What is Bill C-3, and how does it affect Canadian citizenship by descent?
Bill C-3 refers to changes in Canadian citizenship law that expanded eligibility for citizenship by descent. Under these changes, some individuals with a Canadian-born ancestor may be recognized as Canadian citizens—even if they are more than one generation removed.
If you qualify, you may already be considered a Canadian citizen. However, you must document your direct line of descent and apply for a citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship) through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
For full details, please refer to the official IRCC website.
What is a citizenship certificate, and why do I need it?
A citizenship certificate is an official document issued by the Government of Canada that serves as proof of Canadian citizenship. It is commonly required for purposes such as applying for a Canadian passport.
Do I need to live (or have lived) in Canada to apply for proof of citizenship?
No. Many applicants have never lived in Canada.
Eligibility is based on your ability to document your direct line of descent from a Canadian-born ancestor. ACGS can assist with researching and locating the records needed to support your application.
Where can I find the official application form and guide?
You can access the official Government of Canada application and instructions here:
We recommend reviewing both carefully before beginning your application.
Does ACGS assist with completing the application?
ACGS can assist with locating and documenting the records needed to support your application.
However, we do not complete or submit applications on your behalf, and we do not provide legal advice. For questions about eligibility, interpretation of the law, or application strategy, you may wish to consult the Government of Canada resources or a qualified legal professional.
I’m not sure when or where my ancestor was born. Can you help me locate their birth record?
Yes. ACGS can research your ancestor to determine when and where they were likely born and identify the appropriate record.
When details are unknown, we use other records—such as census, marriage, death, and immigration records—to narrow down the time and place of birth. Once identified, we can locate the relevant birth or baptismal record, depending on the region and time period. However, records are not always available, and it may not always be possible to locate a birth or marriage record.
Research services are available for a fee. Alternatively, you are welcome to visit the ACGS library, where volunteers may be available to assist you with your research.
Do I need to be a member of ACGS to receive research assistance or visit the library?
No, membership is not required.
Non-members may request research services for a fee or visit the ACGS library, where volunteers may be available to assist you with your research. There is a $20 per day visitor fee for each visitor to use the library.
ACGS members receive discounted research rates, and some individuals choose to purchase a membership ($45 per year) if they plan to use research services or visit the library more than once, as it can offset the cost.
Are you able to obtain my ancestor’s birth certificate?
ACGS can assist in locating and providing images of your ancestor’s birth or baptismal record, depending on the time period and place.
For Quebec, church parish registers served as the official civil record of birth for much of the province’s history, so we typically locate baptismal records rather than civil birth certificates for earlier periods.
For other provinces, civil registration began at different times (for example, Ontario in 1869, New Brunswick in 1888, and Saskatchewan in 1888 with later full compliance). If a civil birth record exists, we can help identify the correct record so that you can request an official copy from the appropriate provincial authority. In some cases, we may also be able to obtain a non-certified copy or image, depending on availability.
Are you able to provide certified copies of my ancestor’s birth certificate?
No, ACGS does not provide certified copies of vital records.
We provide images of original records (such as parish register entries in Quebec or civil registrations in other provinces) for genealogical research purposes.
For Canadian records, certified copies must be requested directly from the appropriate provincial authority (such as a provincial vital records office or the Directeur de l’état civil in Quebec).
For U.S. records, certified copies are typically obtained from the state or town clerk’s office where the event occurred. Requirements and procedures vary by jurisdiction, so you will need to contact the appropriate office for instructions.
Do you provide high-resolution images?
Yes. ACGS provides high-resolution digital images of the records we locate whenever possible.
These images are suitable for detailed review and often meet documentation needs for genealogical purposes. However, requirements for official applications (such as proof of citizenship) are determined by the issuing authority, so you may still be required to obtain a certified copy directly from the relevant jurisdiction.
Do you provide translations of records?
Yes. ACGS offers translation services for records, particularly French-language documents from Quebec and other French-speaking regions.
Translations are provided for an additional fee and are intended to help you understand the content of the record. While they are accurate and professionally prepared, they are not certified translations for legal purposes.
How do I hire ACGS for genealogical research?
To request research services, please email the ACGS Research Department at [email protected] with details about your project and specific goals of your research. For ancestral line research, please complete a four-generation chart with sources along with any supporting documentation you may already have (such as census or vital records).
Research is conducted at an hourly rate, with discounted rates available for ACGS members. A deposit is typically required before work begins.
Once the research is complete, you will receive a summary of findings along with copies of relevant records.
We are currently receiving a high volume of inquiries and appreciate your patience as we respond to requests in the order they are received.
