You cannot include an unborn child in a Canadian citizenship or Permanent Resident (PR) application. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires every applicant to have a legal identity, meaning the child must be born and have an official birth certificate before any application can be submitted on their behalf.
Starting a family while navigating the Canadian immigration system is a beautiful but sometimes complicated experience. 👶 Many prospective citizens and permanent residents living in vibrant communities like Montreal, Halifax, or Ottawa find themselves expecting a child while their paperwork is still being processed. Naturally, they want to ensure their entire family is protected and included in their new Canadian life.
However, the laws governing Canadian citizenship are strictly based on physical existence and documented identity. IRCC cannot process an application for an individual who has not yet been born. Whether you are applying for a grant of citizenship, permanent residency, or attempting to pass down citizenship by descent, you must wait until the baby is delivered and properly registered. Understanding how to manage your application timeline during a pregnancy is essential to avoid unnecessary delays.
Step-by-Step Process for Managing Applications During Pregnancy
If you are expecting a child, you do not need to halt your life or cancel your immigration plans. 📈 The process is designed to accommodate growing families, provided you communicate with the government. Here is what most applicants generally do.
Step 1: Proceed with Your Own Application
Do not wait for the baby to be born to submit your own application. If you meet the physical presence requirements for Canadian citizenship, go ahead and apply. Your timeline is separate from your unborn child’s timeline. Securing your status is the best way to eventually secure your child’s status.
Step 2: Update IRCC if Processing is Prolonged
If your application is already in progress and the baby is born before you take your citizenship oath, you must update IRCC. 📝 You can do this by submitting a Webform explaining the change in your family composition. If the child is born in Canada, they are automatically a Canadian citizen, but you still must inform the government of the birth.
Step 3: Determine the Child’s Status at Birth
The location of the birth dictates the next legal step. If you give birth inside Canada, the baby is a citizen by birthright. If you give birth outside Canada while you are a Permanent Resident, you must apply to sponsor the baby for PR. If you give birth outside Canada after you become a citizen, the baby may be eligible for a Proof of Citizenship certificate.
Step 4: Obtain the Birth Certificate and Passports
Once the child is born, register the birth with the local municipality or province immediately. 📄 You will need the long-form birth certificate showing the names of both parents to submit any future applications to IRCC. If the child is born abroad, secure a passport from their home country to facilitate travel back to Canada.
Step 5: Submit the Child’s Separate Application
Finally, submit the required application for the newborn. If applying for a minor’s grant of citizenship, it can often be processed alongside the parent’s application if the timing aligns, but it must be submitted as a distinct, complete package with its own fees and forms.
How Much Does it Cost to Apply for Citizenship in Canada?
Adding a child to your immigration journey involves specific government fees. Here are the current processing fees in Canadian dollars (CAD) set by IRCC:
| Application Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Grant of Citizenship | $653 | Includes a $530 processing fee and a $123 right of citizenship fee. |
| Minor Grant of Citizenship (Under 18) | $100 | Minors do not pay the right of citizenship fee, making the process much cheaper. |
| Proof of Citizenship (Certificate) | $75 | Used if the child is born abroad to a Canadian citizen parent. |
| Sponsoring a Dependent Child for PR | $180 | Includes a $90 sponsorship fee and a $90 processing fee for the child. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Citizenship and PR applications require significant processing time. 🕐 A standard grant of citizenship for an adult generally takes between 8 to 14 months to process. If you apply for a Proof of Citizenship for a child born abroad, it can take anywhere from 3 to 10 months. Sponsoring a newborn child for PR from outside of Canada usually takes about 10 to 12 months. Always check the official IRCC processing times tool for the most accurate estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is my baby automatically Canadian if born in Canada?
Yes, under the principle of jus soli, almost any child born on Canadian soil is automatically a Canadian citizen, regardless of the parents’ immigration status (with rare exceptions for foreign diplomats).
What if my child is born outside Canada while I am a PR?
If you are a Permanent Resident (not yet a citizen) and you give birth outside of Canada, the child does not automatically become a PR or citizen. You must formally sponsor them to come to Canada.
Can I delay my citizenship test until after my baby is born?
Yes, if you receive a test invite close to your due date, you can contact IRCC to explain your situation and request an extension. They are generally accommodating of medical situations and childbirth.
Does a newborn need a medical exam for PR sponsorship?
Yes. If you are sponsoring a dependent child for Permanent Residency, even a newborn infant must undergo an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) conducted by a panel physician approved by IRCC.
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