Hi lauren05,
Good news! You are, and always have been, a Canadian citizen by
virtue of your birth and if you apply for your proof of citizenship
soon, you should have it early next year. The Dual Citizenship Act
which you referred to effects people who were born outside Canada of
Canadian parents. However, for you, there is no need to *apply for
Canadian citizenship* because you already are a Canadian
(congratulations!). You only need to *apply for proof of Canadian
citizenship* and once received, you'll be all set to obtain your
Canadian passport.
"Virtually all people born in this country are considered to be Canadian citizens."
What is a citizenship certificate and why is it necessary?
"The citizenship certificate is a wallet-sized document, covered in
plastic, which certifies that you are a Canadian. It also acts as
identification, showing your picture and a sample of your signature,
as well as stating your name, date of birth, height and sex. It is an
official document that is issued by the Government of Canada."
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizen/procit_e.html
Application for a Citizenship Certificate from Outside Canada:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/certif2.html
HOW TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION:
Section 1
You must indicate whether you would like service in English or French.
Section 2
* You must indicate if you have ever had a previous Canadian
citizenship certificate.
Section 3
Write down your surname/last name and given name(s) as you wish them
to appear on your certificate.
"If this is the first time you are applying for a citizenship
certificate, the name on your citizenship certificate will be the same
as the one shown on your birth certificate..."
Section 4
A. Write down your date of birth.
If you are applying for your first certificate, use the date of birth
shown on your birth certificate.
B. Write down your place and country of birth.
C. Indicate whether you are male or female, how tall you are, the
colour of your eyes and your legal marital status. We need this
information for our records. The colour of your eyes and height will
be shown on your citizenship certificate.
Section 5 (not applicable)
Section 6
# You must indicate if you are a citizen of one or more countries
other than Canada. If yes, write down the country or countries and
show the date and how you obtained the citizenship.
# You must indicate if you have left Canada for 1 year or longer
before 1977. If yes, write down the dates you were away, the country
you went to and the reason you went to that country.
Section 7
# List the telephone number(s) where you can be reached. We may need
to contact you by phone.
# Provide your current home address, complete with postal code.
# If your mailing address is different from your home address, include
your mailing address, complete with postal code.
Section 8
You must complete Section 8 if:
You were born in Canada and are applying for your first certificate
# Show the relationship of your parent(s) by indicating Natural or Adoptive.
# Write down your parent(s) surname/last name, given name(s), date of
birth and place of birth.
# Write down where your parents were married (if applicable) and the
date of the marriage.
# Write down how your parent(s) obtained Canadian citizenship.
# Indicate if your parent(s) have left Canada for more than 1 year
before 1977. If yes, write the dates they were away and the country
they were in.
# Indicate if your parent(s) is or was a citizen of a country other
than Canada. If yes, write the details showing the country, date and
how the citizenship was obtained.
# Indicate if your parent(s) was employed in Canada by a foreign
government or international agency. If yes, provide details.
# If your parents were born in Canada, indicate if one of his or her
parents were employed by a foreign government or international agency.
If yes, provide details.
Section 9 (not applicable)
Section 10
* You must sign the application if you are 14 years of age and
older. Sign the application using the signature you currently use on
other official documents. Write down the place and date.
* If you are 14 years of age and older you must also sign the
bottom of each of the photos with the same signature used on the
application and on other official documents.
If the application is not signed and dated, it will be returned to you.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/guides/CIT0006E4.html#wp1015711
Where to Send Your Application
"Once you have completed all the sections of your application, submit
your application to the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate
closest to your home."
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/guides/CIT0006E5.html#wp1015777
Documents You Must Send With Your Application
If you have never had a citizenship certificate, and you were born in
Canada, you must send:
- a birth certificate
- two (2) pieces of personal identification, such as a driver?s
licence and a health insurance card
- other documents, such as a marriage certificate and/or legal name
change certificate (if applicable)
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/guides/CIT0006E3.html#wp1015252
Canadian Representatives Abroad - List By Region:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/world/embassies/SearchRegion-en.asp?RegID=15
What fees are required?
"You must pay a processing fee when you submit an application for
proof of citizenship. Contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or
consulate closest to your home for information on fees and accepted
methods of payment."
