Canada has updated its citizenship by descent application forms and has released new information on the physical presence requirement that applicants must satisfy.

The change affects people applying for Canadian citizenship by descent — a route open to individuals born outside Canada to a Canadian parent. Anyone preparing such an application should download the current version of the forms, because earlier versions may no longer be accepted by immigration authorities.

Alongside the form updates, the department has shared new details about the physical presence requirement tied to citizenship by descent. This requirement concerns the amount of time a Canadian parent must have spent in Canada before the birth of a child born abroad, and it determines whether that child can pass on or acquire citizenship.

Applicants should review the revised forms and the accompanying guidance carefully before submitting. Errors or outdated forms can delay processing or result in a returned application.

Anyone unsure whether the updated requirements apply to their situation should consult the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, which publishes the current forms, instruction guides, and eligibility criteria for citizenship by descent.

This is a developing story. Readers should rely on official IRCC communications for the exact wording of the updated forms and the physical presence rules, as these details govern how applications are assessed.