Search of Citizenship Record (17:IX)

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The search of record service verifies the citizenship status of citizens and non-citizens. There are three basic reasons someone would request a “record letter”:

  1. The applicant does not have proof of citizenship,
  2. The applicant had proof, but needs a letter that outlines when and how he or she became a citizen,
  3. A third party asks for citizenship confirmation.

All persons requiring a record letter must make an application for search of citizenship records and pay a $75 fee. All search applications are processed at the centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. After a search, if no record is found, the applicant will be given a “no record” letter, but if a record of citizenship is found, a numbered record letter is issued, which is valid for a specific purpose and stated length of time. Generally, the letter is valid for one month, but it may be valid for a maximum of three months. If a user of this manual is not sure if he or she was registered as a Canadian citizen in the past, that person should make applications for proof of citizenship and search of citizenship record at the same time and pay only one fee ($75). If the search of citizenship record is positive, the user will already be in line to receive a certificate of citizenship.


This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on July 10, 2020.
© Copyright 2023, The Greater Vancouver Law Students' Legal Advice Society.