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/guides/CIT0006E2.html#wp1011952
Processing an Application for a Citizenship Certificate (Proof of Citizenship)
"Currently, the total processing time for a routine application for a
citizenship certificate is 8 to 10 months from the time the Case
Processing Centre (CPC) in Sydney, Nova Scotia receives your
application until the time you receive your certificate."
Step 1:
The Case Processing Centre (CPC) reviews your application to make sure
you have included the appropriate fee payment. If so, you will receive
an acknowledgment letter. If not, your application will be returned to
you.
Once you receive your acknowledgement letter, you can begin to follow
your case on-line using e-CAS or by contacting the call centre.
Step 2:
The Case Processing Centre (CPC) completes a detailed review of your
application and, if it is complete and approved, will send your
citizenship certificate to you.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/times/certif-processing.html
e-Client Application Status (e-CAS)
You may use this service if you have:
* applied for a proof of Canadian citizenship.
http://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/ECAS.jsp
Additional Link of Interest:
Some face Aug. 14 deadline to claim Canadian citizenship
"OTTAWA - Individuals born outside Canada to a Canadian parent between
1947 and 1977 will not be able to claim Canadian citizenship after
Aug. 14, 2004.
The country's Citizenship Act put a time limit on how long certain
people could take to apply for Canadian citizenship. "
http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2004/08/13/canada/citizenship_canada040813
"Between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977 (inclusive), children
born outside Canada to a Canadian parent had to be registered with the
Registrar of Canadian Citizenship in order for them to be considered
Canadian citizens..."
"People born in Canada...do not have to retain [apply for] their citizenship..."
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizen/retention-worksheet.html
I hope I've just made your day! If you have any questions, please
post a clarification request *before* closing/rating my answer and
I'll be happy to reply.
Thank you,
hummer
Search Strategy:
I followed all relevant links at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. |
Request for Answer Clarification by
lauren05-ga
on
30 Jan 2005 11:54 PST
Thank you for your response but several Canadian departments have told
me that because I became a U.S. citizen before Feb 1977 (when Canada
did not recognize dual citizenship) I gave up my citizenship to
Canada. I was told I would have to move back and start all over. I
have an email response from a Canadian department, can't remember
which one, that I have saved, making this statement. I can look it up
if I have a way to contact you or I can just post it after I read it
again.
This is why I paid to post this, as it doesn't seem to be all that
easy although one would think it should be. What I really need is
someone's name, ph number and/or address in the government that will
help me and as you say give me my citizenship papers when I apply.
Thanks again.
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
lauren05-ga
on
30 Jan 2005 12:08 PST
Dear Hummer,
I hope this copy of the email goes through. This is a response I
received last May when asking the same question about getting my
citizenship back. Also, when I have called a Canadian embassy or
consulate (probably 3 or 4 years ago) I was told that I gave up my
citizenship when I received my U.S. in 1973. Now you see why I am so
frustrated. I have my original Canadian birth certificate and would
be happy to send it to the correct department and person in order to
get my Canadian citizenship paper.
Thank you again.
>From: <kathie.stephenson@dfait-maeci.gc.ca>
>To: <gailforrest@hotmail.com>
>Subject: Citizenship
>Date: Mon, 10 May 2004 14:16:47 -0400
>
>Your email was passed along to me to answer. You say you were born
in Canada in 1948, however you did not say when you acquired your U.S.
citizenship. If it was acquired before February 15, 1977 you would
have automatically lost your Canadian citizenship as Canada did not
recognize Dual Citizenship until after that date. If you would like
to regain your Canadian citizenship it would require you to Immigrate
back to Canada. You would need to apply to Immigration for Permanent
Residence Status and if you were to receive it you would then have to
move back to Canada for a minimum of one year. After the one year
residency in Canada you could then apply to Citizenship in Canada to
have your citizenship resumed. Hopefully this information helps you.
>
>Kathie Stephenson
>Consular Clerk/Citizenship
|
Clarification of Answer by
hummer-ga
on
30 Jan 2005 12:21 PST
Dear Kathie,
Thank you for the copy of the email (it will probably be removed
because you included your email address) that you received from the
Consular Clerk. Give me some time to look into this further, what she
is saying sure doesn't match up with what's online. If necessary, I'll
make a few phone calls tomorrow. Hang in there, I'll get back to you
one way or the other.
hummer
|
Clarification of Answer by
hummer-ga
on
30 Jan 2005 12:23 PST
Sorry, change "Dear Kathie" to "Dear lauren05".
