Your relatives can live, study and work in Canada if they become permanent residents of Canada. You can sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada if you’re at least 18 years old and a:
Immigration, citizenship & Visa consultants
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Citizenship Certificate? Here’s What to Do
Losing your Canadian citizenship certificate—or having it stolen or damaged—can be stressful. This document is crucial for proving citizenship, applying for a passport, and accessing government services. But don’t worry—replacing it is possible!
In this guide, we’ll explain how to get a replacement citizenship certificate if yours was lost, stolen, or damaged. We’ll also share tips to make the process smoother.
What to Do If Your Citizenship Certificate Is Lost
What to Do If Your Citizenship Certificate Is Stolen
What to Do If Your Citizenship Certificate Is Damaged
Replacement Checklist
FAQs
Need an Easier Way to Get a Replacement?
If your citizenship certificate is lost, you must apply for a replacement using Form CIT 0001. In Section 3 of the form, you’ll need to indicate that your certificate was lost.
Pro Tip: Keep a copy of your application and any correspondence with IRCC for your records.
A stolen citizenship certificate poses a risk of identity fraud, so act quickly:
File a Police Report – Report the theft to local police and get a copy of the report.
Complete a Solemn Declaration (If Not Applying Right Away) – If you delay your replacement application beyond 6 weeks, you must submit Form CIT 0457.
Apply for Replacement (Form CIT 0001) – Indicate in Section 3 that your certificate was stolen.
Important: IRCC may ask for the police report, so keep it handy.
A damaged certificate (torn, water-damaged, or illegible) won’t be accepted for official purposes. Here’s what to do:
Did You Know? Laminating your citizenship certificate can void its validity—always keep it in its original form.
To avoid delays or rejections, ensure your application includes:
Bonus Tip: If documents are not in English/French, include certified translations.
If IRCC mailed it, but you never received it:
Within Canada/USA: Check application status here. If missing for 6 weeks–6 months, contact IRCC via webform.
Outside Canada/USA: Contact the embassy/consulate where it was sent.
No! Only original certificates are accepted for passports and legal purposes.
You must return it to IRCC or the nearest Canadian embassy.
If you've lost your Canadian citizenship certificate, you can apply for a replacement through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You will need to complete the application form, provide supporting documents, and pay a processing fee.
To replace your certificate, you must submit an application (form CIT 0001), proof of identity, and a copy of your lost or damaged certificate if available. You can apply online or by mail.
As of now, the processing time for a replacement citizenship certificate is approximately 17 months. However, times can vary depending on IRCC workload and the completeness of your application.
You can download the form (CIT 0001) directly from the IRCC website here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/appli...
Yes, IRCC now offers an online application process through your IRCC secure account. This is often faster and more convenient than mailing a paper application.
If your child was born outside Canada to Canadian parents, you can apply for a citizenship certificate to confirm their status. This is known as a “proof of citizenship” application.
At this time, IRCC issues physical certificates. However, when you apply online, you'll receive updates electronically. IRCC does not issue downloadable e-certificates.
Canada no longer issues citizenship cards—they have been replaced by citizenship certificates. If you've lost your card, apply for a certificate as a replacement.
You can apply by submitting form CIT 0001, supporting documents, and the processing fee to IRCC. You may apply online or by mail.
Dealing with IRCC can be frustrating—long wait times, confusing forms, and strict requirements. We at CTIV can help!
Why Choose CTIV?
Error-Free Applications – No rejections or delays.
Government Liaison – We track and follow up for you.
Fast Processing – Expedited options available.
Losing or damaging your citizenship certificate is inconvenient, but replacing it is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Whether your certificate was lost, stolen, or damaged, acting quickly and submitting a complete application will get you a replacement faster.
Need help? Don’t stress—let us handle it for you. Call: 416-542-1000 or WhatsApp/FaceTime/Text us: +1416-857-0100
Your relatives can live, study and work in Canada if they become permanent residents of Canada. You can sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada if you’re at least 18 years old and a:
Canada is one of the top choices of international students for education owing to its multicultural society, high academic standards, affordability, exiting campus lifestyles and world-class education among many other attributes.
