Mother was Canadian: Interested in immigrating to Canada

[sschweickart]

Hello!

My mother was a Canadian citizen at the time of my birth. She became a U.S. citizen when I turned 5, in 1980. She passed away in 2016. I believe I was considered a dual citizen until I turned 18, but I'm uncertain. Is there a path for me to regain dual citizenship at this point in my life...or to immigrate to Canada? I've worked in the field of animation for film and television for 15 years. I'm currently employed and living in California, but I'm concerned for my future well being in the United States. Thank you! - Steven

 

[hawk39]

Was your mother born or naturalized in Canada, or was her birth registered by her Canadian father (or mother if born out of wedlock) at a Canadian embassy if she was born outside of Canada? If she was, then you are a Canadian citizen by descent since the 2009 act gave citizenship to those considered first generation born abroad who were previously ineligible, who did not have their birth registered, or who had involuntarily lost it due to previous legislation. Your mother's death has no effect on your claim to Canadian citizenship. You just need to apply for your Canadian Citizenship Certificate (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/proof-citizenship.html).

If not, then it seems that you would be considered the second or subsequent generation born abroad and are ineligible for citizenship by descent. You would have to apply to immigrate under an entry program (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada.html).

 

[rish888]

Basically:

Mom born in Canada means you're a Canadian citizen. (Congratulations)

Mom born outside Canada means you're not a Canadian citizen.

You're current age or the fact that your mother passed away is irrelevant.

If you're mom was born inside Canada, apply for a Citizenship Certificate. Once you get that you can apply for a Canadian passport.

 

[mf4361]

Basically:

Mom born in Canada means you're a Canadian citizen. (Congratulations)

Mom born outside Canada means you're not a Canadian citizen.

You're current age or the fact that your mother passed away is irrelevant.

If you're mom was born inside Canada, apply for a Citizenship Certificate. Once you get that you can apply for a Canadian passport.

Mom can be born outside Canada can still pass on citizenship to OP if she was immigrated and naturalized. It's only a problem when the mom got citizenship by bloodline as well and in that case she can't pass it onto OP.

 

[rish888]

Mom can be born outside Canada can still pass on citizenship to OP if she was immigrated and naturalized. It's only a problem when the mom got citizenship by bloodline as well and in that case she can't pass it onto OP.

My bad. Thanks for the correction.

 

[sschweickart]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions! My mother was born in Kingston, Ontario, as were my grandparents. So, I plan on applying for my certificate or citizenship shortly!