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
lauren05-ga
on
30 Jan 2005 12:34 PST
Dear Hummer,
I carefully read through all the information you sent. I have
questions due to the fact that I am always told I gave up my
citizenship to Canada when I took out U.S. citizenship in 1973. To
make things easier, is it possible for you to give me a name, ph
and/or address of someone in the Canadian gov't who will give me the
CORRECT answer and how to apply for proof of citizenship and what they
will require in my special circumstance. For instance my parents have
died and I don't know how many and when they went back to Canada and
other questions that seem to be on the list you gave me. Over the
past few years I have spent an enormous amount of time trying to do
this and always seem to reach a dead end.
Thank you so very much and if you need further payment for all of
this, please let me know.
|
Clarification of Answer by
hummer-ga
on
30 Jan 2005 13:14 PST
Dear lauren05,
I promise to give this my best shot, but it may take a day or two. If
it's true, that you gave up your birthright, it should be made clearer
where it says "Virtually all people born in this country are
considered to be Canadian citizens." on the official Citizenship and
Immigration Canada website. I mean "all" is "all" and no exceptions
are mentioned. Sometimes it just takes getting connected to the right
person. I'll try, ok? Wish me luck...
hummer
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
lauren05-ga
on
30 Jan 2005 16:51 PST
Thanks again Hummer. I certainly understand you might need to check
on this during office hours. I was amazed and delighted to receive
any response on a Sunday. I have started a 2 page letter (you are
more than welcome to see it if you would like) with many more details
about myself, parents and other family in Canada to see if somehow I
haven't given enough information to the correct Canadian immigration
offices in the past. It includes my parent's birth, marriage, death,
dates of moving to Canada and many more pieces that I thought would be
helpful. My grandfather was born in Canada if that helps. I would
think that if my father lived in Canada from 1923 or so until 1952,
except for serving in WWII for the Canadian Royal Air Force in
England, attended and graduated from UBC, he must have been a Canadian
citizen even if I don't have his citizenship papers. My father was
highly decorated in the RCAF, including receiving the DFC from King
George VI which I have a photograph of. I have some Canadian
newspaper clippings and a book that includes his name as a highly
decorated officer. I don't understand why this seems so difficult and
complicated and as you can see, my family and my background can be
traced and I would think Canada would think positive about.
Thank you.
|
Clarification of Answer by
hummer-ga
on
30 Jan 2005 16:54 PST
Dear lauren05,
I finally found it - bad news / good news.
Before February 15, 1977, a Canadian citizen who became a citizen of
another country ceased to be Canadian, except in rare circumstances.
Can I resume my citizenship?
Yes. Former Canadians may resume their citizenship once they have
obtained permanent resident status and have lived in Canada for at
least one year before their application.
You should fill out an application to resume citizenship. You must
submit the following documents and fee:
* proof of former Canadian citizenship status (a birth certificate
or naturalization certificate);
* proof of loss of citizenship (a naturalization certificate of
the other country);
* proof of permanent residence in Canada (an immigrant visa and
Record of Landing [IMM 1000] or Permanent Resident Card);
* proof of residence in Canada for at least one year, such as rent
receipts, employment records and utility bills;
* two pieces of identification, such as a driver's licence,
provincial health card, credit card or social insurance card;
* two citizenship-sized photographs; and
* a $100 fee.
An interview with a citizenship judge may be necessary.
You will re-acquire Canadian citizenship on the date that you take the
Oath of Citizenship at a citizenship ceremony.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pub/you%2Dasked/section%2D27.html
I'm sorry, my original answer was in error. I'll post again Monday
with the full scoop on what you need to do to reclaim your
citizenship.
hummer
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
lauren05-ga
on
30 Jan 2005 23:19 PST
Hello again Hummer,
I just reviewed some documents and copies of documents this evening.
Not that it will make a difference I suppose but on both of my
parent's U. S. Certificate of Naturalization papers, it states that
their former nationality is Canadian. So I believe that means both my
parents were Canadian citizens before moving to the United States.
Does it make a difference if both my parents were Canadian citizens
plus I was born in Canada that I still retain my Canadian citizenship
even though I became an American citizen in 1973? It just doesn't seem
right that someone who is born out of Canada to a Canadian parent has
more right to a Canadian citizenship than I do.
