Citizenship & Passport After Birth in Canada: A Parent’s Guide

For many intended parents pursuing surrogacy or giving birth in Canada, one of the first questions after welcoming their baby is: What happens next?

Understanding how to obtain your child’s birth certificate, Canadian citizenship, and passport can make the post-birth process much smoother. Whether you’re Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or international intended parents, knowing the required steps helps you prepare for your journey home.

This guide explains everything parents need to know after a child is born in Canada.

Is a Baby Born in Canada Automatically a Canadian Citizen?

In most cases, yes.

Canada follows the principle of birthright citizenship (jus soli), meaning that a child born on Canadian soil automatically becomes a Canadian citizen regardless of the parents’ nationality or immigration status. The primary exception is when a parent is a foreign diplomat serving in Canada at the time of the birth.

For many international intended parents using Canadian surrogacy, this is one of the significant benefits of giving birth in Canada.

Step 1: Register Your Baby’s Birth

The first official step after delivery is registering your baby’s birth with the province or territory where the child was born.

Hospitals usually provide parents with the necessary information, and many provinces allow online registration shortly after birth.

During registration, parents generally request:

• Official birth registration
• Birth certificate
• Social Insurance Number (where applicable)
• Provincial newborn services (if eligible)

Birth registration is essential because it creates the legal record needed for future documentation.

Step 2: Obtain the Birth Certificate

After registration is processed, the province issues your baby’s birth certificate.

The birth certificate serves as the child’s official proof of birth and is required for many future applications, including:

• Canadian passport
• Health services (when eligible)
• School registration
• Government identification
• Citizenship-related documentation

Processing times vary by province but often range from several days to a few weeks.

Step 3: Apply for Your Baby’s Canadian Passport

Once you receive the birth certificate, you can apply for your child’s Canadian passport.

Children under 16 require a separate passport and cannot travel using a parent’s passport.

Documents Usually Required

Parents typically need:

• Original Canadian birth certificate
• Completed child passport application
• Passport photographs meeting Canadian specifications
• Proof of parentage
• Required parental identification
• Applicable passport fees

Government officials may request additional documents depending on your family’s circumstances.

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Passport?

Passport processing times vary depending on:

• Application method
• Service level selected
• Government processing volume
• Time of year

Parents planning international travel should begin the application process as soon as possible after receiving the birth certificate.

What If the Parents Are Not Canadian Citizens?

One of Canada’s unique citizenship laws is that the parents do not need to be Canadian citizens for their child to receive Canadian citizenship by birth, provided the birth occurs in Canada and no diplomatic exception applies.

However, it’s important to understand that the child’s Canadian citizenship does not automatically grant Canadian citizenship or permanent residency to the parents.

Parents must continue to comply with Canada’s immigration laws independently.

Can the Baby Have Dual Citizenship?

In many situations, yes.

Many countries allow children to hold both Canadian citizenship and the citizenship of their parents.

Whether dual citizenship is permitted depends entirely on the laws of the parents’ home country.

Before traveling, parents should check:

• Their country’s citizenship laws
• Passport requirements
• Visa requirements
• Exit and entry documentation

Special Considerations for International Intended Parents

If your child is born through surrogacy in Canada, there may be additional legal and administrative steps before returning home.

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need:

• Parentage documentation
• Surrogacy legal orders
• DNA testing (in some countries)
• Citizenship applications through your home country
• Travel documents from your embassy or consulate

Because every country’s requirements differ, experienced legal guidance is highly recommended.

Can My Baby Leave Canada Immediately?

Generally, babies cannot travel internationally until they receive appropriate travel documents.

Before booking travel, parents should ensure they have:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Any visas required by the destination country
• Airline-approved travel documentation
• Medical clearance if the newborn is very young

Planning ahead helps avoid unnecessary travel delays.

Documents Parents Should Keep Safe

Create a secure file containing:

• Birth certificate
• Hospital discharge papers
• Passport
• Passport photographs
• Parentage documents
• Surrogacy legal paperwork (if applicable)
• Medical records
• Vaccination records

These documents may be required repeatedly throughout your child’s early years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is my baby automatically a Canadian citizen if born in Canada?

Ans. Yes. Most babies born in Canada automatically receive Canadian citizenship at birth, except in limited situations involving foreign diplomats.

Q. Do parents become Canadian citizens if their baby is born in Canada?

Ans. No. A child’s Canadian citizenship does not automatically change the parents’ immigration or citizenship status.

Q. How soon can I apply for my baby’s passport?

Ans. After receiving your baby’s official birth certificate, you can begin the passport application process.

Q. Can my baby have two passports?

Ans. Often yes. Many children qualify for Canadian citizenship by birth while also qualifying for another country’s citizenship through their parents, depending on that country’s laws.

Q. Do surrogate-born babies receive Canadian citizenship?

Ans. If the baby is born in Canada and no legal exception applies, Canadian citizenship is generally acquired at birth regardless of whether the child was born through surrogacy.

Final Thoughts

Welcoming a child into the world is exciting, and understanding the citizenship and passport process can make the experience less stressful. From registering the birth and obtaining a birth certificate to applying for a Canadian passport, each step is important for ensuring your child has the documentation needed for future travel and legal identification.

If you’re an international intended parent pursuing surrogacy in Canada, planning ahead and working with experienced legal and surrogacy professionals can help ensure a smooth transition from delivery to returning home with your newborn.

Ready to take the next step? Call Surrogacy4All at (212) 661-7673 or email info@surrogacy4all.com to book your consultation.