Do I Need a Consultant for My Citizenship-by-Descent Application?

For those who want to know for sure, the next step is to apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate, also known as proof of citizenship. But – do you need to hire an immigration consultant or lawyer to help with that application?

In most cases, the answer is no.

A straightforward proof of citizenship application can usually be completed without paying for representation. However, there are situations where a consultation or a full application review can be worth the cost.

This guide explains what an immigration consultant or lawyer can help with (and what they can’t help with) and the reasons why you might prefer to do your application on your own.

What Is Bill C-3 and Citizenship by Descent?

Bill C-3 changed Canada’s citizenship-by-descent rules when it took effect on December 15, 2025. The law removed the previous first-generation limit for most people born outside Canada before that date.

As a result, many people who were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, grandparent, great-grandparent or more distant ancestor are now recognized as Canadian citizens. There’s no generational limit for people born before December 15, 2025, but applicants have to document every link in their family line connecting them to their Canadian ancestor.

Please note: The rules are different for children born outside Canada after December 15, 2025. If the Canadian parent was also born or adopted outside Canada, that parent will generally need to show at least 1,095 cumulative days of physical presence in Canada before the child’s birth.

You can read our full Canadian citizenship-by-descent FAQ for a detailed explanation of the new rules.

Do You Need a Consultant for a Citizenship-by-Descent Application?

No, you do not need to hire an immigration consultant or lawyer for your citizenship-by-descent application. In most cases, these applications are straightforward and can be completed on your own.

In a straightforward case, you simply need to establish that your ancestor was a Canadian citizen and provide records (most commonly: birth certificates) connecting each relative in that lineage from the Canadian citizen to you.

For example, if your maternal grandmother was born in Canada, your mother was born in the United States and you were also born in the United States, your evidence might include your grandmother’s Canadian birth certificate, your mother’s birth certificate naming your grandmother, and your own birth certificate naming your mother.

You will also need to complete the required application forms, provide identification and photographs, pay the application fee, and submit any other documents required for your case. Most applicants can follow IRCC’s instructions and complete these steps on their own.

Are There Situations Where I Might Want a Consultant for My Citizenship-by-Descent Application?

Yes, although the proof of citizenship application is generally straightforward, there may be situations where you want to work a consultant or lawyer. Here are a few examples:

1. Confirming eligibility & application procedures.

Some applicants are comfortable preparing their own application but want a professional opinion before investing time and money in digging through archives and historical records.

In this situation, a one-time consultation can be enough to set you down the right path. An immigration consultant can review your family history, identify the relevant citizenship rules, and explain which documents you’ll need. You can then gather the records and prepare the application yourself.

2. Ease of Application.

We live in the era where people pay for convenience all the time and immigration is no different! Some people might pay a consultant or lawyer to prepare their application, simply because it saves them time and effort.

That being said, most consultants and lawyers will not gather documents on your behalf. When applying for proof of citizenship, the most time-consuming piece is often requesting birth certificates from archives. Even if you work with a consultant, you’re still likely going to have to do this work yourself.

Keep that in mind and be sure to ask the consultant or lawyer about which services are included under their contract.

3. Complicated Applications.

If your qualifying Canadian ancestor is many generations back, like a great-great-grandparent, or if someone in your family line was adopted, your application may turn out a little complicated. Similarly, if your documents include variations in names or birthdates, or the records need some explanation, your application might require some additional explanations.

In cases like this, it might be useful to have a consultant or lawyer prepare the application or review what you’ve prepared. This can help to catch any missing documents and to ensure the application is presented in the best way for immigration officers.

What If You Need Help Finding Historical Documents?

An immigration consultant won’t usually conduct genealogical research or order birth certificates for you. Usually, the applicant (you!) remains responsible for locating and obtaining the documents that prove their ancestry.

A consultant might be able to point you toward the provincial or territorial archive and explain what type of record IRCC is looking for. They may also advise you on possible alternatives when the ideal document can’t be obtained.

Online genealogy websites like FamilySearch or Ancestry can help you locate records, but IRCC says an application cannot be supported solely by third-party records. You need to use those websites to identify the correct record and then obtain an official or certified copy from the government office or archive that holds it.

The Canadian citizenship community on Reddit has also put together some exceptional guidelines on how to find records. Within the same subreddit, there’s even a group of volunteer document searchers who help people track down the correct documents.

Note: Online communities can be great starting points, but their advice is not official and may not apply to your case. Always be cautious about sharing birth certificates and other personal information with strangers online.

Citizenship-by-Descent: Key Facts

Bill C-3 removed the first-generation limit for most people born outside Canada before December 15, 2025. If you qualify through these rules, you’re technically already a Canadian citizen. However, you need to apply for a citizenship certificate to prove that. You are not applying to “become a citizen,” you are applying for proof of citizenship. Make sure you choose the correct application type.

The government fee is CAD $75. As of July 2026, IRCC’s estimated processing time for a new proof of citizenship application was approximately 19 months, although this figure may change. Working with a consultant or lawyer will not speed up the processing of your application.

Most applicants with a clear line of descent and access to the correct lineage documents should be able to prepare the application themselves. If you’re not sure about your eligibility or you’re unable to locate key documents, a one-time consultation with an immigration consultant can help you avoid mistakes and present the strongest possible case.

If you’re interested in speaking with a consultant, you can book an appointment with Moving2Canada’s in-house immigration consultant here.

To get started on your own, review our full citizenship-by-descent FAQ and IRCC’s instructions for applying for a citizenship certificate.