I would still like a name phone and/or address to either write or
speak to someone in Canadian Immigration who truly has the correct
information. Doesn't it seem ridiculous that as of a particular date
one is no longer a citizen even though all others who follow after
that date under the same circumstances are citizens. Isn't there any
way they can make things retroactive. Actually I remember reading
months ago on a Canadian legislation website that they were
considering improving the citizenship laws because they haven't
changed since Feb 1977. Could there possibly be a recent change?
Thank you again for all your research. I wonder if you ever had
something this challenging or someone who is so persistant?!
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
lauren05-ga
on
30 Jan 2005 23:38 PST
P.S. Hummer
I also meant to tell you that I hold a fair amount of Google stock and
after all of this, I am so pleased to be a part of this company!
Early tomorrow morning I will be buying and selling Google stock as it
goes up and hope not down during the day. I bought the first stock
when it was at $100 and I am pleased where the stock is going.
I also have started to use the Google Desktop Search and it happens to
be about this subject. Everytime there is something in the news about
Canadian dual nationality I receive a message in this email box.
Fantastic!
|
Clarification of Answer by
hummer-ga
on
31 Jan 2005 08:05 PST
Good morning, lauren05,
In reviewing all of your info, I noticed that I missed seeing one of
your posts last night, 30 Jan 2005 16:51 PST, because I posted just a
few minutes after you did at 30 Jan 2005 16:54 PST. Thank you for all
of the additional information and I certainly agree with you that
Canada should seriously consider your case. However, you have one big
strike against you and that is you were an adult when you became a
U.S. citizen (presumably of sound mind!) and therefore were aware of
the implications of what you were doing. Following is a pretty good
explanation of why the law is the way it is.
RESUMPTION FOR PEOPLE WHO LOST THEIR CITIZENSHIP AS MINORS
The Honourable Denis Coderre, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration,
today announced new measures for dealing with the resumption of
citizenship for people who lost their Canadian citizenship as minors.
http://www.immigrationfirm.ca/may.html
BILL C-18: THE CITIZENSHIP OF CANADA ACT
Prepared by:
Benjamin Dolin, Margaret Young
Law and Government Division
1 November 2002
http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/bills_ls.asp?Parl=37&Ses=2&ls=c18
Here are the phone numbers in Canada:
Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Ottawa, ON (Canadian Federal Government)
Telephone (Montréal) - (514) 496-1010
Telephone (Toronto) - (416) 973-4444
Telephone (Vancouver) - (604) 666-2171
Canada Toll Free - 1-888-242-2100
I phoned the 1-888 number and the first step for you would be to
obtain a "Summary of Citizenship Record". You could also include your
father and mother on the form (additional $75 each). The summary will
help to legitimatize your claim and show your seriousness in wanting
to reclaim your Canadian citizenship when speaking to officials. It
would be best to contact your nearest Canadian Consulate for an
application and instructions.
Canadian Representatives Abroad - List By Region:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/world/embassies/SearchRegion-en.asp?RegID=15
Overview
This application can be used to request a search of Canadian
citizenship records to verify naturalization or citizenship
information. In response to your application, you will receive a:
* No Record Letter, if no record of the person is found; or
* Record Letter detailing how and when the person became a
Canadian citizen, or if a pending Canadian Citizenship application is
in process.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/guides/CIT0058E.html#wp1013782
What fees are required?
You must pay a Processing Fee when you submit an application for a
search of citizenship records.
Processing fee: $75 per person
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/guides/CIT0058E2.html
How to Complete the Form
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/guides/CIT0058E3.html
Application for a Search of Citizenship Records
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0058E.pdf
Pay your fees online
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/index.html
"Does it make a difference if both my parents were Canadian citizens
plus I was born in Canada that I still retain my Canadian citizenship
even though I became an American citizen in 1973? It just doesn't seem
right that someone who is born out of Canada to a Canadian parent has
more right to a Canadian citizenship than I do."
I agree with you and it does seem a bit bizarre. However, from
Canada's point of view, when you became a U.S. citizen (as an adult),
you freely gave up your Canadian citizenship according to the law at
the time and I'm afraid that when all is said and done, you will be
required to become a permanent resident before reclaiming your
birthright.
