How do I prove I am a Canadian citizen if I was born outside Canada to a Canadian parent?

If you were born outside Canada and inherited citizenship through a Canadian parent, you generally will not have a Canadian birth certificate to show your status. In these cases, the citizenship certificate is the recognised document that proves you are a citizen.

Obtaining the certificate is often the first practical step before applying for a Canadian passport or accessing services that require proof of citizenship. Because eligibility rules for citizenship by descent have changed over time, it is worth confirming your situation against the current rules when you apply.