Reviewed by Jane Katkova, Founder & Licensed CICC ConsultantKey points
- Section 3(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act makes every child born in Canada a citizen.
- The only exception, in section 3(2), is the child of a foreign diplomat.
- The child's citizenship gives the parents no immigration status or health coverage.
- At 18 the child can sponsor parents for permanent residence, subject to the rules then.
Citizenship Act, section 3(1)(a)
Canada grants citizenship by birth (jus soli) to every child born on its soil. Section 3(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act makes the child a citizen from the moment of birth, and the parents' status is irrelevant: visitors, students and workers are treated alike. The only exception, in section 3(2), is a child whose parent is a foreign diplomat. No citizenship application is filed, so there is nothing that can be refused; the birth is registered and the passport is applied for.
Giving birth on visitor status
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's guidance states that giving birth in Canada does not breach a visitor's conditions. You must hold a valid visitor visa or eTA in your own right and be able to pay for your care. Pregnancy itself is not a ground for refusal; officers assess funds, ties to your home country, travel history and the purpose of the visit.
What the child's citizenship does for the family
- The birth certificate and Canadian passport usually arrive within three to four weeks of the birth.
- The passport is visa-free to about 185 destinations.
- Canada has allowed dual citizenship since 1977.
- The parents receive no status and no coverage; they enter and leave as visitors.
Once the child turns 18 and meets the income and other requirements in force at the time, they can sponsor their parents for permanent residence. Our childbirth in Canada service page explains the process, and families who want citizenship for the parents as well can review the citizenship by investment programmes we advise on. To plan a birth in Ontario, book a consultation with our Toronto team.
People also ask
How much does it cost to give birth in Canada as a non-resident?
For an uncomplicated birth in Ontario in 2026, budget CA$20,000–35,000 all in: hospital package, physicians, prenatal care, documents and our fee. A caesarean adds several thousand dollars and a NICU stay can add far more, at CA$2,000–5,000 per day, which is why we plan a contingency.
Do you have to live in Antigua and Barbuda to keep your citizenship?
No. Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment does not require you to live on the islands. You must spend 30 days in the country within the first five years of citizenship under the 2026 amendment, which replaced the old five-day rule. Applications approved before the rule took effect keep the five-day requirement.
Can you travel to the US or Canada on an Antigua and Barbuda passport?
Not visa-free. The US requires a visa, and since 1 January 2026 Proclamation 10998 suspends immigrant, B-1/B-2, F, M and J visas for Antiguan nationals. Canada grants an eTA only to Antiguan nationals who held a Canadian visa in the last ten years or hold a valid US visa, and only when arriving by air.
How much does St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment cost in 2026?
St Kitts and Nevis citizenship costs from US$250,000 through the Sustainable Island State Contribution, for a single applicant or a family of up to four. With due diligence, administrative and passport fees, a single applicant pays about US$261,500 in government charges and a family of four with young children about US$270,500.
Will the St Kitts and Nevis passport keep visa-free access to Schengen?
Schengen access is intact today. In July 2026 the European Commission asked all five Caribbean governments to phase out citizenship by investment by 1 June 2028, and the Visa Suspension Mechanism now treats operating a programme as grounds for suspension. We advise that visa-free Schengen access is current and not guaranteed after 2028.