- Library and Archives Canada confirmed in writing that its records can be filed with a citizenship application without prior permission.
- The records must be unaltered, credited with their LAC reference and permalink, and not sold.
- They should go only into the applicant's own application, not be published or redistributed.
- Cover letters and indexes must not use Government of Canada symbols such as the Canada wordmark or coat of arms.
Yes. Library and Archives Canada (LAC) has confirmed to us in writing that unaltered LAC records can be downloaded and filed with an individual citizenship or immigration application without first asking for permission, as long as a few conditions are met.
Many of our citizenship by descent files rest on LAC records: census returns, passenger lists, border entry records, naturalization records and First World War service files. These are often the best evidence that an ancestor was born in, lived in, or became a citizen of Canada. Because we download these records and include them in our clients' applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), we wanted a clear answer on copyright. So we asked LAC's Copyright Services directly, and they replied in October 2026.
What LAC told us
LAC's Copyright Services confirmed that no prior written consent is needed. In their words: "Under LAC's Terms and Conditions, downloading and using unaltered historical public records to support individual legal files and applications is completely permitted without prior written consent, provided specific conditions are met."
This is consistent with LAC's published Terms and conditions, which say there is no charge or permission required to reproduce LAC materials for non-commercial or cost-recovery purposes, unless otherwise specified.
The four conditions
LAC reviewed how we use its records and confirmed that our practice meets each of the four conditions below.
- The records themselves are not sold. We charge professional fees for our research and legal advice, but never a fee or surcharge to download, access or copy an LAC record. LAC permits reuse of its public materials for non-commercial purposes, including compiling a legal case and personal research.
- The records are not altered. We file each record exactly as LAC provides it. LAC's terms require that reproductions be accurate, unrevised and kept in their original context.
- The source is credited, with a link. For each record, we cite the original LAC reference and include its permalink. LAC asks users to credit the source organization and title, and the permalink lets an IRCC officer check the original in a few clicks.
- The records go only into the client's own application. We attach them to individual, private citizenship or immigration applications. We do not resell them, publish them online or redistribute them widely, which keeps the use within LAC's guidelines.
One caution: government symbols
LAC added one note: a firm's client packages and correspondence must not copy the official Government of Canada symbols found on LAC's website. These include the Canada wordmark, the flag symbol and the Royal Coat of Arms.
LAC's terms say these symbols cannot be reproduced without prior written authorization. The records themselves are fine to file. What matters is that a cover letter or document index never looks like it came from the government.
What this means for your application
If you are applying for proof of Canadian citizenship, LAC records can go into your application as evidence of your Canadian ancestor. The same principles apply whether a lawyer prepares the file or you prepare it yourself.
- Keep the original image. Download the record from LAC and file it as is, with no edits.
- Record the reference. Note the reference number, item title and permalink for every LAC record you use.
- Label any excerpt. LAC's crediting guidelines ask that a cropped or changed item be marked "detail". If you crop or highlight an entry for a summary, label it and include the full original too.
- Leave out government logos. Do not add the Canada wordmark, flag symbol or coat of arms to your cover letter or index.
- Check for third-party rights. Some items in LAC's collection are subject to someone else's copyright. The item's page usually says so.
Questions about your file
Every citizenship by descent file is different. If you would like a citizenship and immigration lawyer to review your family's records, book a consultation.
Sources
- Library and Archives Canada, Copyright Services, reply to Marin Immigration Law (request SPQ-210724), October 14, 2026
- Library and Archives Canada, Terms and conditions
- Library and Archives Canada, Crediting and citing LAC material
This post summarizes LAC's response to our firm's request. It is general information, not legal advice.
Disclaimer: This blog is general information only, not legal advice, and may be incomplete or out of date. Laws change often. For advice on your situation, consult a qualified lawyer.
About our team
Five lawyers, a genealogist and a research team, all working on the same files.
Our lawyers have clerked at the Federal Court, decided claims at the Immigration and Refugee Board, served in Canada's foreign service and worked in the immigration groups of leading national firms. Kendra Gaede, our genealogist, chairs the Manitoba Genealogical Society's Research Committee and knows records from Quebec and Acadia to the Prairies. She leads the researchers who trace your family line and find the records that prove it.
2012 to 2016
Cédric Marin, our founder, studies civil law and common law at the University of Ottawa.
2017 to 2022
He clerks at the Federal Court of Canada, decides refugee claims and appeals at the Immigration and Refugee Board, and earns a Master of Laws.
2023
He opens Marin Immigration Law in Ottawa.
2025
Bill C-3 comes into force, and many more families with Canadian roots can claim citizenship.
2026
Four associate lawyers, a genealogist and a research team join, and we move into our office at 280 Albert Street.
Today
About 15 people, in Ottawa and across Canada.
