# Canada Changes Evidence Requirements for Citizenship by Descent

Source: https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/canada-changes-evidence-requirements-citizenship-by-descent · Published: 2026-06-29 · Updated: 2026-09-10

Canada has introduced new evidence requirements for citizenship-by-descent applications, requiring official documents linking each generation to a Canadian ancestor.

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Canada has updated the evidence requirements for citizenship-by-descent applications, introducing stricter documentation standards for applicants claiming Canadian citizenship through their family line.

The update does **not** change who may qualify. Instead, it changes how applicants must prove their eligibility.

## What's Changed?

Applicants must now provide official government-issued documents linking every generation to their Canadian ancestor.

These documents may include:

- Birth certificates
- Citizenship certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Other government-issued civil records

Genealogy records and family history documents may still support an application, but they are no longer sufficient on their own to establish a citizenship claim.

## Who Is Affected?

The changes apply to individuals applying for Canadian citizenship by descent through a:

- Parent
- Grandparent
- Earlier family generation, where applicable

Applicants must now establish an unbroken documentary link between each generation.

## What Happens if a Record Is Missing?

If an official document cannot be obtained, applicants must:

- Explain why the document is unavailable.
- Provide evidence that they attempted to obtain it from the relevant authority.

Supporting explanations alone may not be accepted without proof of those efforts.

## What Has Not Changed?

The update only affects documentation requirements.

Eligibility rules for Canadian citizenship by descent remain unchanged.

## What Applicants Should Do

Anyone planning to apply should review their family records before starting the application.

In particular, applicants should:

- Confirm they have official documents for every generation.
- Request missing records as early as possible.
- Identify any gaps that may require additional supporting evidence.

Preparing documents in advance may help reduce delays during the application process.