Canadian descent packet checklist
A practical, proof-focused guide for applicants using Bill C-3 rules, CIT 0001, and the tracker’s filing-route model.
First split to understand
Bill C-3 changes the file strategy based on birth date.
Born before December 15, 2025
In many cases, the applicant is now already a Canadian citizen under Bill C-3 and needs proof of citizenship, not a grant-style application strategy.
Born on or after December 15, 2025
Second-generation-or-later cases may require proof that the Canadian parent accumulated at least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada before birth.
Packet essentials
What most proof files need.
Current CIT 0001 application and the matching guide for your filing method
CIT 0014 document checklist
Proof of payment
Citizenship photos that match the current citizenship photo specifications
Two pieces of identification where required
Lineage records connecting each generation from the Canadian ancestor to the applicant
Explanation sheet for missing records, name changes, or complex lineage steps
Physical-presence evidence for the Canadian parent when the 1,095-day rule applies
1. Organize the lineage chain first
Start with the Canadian ancestor and map each generation down to the applicant before requesting records or filling out forms.
List every generation in order and note the records that connect one person to the next.
Flag name changes, missing records, and uncertain dates early so they do not surprise you later.
Decide whether the case is a pre-December 15, 2025 auto-citizen proof case or a post-December 15, 2025 physical-presence case.
2. Gather the strongest records you can
The file is usually won or lost on document clarity. Primary civil records should do the heavy lifting whenever possible.
Prioritize birth, marriage, death, and legal name-change records for each generation.
Use secondary evidence only to support a weak link or explain why a primary record is unavailable.
For post-December 15, 2025 second-generation-or-later cases, gather physical-presence evidence for the Canadian parent before birth.
3. Complete CIT 0001 with the packet in mind
The form is only part of the proof case. Your supporting packet should make the route and the family chain obvious to the reviewing officer.
Use the current CIT 0001 guide and confirm whether the case should be filed online or by paper.
Prepare CIT 0014, photos, IDs, payment receipt, and any extra explanation sheets before final assembly.
If the case needs Appendix F-style physical-presence support, keep that evidence grouped and easy to review.
4. Choose the right filing route
The tracker separates legal route from filing route so applicants can compare similar proof cases more accurately.
Use Online application when the case is submitted through the digital proof channel.
Use Paper Canada/US or Paper Mission Abroad when the packet is mailed physically.
Use Other / Not Listed only when the filing path truly needs extra context.
5. Track the milestones that matter
For most applicants, the practical benchmark is filed date, AOR, decision, certificate, and passport rather than abstract statutory language.
Record your gathering start date, filed date, and AOR if one arrives.
Keep certificate and passport dates separate from the decision date.
Update the timeline when IRCC requests more information or the filing route changes materially.
Filing routes in the tracker
Route type and filing route are separate on purpose.
Documents not yet submitted
Use this when you are still in research or packet-building mode and want to track the preparation timeline before any official filing date exists.
Online application
Use this for eligible digital proof cases submitted through the online route.
Paper filing from Canada or the United States
Use this for paper packets mailed or delivered from Canada or the U.S.
Paper filing through a Canadian mission abroad
Use this when the packet routes through a mission outside Canada and the U.S.
Other / Not Listed
Use this only when the filing arrangement genuinely needs extra explanation in the tracker.
Official references
Use the tracker together with current IRCC guidance.
Get proof of Canadian citizenship
Official IRCC proof-of-citizenship hub.
Changes to citizenship rules in 2025
Bill C-3 overview and who is affected.
Guide for Paper Applications for a Citizenship Certificate (CIT 0001)
Paper guide with Appendix F for physical presence.
Guide for Online Applications for a Citizenship Certificate (CIT 0001)
Online guide for eligible proof cases.
Citizenship photo specifications
Photo rules for proof and grant applications.
Final packet reminder
Build for clarity, not just completeness.
A strong proof case does more than include the minimum documents. It makes the lineage chain easy to follow, keeps the filing route obvious, explains missing records cleanly, and separates decision, certificate, and passport milestones.