Can I Get Canadian Citizenship Through A Discretionary Grant?

Navigating the path to Canadian citizenship can feel like an uphill battle, especially if you’re caught in the web of rules like the first-generation limit, leaving you without the citizenship you feel entitled to. This can mean missing out on vital rights—access to healthcare, a Canadian passport, or the ability to live and work in Canada with your family. The uncertainty and disconnection can weigh heavily, especially for those born abroad to Canadian parents or facing unique hardships. A discretionary grant of Canadian citizenship offers a potential solution for those in exceptional situations, providing a way to overcome barriers that standard processes don’t address.

Understanding The Discretionary Grant

A discretionary grant is a unique provision under Canada’s Citizenship Act, allowing the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to grant citizenship to individuals who don’t meet the usual eligibility criteria. This mechanism is reserved for specific cases, such as resolving statelessness, alleviating significant hardship, or recognizing extraordinary contributions to Canada. Unlike regular citizenship applications, this isn’t a standard form-filling process—it’s a special request evaluated on a case-by-case basis, making it a rare and highly individualized pathway.

The grant exists to address situations where strict rules create unfair outcomes. For instance, it can help people who are stateless, meaning no country recognizes them as a citizen, or those facing unusual personal challenges due to outdated citizenship laws. It’s also used to reward individuals who’ve made notable contributions to Canada, such as in science, culture, or public service. In 2025, much of the focus is on those affected by the first-generation limit, a rule that has blocked many from inheriting citizenship.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility for a discretionary grant hinges on fitting into specific categories outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You may qualify if you fall into one of these situations:

• Born or adopted before December 19, 2023, and affected by the first-generation limit. This rule prevents children born outside Canada from inheriting citizenship if their Canadian parent was also born abroad. For example, if your mother is a Canadian citizen born in another country, you might not have received citizenship at birth.
• Born or adopted on or after December 19, 2023, and affected by the first-generation limit, with a substantial connection. Your Canadian parent must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (roughly three years) before your birth or adoption to meet the “substantial connection” test.
• Born before April 1, 1949, and excluded by old laws. Before Canada’s first Citizenship Act in 1947, some people—often called “lost Canadians”—didn’t gain citizenship due to restrictive rules, like those excluding children of Canadian mothers with non-Canadian fathers if the birth wasn’t registered in time.
• Lost citizenship under former section 8 of the Citizenship Act. In the past, some Canadians born abroad had to confirm their citizenship before age 28 by proving a connection to Canada. Failure to do so meant losing citizenship, and those affected can now seek a discretionary grant.

These criteria stem from interim measures introduced in 2025 to help people impacted by the first-generation limit while Canada awaits new citizenship legislation. The measures respond to a court ruling that deemed the limit unfair, aiming to restore access to citizenship for those unfairly excluded.

Exceptions To The Rule

Not everyone needs to apply for a discretionary grant. If your Canadian parent was a crown servant—employed by the Canadian Armed Forces, federal public administration, or a provincial/territorial public service—at the time of your birth, you’re likely exempt from the first-generation limit. In such cases, you may already be a citizen and can apply directly for a citizenship certificate without requesting a discretionary grant.

How To Apply For A Discretionary Grant

Applying for a discretionary grant involves using the standard citizenship certificate application process, as there’s no separate form for this request. A citizenship certificate is proof of your Canadian citizenship, granting access to benefits like pensions, healthcare, a Social Insurance Number, and a passport. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Access the correct application. Visit IRCC’s “How to Apply” page to generate the appropriate application package based on your situation—CIT 0002 for adults or CIT 0003 for minors. The tool tailors instructions whether you’re applying for yourself, a child, or replacing a lost certificate.
2. Gather required documents. Prepare essentials like birth or adoption records, two photos meeting IRCC specifications, and proof of fee payment (check IRCC’s website for current fees).
3. Write a request letter. Include a detailed letter explaining why you’re seeking a discretionary grant under section 5(4) of the Citizenship Act. Clearly outline your situation—whether it’s the first-generation limit, statelessness, or another hardship—and provide evidence of your connection to Canada, like your parent’s residency history.
4. Submit by mail. Since online applications don’t accommodate discretionary requests, mail your package to the address provided in the application instructions. Clearly label the envelope to indicate it’s a section 5(4) request.
5. Expect a review. IRCC will assess your application, confirm if the first-generation limit applies, and may request additional details about your ties to Canada. They’ll then decide whether to forward your case to the Minister for a final decision.

Requesting Urgent Processing

Standard processing for a citizenship certificate takes about five months, based on recent IRCC data. If you need faster processing, you can request urgency for reasons like:

• Preventing harm due to discrimination (e.g., based on race, religion, or gender identity).
• Moving a minor child with a Canadian parent to Canada.
• Resolving statelessness.
• Traveling for a family member’s serious illness or death.
• Meeting a deadline to renounce another citizenship.
• Securing employment or educational opportunities.

To request urgent processing, include:

• A letter explaining the urgent need.
• Supporting documents, such as a plane ticket, employer letter, medical certificate, or death certificate.

IRCC will review your request and decide whether to prioritize your application. If approved, your case moves faster, but approval isn’t guaranteed.

What Are Your Chances Of Success?

The discretionary grant is a rare pathway, as the Minister evaluates each case individually. Your success depends on how well you demonstrate that your situation aligns with the criteria—whether it’s a clear hardship, statelessness, or exceptional service to Canada. The interim measures have increased approvals for those affected by the first-generation limit, particularly families with young children, but many applications are still denied if they don’t stand out as exceptional. Providing strong evidence, like detailed records of your or your parent’s connection to Canada, is crucial.

Why These Measures Exist

In 2025, a court ruled the first-generation limit unfair, prompting the government to introduce these interim measures while new legislation (Bill C-3) is finalized, expected by late 2025. The discretionary grant serves as a temporary bridge, helping people like “lost Canadians” or those blocked by the limit gain citizenship. If your case isn’t urgent, waiting for the new laws might simplify the process, as they’re expected to loosen restrictions.

Next Steps And Advice

Applying for a discretionary grant can be complex, so consider consulting an immigration lawyer or expert to review your case. They can help craft a strong application and ensure you include all necessary evidence. Start the process early, as reviews take time, and gather detailed documentation, like residency records or proof of hardship.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, use IRCC’s online tools to check your status or contact their support line for guidance. Stay informed about updates to the Citizenship Act, as changes in late 2025 could open new pathways.