You may enjoy reading this website, although this person became a U.S.
citizen while he was still a minor.
http://www3.telus.net/IamCanadian/
If you think of me, I would be happy to hear of any updates,
especially if (when) you are invited to a swearing in ceremony. I'm
truly sorry if I got your hopes up in my official answer, only to be
let down. It has been an interesting journey, however, and I've
enjoyed working with you. You are the first person that I "know" who
owns Google shares (I don't) - good luck! Your Google news updates
seems like an excellent idea too.
It sounds as though you have things well in hand and Canada would do
well to welcome you back with open arms - if only I were in charge,
eh?
Sincerely,
hummer
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
lauren05-ga
on
31 Jan 2005 11:09 PST
Dear Hummer,
In looking very carefully (something I haven't done in a long time) at
my U.S. Certificate of Citizenship, the certificate states it is
issued December 18th 1973 BUT in the legal print about the Immigration
and Nationality Act, a separate paragraph, it states that I became a
citizen May 20, 1957, which is the date my parents became citizens.
That means I was only 9 years old at that time.
Because you have spent an enormous amount of time on all of this, I
will just include all this information when I apply for the "Summary
of Citizenship Records" unless you have any other thoughts or a
contact person for me.
I am so impressed with all the time you put into my request and
information you provided me. I can't begin to thank you enough. Yes,
if anything changes I would be very happy to stay in touch. Do I just
go to this link in the future to post a request in order to let you
know when and if my citizenship is reinstated?
Thank you very much and if you would like me to contact a Google
department to let them know how helpful you were, I would be happy to
do so. I tried to do that last night so it may have already been
taken care of.
Lauren05
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
lauren05-ga
on
31 Jan 2005 12:20 PST
Dear Hummer,
I just sent an email with my story to the fellow whose website you
sent to me. How similar our stories are. Thank you for that website
information!
|
Clarification of Answer by
hummer-ga
on
31 Jan 2005 12:30 PST
Dear lauren05,
"That means I was only 9 years old at that time."
That's the best news you've told me! 8-) It seems that if they do
change the law, the issue of being a minor will be one of the first
things addressed. Did you read this?
RESUMPTION FOR PEOPLE WHO LOST THEIR CITIZENSHIP AS MINORS
"I have listened to the concerns of former Canadians who lost their
citizenship as minors and I'm willing to apply even more lenient rules
to these cases. The resumption provisions are a practical solution to
balancing the desire of these former Canadians to resume their
citizenship with the government's responsibility to ensure the
integrity of our citizenship program," said Minister Coderre.
"To this end, I have asked my officials to ensure that these cases are
dealt with as quickly as possible under Canada's current immigration
and citizenship legislation," added the Minister. "The normal
selection criteria for permanent residence will be waived for these
individuals; however, they would still have to demonstrate an ability
to support themselves and meet other admissibility requirements such
as those related to criminal, security and public health checks. I
have also instructed that an exemption from the medical
inadmissibility requirement related to an excessive demand on the
health-care system be granted to these people."
"Although the residency requirement for citizenship will still apply,
the proposed citizenship legislation (Bill C-18) currently before
Parliament will provide greater flexibility for meeting this
requirement once it becomes law.
Instead of requiring a person to reside in Canada one full year
immediately prior to making an application for citizenship, Bill C-18
will require people in the above situation to be physically present in
Canada for 365 days out of the two years preceding their application."
http://www.immigrationfirm.ca/may.html
So make sure they know that you were a minor!
"Do I just go to this link in the future to post a request in order to
let you know when and if my citizenship is reinstated?"
Yes, this question will remain as it is forever (or until GA
disappears) and we can both post to it as many times as we like. Even
after you "close" the question (rate it), we will still be able to
post to it. Using the "clarification" option means we will be notified
of a message. There is no notification when the "comment" option is
used.
You are really very kind, considering that I led you down the garden
path to begin with. Thank goodness you gave me more information or you
might still be on that path. No, I haven't heard from anyone at
Google, but the editors are very busy monitoring GA and trying to keep
it running smoothly. I appreciate that you would think to do that for
me.
I haven't anything else up my sleeve to help you, but that citizenship
summary really does sound like a good place to start. At least you
will feel like you are doing *something*. I've enjoyed working on
this (I have a US/Cdn connection myself so I understand you entirely)
and I really hope it works out ok for you in the not too distant
future.
Take care of yourself,
hummer
|
