Citizenship and citizenship by descent.
Cohen Immigration Law handles naturalization for permanent residents, citizenship by descent under Bill C-3, certificates of citizenship, renunciation, resumption, and judicial review of refusals.
The practice
Citizenship is distinct from permanent residence. A permanent resident who meets the physical-presence, language, and knowledge requirements may apply for naturalization. A person who already holds citizenship by operation of law may instead need a certificate as proof for passport purposes.
Bill C-3, in force since December 15, 2025, restored a pathway to citizenship by descent for many individuals with a Canadian parent or grandparent who were previously excluded by the first-generation limit. The factual analysis turns on the ancestor’s status at the time of the client’s birth and the chain of descent across generations.
Instruments
- Citizenship Act
- Bill C-3 (in force December 15, 2025)
- Proof of citizenship
- Naturalization
- Federal Court (judicial review)
Pathways we file
- Citizenship by descent (Bill C-3)
Proof-of-citizenship applications for individuals with Canadian ancestry who may already be citizens under the restored descent provisions.
- Naturalization
Citizenship applications for permanent residents meeting residence, language, and knowledge-of-Canada requirements.
- Certificates of citizenship
Replacement or first-issue certificates where citizenship status is established but documentary proof is required.
- Renunciation and resumption
Formal renunciation where dual citizenship is not permitted abroad, and resumption where a former citizen seeks to recover status.
- Refusals and appeals
Response to citizenship refusals, reconsideration requests, and applications for leave and judicial review in the Federal Court.
Citizenship by descent has a dedicated eligibility page with a fixed-fee preparation service for qualifying applicants under Bill C-3.
Related practice areas
Discuss your citizenship file.
New engagements begin with a consultation.