Citizenship?

Thanks for your helpful info! Cheers!
 

armoured

VIP Member
Feb 1, 2015
17,254
8,871
Thanks for the info....I was also thinking that I'll apply for the PR from here (UK) and in theory once she has her PR then we can apply for Citizenship immediately. I'll ask the silly question (sorry in advance) but I assume she needs to land officially in Canada first? And once that's done then she can (or us even) can apply for her Citizenship?
Yes, and yes. Parents can apply on behalf of minors. I'd note that one thing that causes minor issues for many is documents (identification) needed, since younger children often don't have much. It's manageable, just look at the application forms and plan ahead. It may mean more practical to wait until Canadian id (PR card, health card, whatever else there may be) has been obtained.
 

Dalboy1980

Hero Member
Jan 21, 2016
371
196
Yes, and yes. Parents can apply on behalf of minors. I'd note that one thing that causes minor issues for many is documents (identification) needed, since younger children often don't have much. It's manageable, just look at the application forms and plan ahead. It may mean more practical to wait until Canadian id (PR card, health card, whatever else there may be) has been obtained.
Ah you mean in respect of the Citizenship application....yeah we can wait for that certainly before applying so not a big issue. Thanks for your assistance.
 
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canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
55,587
13,519
Thanks for the info....I was also thinking that I'll apply for the PR from here (UK) and in theory once she has her PR then we can apply for Citizenship immediately. I'll ask the silly question (sorry in advance) but I assume she needs to land officially in Canada first? And once that's done then she can (or us even) can apply for her Citizenship?

Thanks for your helpful info! Cheers!
You will also have to prove that you intend on returning to Canada to live to receive PR. I would only apply around a year before you plan on returning to Canada to settle.