When applying for proof of citizenship, it is crucial to provide two valid pieces of identification along with your application package.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) relies on these documents to verify your identity as stated in your application. This article outlines the types of documents accepted by IRCC, those that are rejected, and special considerations for applicants residing outside Canada or applying on behalf of a child.
Requirements by IRCC
Every proof of Canadian citizenship applicant must demonstrate their identity using two valid pieces of ID, each meeting specific criteria:
- Both documents must display your full name and date of birth.
- At least one document must include your photograph.
- Both documents must be valid at the time of application submission.
Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in the rejection of your application.
Accepted Documents by IRCC
IRCC accepts various government-issued documents from Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial authorities to establish identity, including:
- Passport
- Driver’s licence
- Travel document
- Health insurance identification card
- Age of majority card
- Senior citizen’s card
- Certificate of Indian Status card
It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and the documents are not ranked in any particular order of importance.
Applying from Overseas
Individuals from the United States submit a significant number of proof of citizenship applications, often without prior Canadian identification.
For applicants without Canadian ID, IRCC allows submission of identity documents issued by foreign governments that serve the same purpose as the Canadian equivalents listed above.
For instance, a US passport or state-issued driver’s licence can be used in place of the Canadian counterparts.
Applicants with foreign-language IDs must provide translations and affidavits from translators for verification purposes.
| IRCC-listed document | Closest US equivalent | Shows name, date of birth and photo? |