Found Out You’re a Canadian Citizen While on a Study Permit or Work Permit? Here’s What to Do

That’s because Canadian citizens cannot hold study permits or work permits. If you’ve recently learned you may be a Canadian citizen by descent or have applied for proof of citizenship, you may be wondering what happens to your temporary status, whether you can keep working or studying, and what to do while waiting for your citizenship certificate.

As of August 10, IRCC estimates it will take about 25 months to process a citizenship certificate application, with approximately 121,800 applications awaiting a decision. Before Bill C-3 expanded eligibility for citizenship by descent, processing times were generally around 11 to 12 months. The growing backlog means many new Canadian citizens by descent will have to wait more than two years to obtain proof of their citizenship.

The situation has also created uncertainty because IRCC has not published specific guidance for people who discover they are already Canadian citizens while holding (or after applying for) a study permit or work permit. If you’re trying to navigate the transition from temporary resident to Canadian citizen, this article addresses some common questions.

Key Takeaways

• Canadian citizens are not eligible for study permits or work permits because these documents are only issued to foreign nationals.
• Citizenship certificate processing times have increased to about 25 months, leaving many new Canadians-by-descent waiting years for proof of citizenship.
• Being a citizen can affect everything from tuition fees to provincial health insurance and employment prospects.
• If your situation is urgent, you may be able to request expedited processing of your citizenship certificate.

Can a Canadian Citizen Hold a Study Permit or Work Permit?

No. Study permits and work permits are issued only to foreign nationals. Canadian citizens have the right to live, work and study in Canada without any permits.

As a citizen-by-descent, you’re technically already a Canadian citizen under the law, but you will need a citizenship certificate to prove your status. Until that certificate is issued, you may be unable to fully access the rights and benefits that come with Canadian citizenship.

I Already Have a Study Permit or Work Permit. What Happens If I Find Out I’m a Canadian Citizen?

If you entered Canada as a foreign national and were issued a valid study permit or work permit, that permit was valid when it was issued.

However, once you discover you’re already a Canadian citizen by descent, you generally should not apply to renew or extend your study permit or work permit. These permits are intended for foreign nationals, not Canadian citizens.

Instead, your next step is usually to apply for a citizenship certificate if you haven’t already done so.

IRCC has not published any guidance explaining how people in this situation should transition from temporary resident status to Canadian citizenship while waiting for proof of citizenship. In practice, many people have little choice but to wait for up to two years their citizenship certificate or request urgent processing if they meet IRCC’s criteria.

I Applied (or Planned to Apply) for a Study Permit or Work Permit. What Should I Do If I’m a Canadian Citizen?

If you’ve already submitted a study or work permit application and then learn you may be a Canadian citizen, you should carefully consider your next steps. Because Canadian citizens are generally not eligible for study permits or work permits, pursuing temporary resident status is usually not the appropriate path.

Similarly, if you were planning to apply for a study permit or work permit but believe you may already be a Canadian citizen, it’s generally better to determine your citizenship status first.

Your priority should be obtaining proof of your Canadian citizenship by applying for a citizenship certificate. This makes it crucial to submit a complete and accurate application with all required evidence.

If you need proof urgently—for example, to begin a job, continue your studies or access important services—you may be able to request urgent processing from IRCC. However, urgent requests are only considered on a case-by-case basis and won’t be automatically approved.

How Waiting for Proof of Canadian Citizenship Can Affect Students and Workers

Although you may already be a Canadian citizen, you may need to show documentary proof before you can update your status with your Canadian school or employer, or access services available to Canadian citizens.

Paying International Tuition While Waiting for Proof of Citizenship

Canadian citizens typically qualify for domestic tuition rates at Canadian universities and colleges, but institutions will require proof of citizenship before they can change a student’s fee status (or assign domestic tuition fees upon enrollment).

If you’re waiting for your citizenship certificate, you may have to continue paying international tuition—even if you’re already a Canadian citizen under the law.

If you’ve recently received an offer of admission, it’s also worth asking your institution whether you can defer your start date until your citizenship certificate arrives. Otherwise, you may need to decide whether to pay international tuition fees and begin your studies as an international student or postpone them until your citizenship certificate arrives.

Accessing Provincial Health Insurance

Provincial health insurance plans generally require proof of eligibility before someone can register for coverage.

If you’re waiting for your citizenship certificate, you may need to continue relying on private health insurance or your existing coverage until you can prove your citizenship.

Starting or Continuing Work in Canada

Canadian citizens don’t need work permits to work in Canada. However, proving that right can be challenging if you’re still waiting for your citizenship certificate.

If you’re already working, you may face a challenge if your work permit is approaching its expiry date, since Canadian citizens generally aren’t eligible to renew a work permit.

If you’re applying for a new job, some employers may ask for proof that you can legally work in Canada. While your citizenship certificate is pending, it’s worth discussing your situation with your prospective employer and asking whether they can delay your joining date. You may be able to request expedited processing but that is not guaranteed.

It’s also worth considering whether opportunities available today—such as a job offer or admission to a competitive program—will still be available by the time you receive proof of citizenship.

How to Request Faster Processing of Your Canadian Citizenship Certificate

If waiting for your citizenship certificate will cause serious problems, such as losing out on a job offer or university admission, you may be able to request urgent processing.

Urgent processing is available only in exceptional circumstances and isn’t guaranteed. These could include needing proof of citizenship to:

• apply for or keep a job;
• attend a school, college or university;
• access government benefits, such as healthcare, a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or a pension; or
• travel because of a family emergency when you can’t obtain a passport from your other country of citizenship.

Unfortunately, there is currently no way for someone to temporarily prove Canadian citizenship while waiting for a citizenship certificate. For many people, the only option is to wait for processing or request expedited service if they qualify.

If you haven’t submitted your citizenship certificate application yet

You can request urgent processing as part of your application. Include a letter explaining why your request is urgent, along with documents supporting your claim, such as a job offer, university admission letter or other relevant evidence. If you’re submitting a paper application, clearly write “Urgent – Citizenship Certificate (Proof)” on the outside of the envelope.

If you’ve already applied for a citizenship certificate

You don’t need to submit a new application. Instead, send your urgent processing request through IRCC’s web form. Your request should include your identifying information, explain why you need urgent processing, and include any supporting documents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canadian Citizenship and Study or Work Permits

Do Canadian citizens need a study permit to study in Canada?

No. Study permits are only issued to foreign nationals. Canadian citizens have the right to study in Canada without one. However, the only way to prove your citizenship may be through a citizenship certificate.

Can a Canadian citizen have a work permit?

No. Canadian citizens do not need work permits and are generally not eligible to receive them. If you’ve recently discovered that you are a Canadian citizen by descent, apply for a citizenship certificate as soon as possible. You may be able to request urgent processing.

Can I renew my study permit or work permit if I recently found out I’m a Canadian citizen?

Generally, no. Because study permits and work permits are intended for foreign nationals, Canadian citizens are typically not eligible to renew them.

If you’re already a Canadian citizen, your priority should be obtaining proof of citizenship rather than extending your permit.

Will I have to keep paying international tuition while waiting for my citizenship certificate?

Possibly. Many colleges and universities require proof of citizenship before charging domestic tuition. Contact your institution to learn what documents they accept and whether your tuition can be adjusted once you receive proof of citizenship.

How do I prove I’m a Canadian citizen if my citizenship certificate hasn’t arrived yet?

For most purposes, the citizenship certificate is the primary proof of Canadian citizenship. If you’re waiting for one, there may be few alternatives, which is why many applicants request urgent processing when delays will significantly affect their ability to work, study or access services.