Born in Canada

Anyone born in Canada after 14 February 1977 is a Canadian citizen at birth, whatever the parents' status, except children of foreign diplomats and similar officials.

Passport129 visa-freeof 218 countriesPapers ready inAbout 3–7 weeksafter the birthDual citizenshipAllowedKeeps yours tooHealth care92/100

Baby's passport feeCA$58.50

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The visa your passport needs for Canada
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Who qualifies:Excludes children whose parents are both non-citizens/non-PRs and one is a foreign diplomat, consular officer, foreign-government or qualifying international-organisation employee, or their employee.

For your baby

Citizen from birthA Canada passport of their own
129 countries visa-freeof 218 countries
Keeps your citizenship tooCanada allows dual citizenship
Free to live, study and workIn Canada, for life

Justice Laws - Citizenship Act, s.3 Citizenship Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-29), s.3(1)(a) and s.3(2) · checked Nov 3, 2026

For you Premium

Whether having your baby in Canada gives you residence or a faster route to citizenship.

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How to start

Baby's papers ready: about 3–7 weeks after the birth

1
Get to Canada legallySign in to see the visa your passport needs.Prepare your Visiting Canada: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) or Electronic Travel Authorization application Most parents stay about 3 months: airlines limit late-pregnancy flights.
2
Register the birthProvincial or territorial vital statistics officeOfficial source About 7–21 daysOntario: once the birth is registered, a certificate online takes 15 business days plus Canada Post delivery, or 5 business days by premium courier. The version with parents' names (often needed for a child's passport) is regular service only.Official source
3
Get the baby's passportFee CA$58.50 · Under 16, applied for in Canada, valid up to 5 years (fee from 31 March 2026)Official source About 2–4 weeks10 business days in person at a passport office; 20 business days by mail or at a regular Service Canada Centre. Urgent pick-up by end of next business day; express 2 to 9 business days (both extra fees).Official source
4
Pass on your own citizenship
- Canada allows dual citizenship: the baby can hold both.