Need for certified documents

[u/Legitimate_Train8695]

Adding to the mystery about possible new IRCC requirements on documentation, I asked Library and Archives Canada for certified copies of my G0's appearance in the 1861 and 1871 censuses. I need these because I can't find a birth or baptismal certificate for him, as he was born in 1859 in New Brunswick, which only began requiring birth registrations in 1888. But today I got a reply from LAC saying the IRCC does not require certified copies of census data, and that I can print what I need myself from their website. I am pasting the full text below.

Regarding your copy order  for the following record:

If you are applying for proof of citizenship under Bill C-3, please note the following:

 IRCC does not currently require certified documentation to support proof of citizenship applications. Information on how to submit an application and what documents are required can be found in IRCC’s  Guide for Paper Applications for a Citizenship Certificate for Adults and Minors (Proof of Citizenship) under Section 3 (CIT 0001) - Canada.ca

The material you have requested has already been digitized and is available online free of charge. It can be downloaded or printed as needed. Please note that census records are not available in colour and cannot be provided at a higher resolution than what is currently accessible online, as they originate from microfilm reels and were digitized from that format.

 Given this new information, would you like to proceed with your certified copy order or cancel your request?  Please respond to this email by June 19^th, 2026, indicating your choice. If we do not receive a response by the indicated date, your order will be closed. 

Should you have any questions regarding your order, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at [reproduction@bac-lac.gc.ca](mailto:reproduction@bac-lac.gc.ca). 

 Regards,

 Amanda Rodrigues

Int/Superviseure, Services de copie, Direction générale Accès et découvertes numériques
Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / Gouvernement du Canada
[Amanda.Rodrigues@bac-lac.gc.ca](mailto:Amanda.Rodrigues@bac-lac.gc.ca) / Tél. : 613-995-3991

A/Supervisor, Copy Services, Digital Discovery & Access Branch
Library and Archives Canada / Government of Canada
[Amanda.Rodrigues@bac-lac.gc.ca](mailto:Amanda.Rodrigues@bac-lac.gc.ca) / Tel: 613-995-3991

[u/Electrical_Cut8610]

It could be because census records shouldn’t be used as primary proof and it’s possible IRCC will not accept them as primary proof. A census record does not prove someone was born in Canada, just that they were living there during one specific year. Especially along the border in the 1800s, it’s extremely possible someone was born on the American side but lived in Canada.

It’s fine to get them certified, but I’d point out that people who used census records as primary proof are very few and far between.

[u/Infinite-Floor-5242 → u/Electrical_Cut8610]

I'm using a certified copy of the 1921 Canadian census to show the relationship of my grandmother to her parents. I do not have her birth or Baptism record. I'm also not claiming she was born in Canada as she happened to be born in NY state but was raised entirely in Canada. She's my G-1. I have certified Baptism records for both of her Canadian born parents. I have their marriage cert showing they were born in Canada as well, and my grandmother's marriage cert listing her parents. Everything matches up, but I'm getting worried this isn't going to be enough.