Under the Canadian Citizenship Act, any child born on Canadian soil automatically becomes a Canadian citizen, even if the parents are tourists, students, or have a Permanent Residence (PR) application in progress. You must immediately notify IRCC via Webform to declare the newborn and update your family composition, registering them as a non-accompanying Canadian citizen, ensuring your application remains compliant and avoids severe delays.
Welcoming a new baby is a joyous occasion, but for immigrants currently navigating the complex Permanent Residence process, it can also create significant administrative confusion. Many couples living in cities like Toronto, Edmonton, or Vancouver on work permits find themselves expecting a child while waiting for their Express Entry or Spousal Sponsorship files to be finalised. 👶 A very common concern is whether the baby needs to be added to the pending PR application and undergo immigration medical exams.
Canada operates under the legal principle of “jus soli” (right of the soil). This means that birth on Canadian territory automatically grants citizenship, except in very rare cases involving foreign diplomats. Because your newborn is legally Canadian from their first breath, they do not need and cannot be granted Permanent Residence. However, they must still be declared. Listing them as a “non-accompanying Canadian citizen” on your updated family information forms ensures you meet disclosure rules without triggering irrelevant medical exam requests.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Managing your immigration file after the birth of a child requires prompt action. Communicating effectively with federal agencies ensures your family’s transition to permanent status remains smooth. 📋 Here is the step-by-step process you should follow.
Step 1: Registering the Birth Provincially
You must register your baby’s birth with the vital statistics office of your province or territory (for example, ServiceOntario, ServiceAlberta, or the Vital Statistics Agency in British Columbia) within the legally required timeframe (usually within 30 days of birth). The registration itself is generally free. Do not use an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or any foreign travel portal, as these are exclusively for international travel.
Step 2: Obtaining the Canadian Birth Certificate
After registering the birth, order the child’s long-form birth certificate from the provincial registry. This document acts as official legal proof of parentage and Canadian citizenship by birthright. You will need this certificate both for updating your immigration application and for obtaining the child’s passport.
Step 3: Notifying IRCC via the Webform
Once you receive the birth certificate, you must immediately notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of your change in family composition. Submit an inquiry through the IRCC Webform, uploading a copy of your child’s Canadian birth certificate and updated forms, such as IMM 5406. You must officially declare your newborn and register them as a “non-accompanying Canadian citizen”. Attempting to completely omit the child from your records to avoid paperwork can be considered misrepresentation under Section 127 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), which carries a five-year ban. Formally registering them as a non-accompanying citizen fulfills your duty of full disclosure while exempting them from unnecessary immigration medical exams.
Step 4: Applying for the Child’s Canadian Passport
Because your child is a Canadian citizen, they cannot travel on a foreign passport or a Canadian PR visa. If you plan to travel internationally, you must apply for a Canadian child passport. You will need the long-form birth certificate, passport photos, and a guarantor to complete the application.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Documenting your newborn’s Canadian status and updating your federal application involves very reasonable fees. Unlike a standard PR addition, you do not pay any IRCC processing or sponsorship fees for the baby. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs in CAD:
| Document / Requirement | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Provincial Birth Registration | $0.00 (Free online in all provinces) |
| Long-Form Birth Certificate | $15.00 – $45.00 (Varies by province) |
| IRCC Webform Update | $0.00 (No fee to report changes) |
| Canadian Child Passport (5-Year) | $58.50 (Standard processing in Canada) |
| Passport Photos | $15.00 – $30.00 (Commercial studio fees) |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Securing your child’s provincial documents is relatively fast, while updating your active IRCC application depends on federal processing timelines. ⏳ Registering the birth online and receiving the long-form birth certificate from your provincial vital statistics registry typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Applying for the Canadian child passport takes approximately 10 to 20 business days. Once you notify IRCC via the Webform, it usually takes 4 to 8 weeks for an officer to update your file, register the baby as a non-accompanying Canadian citizen, and resume processing your permanent residency application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my child lose their Canadian citizenship if our PR is rejected?
No. Under the Canadian Citizenship Act, any child born on Canadian soil automatically obtains citizenship by birth. Their status is completely independent of your immigration journey, and they will remain a Canadian citizen even if your permanent residence application is refused.
Does my Canadian-born baby need an immigration medical exam?
No. Canadian citizens are not applicants for immigration and do not require permanent resident status. Therefore, your baby is completely exempt from the medical examinations and criminal background checks required for accompanying foreign dependents.
Will I have to sponsor my child under the Family Class later?
No. Sponsoring a child is only necessary for foreign nationals. Since your child became a Canadian citizen at birth, they already possess the absolute right to live, study, and remain in Canada forever. No sponsorship application is required.
Can we travel internationally while our PR is processing?
Yes, but you must secure a Canadian passport for the baby first. Canadian citizens, including infants, cannot use foreign travel documents or PR visas to enter Canada. To return, the baby must travel with their own valid Canadian passport.
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