Several members of the same family may qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent through a shared Canadian ancestor. This can happen when a person’s citizenship claim comes through a parent, grandparent, or another Canadian ancestor.

When one family member finds a valid connection to a Canadian citizen, biological siblings may also have a claim. Their children may qualify as well, depending on the family line & the citizenship rules that apply.

This often leads families to submit several proof of citizenship applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at the same time.

Sending all applications in one package may seem easier. However, families should be aware of one important risk. If IRCC finds one application incomplete, it may return all the applications included in the same package.

Choosing Between One Package And Separate Applications

Multiple family applications can be mailed together as one shipment. Proof of citizenship applications are currently submitted by paper to the citizenship processing centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Submitting applications together can make things easier for families. All the applications arrive at the same time, which can make it easier to keep track of them. The files may also move through the system around the same period, although there is no guarantee that decisions will be made together.

However, sending several applications together also creates a shared risk.

If IRCC finds one application incomplete, it can return every application in that package. With proof of citizenship applications taking around 25 months according to IRCC’s current estimate, a returned package could add more delay for the entire family.

Submitting applications separately avoids this shared risk.

If one family member has a complete application, that file can continue on its own even if another relative has a problem with their documents.

Separate applications may be especially useful when one family member has a missing document or a more complicated family history.

The main drawback is that separate submissions require more coordination. There is also no guarantee that family members will receive decisions at the same time.

Important Points For Families Applying Together

The choice between sending applications together or separately depends on the details of each family’s case.

Families choosing one shipment should make sure every application is complete before mailing the package.

Every Application Should Be Complete

Sharing the same Canadian ancestor does not mean that family members can share one set of supporting documents.

Each applicant needs a complete application because IRCC may review each file separately. Every application should contain its own forms and supporting records.

An incomplete application may be returned by IRCC.

Each application should have:

  • A signed and dated proof of citizenship application form (CIT 0001)
  • A document checklist (CIT 0014)
  • Two citizenship photos
  • Photo identification of the applicant
  • A receipt showing the citizenship application fee has been paid
  • A full set of the lineage documents (not a shared set)

IRCC has also introduced more flexible completeness measures for proof of citizenship applications submitted from outside Canada and the US.

A Cover Letter Can Help

A cover letter can make it easier for IRCC officers to understand that several applications are connected.

The letter can list the family members applying at the same time and explain the shared Canadian ancestor. It can also point out how the different applications are linked.

A clear cover letter may help organize a family submission and make the connection between the files easier to identify.

Family Members Can Pay Fees Together

IRCC allows families submitting multiple applications at the same time to pay the fees together.

One receipt can cover the fees for all applications included in the same package. The receipt should be placed with the applications so the files can be handled together.

Separate Inner Envelopes Can Keep Files Organized

Families sending several applications in one shipment can place each applicant’s documents in a separate envelope inside one larger package.

This approach can reduce confusion & make it easier to identify which documents belong to each applicant.

There is no fixed limit on the number of applications that can be included in one shipment. However, larger families will have more forms and supporting records to organize.

For families with several applicants, separate shipments may sometimes be easier to manage.

Spouses Do Not Qualify Through The Same Family Line

A spouse cannot claim Canadian citizenship simply because another spouse has a Canadian ancestor.

Citizenship by descent depends on a documented family connection to a Canadian citizen. Marriage does not create the same citizenship-by-descent connection.

However, a person who becomes a Canadian citizen may later be able to sponsor a spouse for Canadian permanent residence.

After meeting the requirements for permanent residence and later meeting the citizenship requirements, the spouse may be able to apply for Canadian citizenship independently.

Choosing The Right Way To Apply

Families with several potential citizenship claims have two main options: submit the applications together or send them separately.

A single package can be convenient and may help related applications stay connected. However, it also means that a problem with one application could affect every file in that shipment.

Separate submissions reduce that shared risk but require more paperwork and coordination.

The safest approach depends on the strength and completeness of each family member’s documents. Careful review of the family line, forms, photos, identity documents, and supporting records can help reduce the chance of an application being returned.

Palina Immigration Consultancy, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at Palinaimmigration.com.