The number on your citizenship certificate is an example of what IRCC calls a Status-in-Canada Document Number. In other words, it is a document number that links to your profile on the databases of the government and which shows your status – permanent resident, visitor, etc. Or, in this case, a citizen of Canada. Think of it as your file number.
To find your citizenship certificate number, go to this IRCC page and click on the Canadian citizenship certificate or card link. Your certificate number is located under the heading: Description-Signalment. Your citizenship certificate number has:
The new certificates 8 characters begin with a letter and are followed by 7 numbers.
How and why do we have citizenship numbers?
As in any filing system, numbers allow quick access to specific files that contain important information. A single number enables the government to see your status and obtain other information about you. It also provides you with a way to help immigration officials access your information when you apply for a new passport or a replacement certificate, or any number of other immigration services.
Need an easier way to get a replacement citizenship certificate?
Why not get some support?
1. We make sure everything is perfect! No returned applications.
2. We track and deal with the government for you. Try calling IRCC yourself. It’s a mess.
3. Need your document fast? Again, we can help.
Can you look up your citizenship number?
If, for example, you’ve lost your certificate, then you have 2 options:
- In general, you have to do a Search of Citizenship Records which can take up to 15 months and costs $75. Go here to find out more.
- This second option does typically NOT work. But you can try calling the IRCC Call Centre at 1-888-242-21000. You will have to be both patients and expect that the agent will normally NOT be able to give you your number. If you have some proof of your identity using some other document like a passport might on the odd chance help, so you should gather any and all documents that prove your citizenship before calling (excluding your lost certificate, of course). Remember, the agent will typically refuse to give you the number, regardless of other proof. Click on the link to see what documents are accepted as proof of citizenship.
FAQs
How do I obtain a copy of my Canadian citizenship certificate?
Unless your original certificate has been lost, stolen, or damaged, or if it needs to be updated, you cannot simply apply for a copy. However, one other situation where you can get a replacement copy is when your certificate has been lost in the mail. Click the link.
Why can’t Passport Canada just use my citizenship number to get my passport?
It’s a matter of security. Certificate numbers can be copied and/or stolen. As a result, Passport Canada insists on receiving your original certificate for a passport application.
Why can’t someone from the government just tell me over the phone what my citizenship number is?
As mentioned in the previous question, it’s a matter of preventing identity theft. A citizenship number obtained by someone other than you could easily result in someone (perhaps a criminal or security risk) obtaining a passport and entering Canada illegally. For this reason, agents don’t give citizenship numbers over the phone.
Why do I need to order a replacement of my citizenship certificate or card, if I already have the number?
As mentioned various times above, IRCC and Passport Canada need your original certificate or another acceptable proof of citizenship document. Numbers can be stolen or copied, and identity theft is a key concern for Canadian immigration authorities.
Why does Passport Canada need my original citizenship certificate?
The answer is – once again – security. They have to be sure you are who you say you are before giving you a travel document that will let you travel to most places of the world without a visa. A certificate number is not sufficient proof for them.
Need an easier way to get a replacement citizenship certificate?
Why not get some support?
1. We make sure everything is perfect! No returned applications.
2. We track and deal with the government for you. Try calling IRCC yourself. It’s a mess.
3. Need your document fast? Again, we can help.
Allard Keeley has been a published writer on immigration policy since 2013. Has written for publications like The Federalist. Fluent in Spanish and English. BA Honors Economics Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.
