What is the Difference Between a Citizenship Card and Citizenship Certificate?

Before 2012, Canada issued citizenship cards. These wallet-sized cards were issued to naturalized citizens and resembled the birth certificates which were issued by many provinces and which were also wallet-sized and plastic and could be used to prove citizenship. After February 1, 2012, CIC the citizenship card and the commemorative certificate presented to new Canadians were replaced with the citizenship certificate. The citizenship certificate provides the same information and serves the same function, but has a different appearance. It also contains a Unique Client Identifier for additional authentication.

The Citizenship Certificate

Instead of a card, Canadian citizens needing to prove their status will be issued a citizenship certificate. You can apply for this document if you were born in Canada but need more proof of citizenship than your birth certificate or if you were born outside of Canada but are a citizen.  

The citizenship certificate is a letter-size paper document (8½ x 11-inch). It lists your Unique Client Identifier, name, certificate number, sex, date of birth, and the effective date of your citizenship. Older citizenship certificates are still accepted as proof of Canadian citizenship, as are citizenship cards. The commemorative certificates presented at citizenship ceremonies are not considered valid proof of citizenship.

You will want to apply for citizenship certificate if you need proof of citizenship, if your old citizenship card or certificate is lost or damaged, or if your information has changed. You can apply for a new citizenship certificate online by filing an Application for a Citizenship Certificate (adults and minors) (CIT 0001). You will need to submit photos, a fee, and proof of your citizenship status with your application.

Submitting the right information, correct photos, and all required materials with CIT 0001 will reduce the chance of your certificate being delayed. Immigration Direct has a helpful step-by-step guide to help you apply. It contains everything you need to get started. We also have a few FAQs and other resources to help you understand Canadian citizenship.