Discovering your Canadian citizenship by descent under Canada’s updated law is just the beginning of a complex journey.

Now, the real challenge begins. From gathering the required documentation to completing forms, attaching identity proofs, taking photos, paying fees, and submitting a comprehensive application package, the process can be daunting.

As of September 2026, the processing time for a proof of citizenship certificate stands at 33 months. Any missing information in your application could result in its return.

Many individuals are contemplating whether to seek professional assistance in this process.

In a recent Q&A session, Daniel Ciarabellini from Cohen Immigration Law highlighted the increasing complexity with each generation in the descent chain.

Even tracing back a single generation may not guarantee a smooth process. For instance, having a Canadian-born parent can lead to complications if the records are incomplete.

Each generation introduces new challenges, such as obtaining birth certificates, dealing with name changes, and navigating archives that may lack crucial information.

Here are ten scenarios where engaging a skilled citizenship by descent lawyer can be highly beneficial:

1. Adoption Involvement

Adoption cases require additional steps, including applying for a direct grant of citizenship based on the adoption circumstances and the Citizenship Act provisions.

IRCC assesses the completeness of the adoption process, the adoptive parent’s citizenship status at the time, and other relevant factors. Detailed information on citizenship by descent for adopted individuals can be found here.

2. Indigenous Ancestry Connection

Documenting Indigenous ancestry requires records from the original issuing authority, often provincial or territorial vital statistics offices. Challenges arise for births on reserves, complicating cases that may benefit from legal expertise.

Border-straddling communities face additional complexities in determining the relevant authority for record retrieval.

3. Suspected Citizenship Renunciation

Renouncing Canadian citizenship is a formal process involving an application and official records. Families often believe ancestors relinquished citizenship when acquiring American nationality or relocating permanently, requiring careful verification.