Help Desk: +1 (905) 461-2424
  • Monday - Friday (10:00 AM - 05:00 PM)
  • Saturday (12:00 PM - 05:00 PM)
  • 1137 Derry Road E, Mississauga, ON, Canada, L5T 1P3

Are You Eligible for a Discretionary Grant of Canadian Citizenship? Here’s What You Need to Know

ICC Immigration Inc > Blogs > Announcement > Are You Eligible for a Discretionary Grant of Canadian Citizenship? Here’s What You Need to Know

Canada’s immigration laws recently introduced an interim policy that allows certain individuals, who were previously ineligible for citizenship, to apply for a discretionary grant of Canadian citizenship. If you were born outside Canada and didn’t automatically inherit citizenship from your Canadian parent because of the First-Generation Limit (FGL), this may be your chance to become a Canadian citizen.

This blog explains who qualifies, how to apply, and how ICC Immigration can help you secure your future in Canada.

✅ What is the First-Generation Limit (FGL)?

The First-Generation Limit restricts citizenship by descent to only the first generation born outside Canada. This means if your Canadian parent was also born outside Canada, you didn’t automatically gain Canadian citizenship at birth.

To address this, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) has introduced interim measures that allow eligible individuals to apply for a discretionary grant of citizenship before new legislation under Bill C-3 comes into effect.

✅ Who Can Apply for a Discretionary Grant of Citizenship?

You may be eligible if you fall into one of these categories:

  • Born or adopted before December 19, 2023, and impacted by the FGL.

  • Born or adopted on or after December 19, 2023, and impacted by the FGL, provided your Canadian parent had a substantial connection to Canada (at least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada before your birth or adoption).

  • Born before April 1, 1949 and affected by FGL.

  • You lost your Canadian citizenship due to the retention requirement in former section 8 of the Citizenship Act.

✅ Examples of Eligible Applicants

  • Amanda: Born in 2010 in the UK to a Canadian mother who was a first-generation citizen by descent. She didn’t inherit citizenship but can now apply.

  • Timothy: Adopted in January 2024 by a Canadian parent who lived in Canada for over 1,095 days. He is eligible to apply.

  • Joshua: Born in Spain in 1945 to a Canadian mother and excluded under the old law. He qualifies under the interim measures.

  • Samantha: Born in 1979, lost citizenship at age 28 due to old retention rules. Now eligible.

✅ How to Apply for a Discretionary Grant of Canadian Citizenship

  1. Request Proof of Citizenship: Submit an application for a citizenship certificate via IRCC’s official portal.

  2. IRCC Review: They will confirm if FGL applies to you and, if so, invite you to apply for a discretionary grant.

  3. Submit Your Application: Complete the required forms and provide supporting documents.

  4. Processing Time: Typically takes about 5 months, but you can request urgent processing if you have valid reasons like:

    • Avoiding statelessness

    • Moving a minor child to Canada

    • Employment or education needs

    • Family emergencies (serious illness or death)

✅ What Documents Are Needed for Urgent Processing?

  • A letter explaining your situation

  • Supporting documents such as:

    • Flight tickets

    • Employer or school letters

    • Medical certificates

    • Death certificates

✅ Important Note: Crown Servant Exemption

If your Canadian parent was a Crown servant (e.g., Canadian Armed Forces, federal or provincial public service), the FGL does not apply, and you’re already a citizen. You only need to apply for proof of citizenship.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

At ICC Immigration, we specialize in guiding clients through complex Canadian immigration processes, including citizenship applications, Permanent Residency (PR), and temporary visas.

Here’s how we can assist you:

  • Permanent Residency Applications: We handle PR pathways such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and more.

  • Work Permits and Study Permits: Whether you’re starting a career or pursuing education, we help you transition to PR.

  • Family Sponsorship: Reunite with your loved ones in Canada through our expert family sponsorship services.

  • Legal Guidance: We provide professional advice to avoid mistakes and ensure your application complies with current immigration laws.

Instead of taking uncertain routes like asylum, choose a secure pathway that leads to stability and long-term success in Canada. Our team will be with you every step of the way.

📞 Get a Free Consultation Today and Find Out if You Qualify!