Nationality changes
Nationality changes
Nationality change process / requirements
Following rule 1.5 in each of the rule books: An athlete who has competed internationally at any level in the last three (3) years requires authorisation from the ICF with the approval of the two (2) National Federations involved in order to change sporting nationality.
Nationality change requests must be submitted by 30 November for assessment to be eligible to represent the new country by 1 January the following year. Nationality change requests must be accompanied by:
- A letter from the departing nation with permission for the athlete to leave. This should be on official letterhead from the National Federation and include the athlete's full name and date of birth.
- A letter from the receiving nation with acceptance of the athlete. This should be on official letterhead from the National Federation and include the athlete's full name and date of birth.
- Proof of nationality for the receiving nation (eg copy of passport) or proof of residence in the receiving country on or before 1 January the year prior to the application (to prove one year of residence). Proof of residence can be in the form of a residence visa / work permit or letter showing the athlete's name and address in the new country, such as a bank letter or utilities bill. Athletes 18 years of age and under are exempt from the nationality / residence requirement.
All documents should be sent to sdp@canoeicf.com together in one email from the receiving nation.
If an athlete has not competed in any international event on the ICF calendar in the past three years, proof of residency or nationality for the new nation is not required. A simple email from the receiving National Federation stating the athlete's name, date of birth, and departing country is sufficient. The athlete's details will be checked against ICF records.
Please note that Olympic nationality rules have different criteria. For specific advice on Olympic nationality please email sdp@canoeicf.com with the details of the athlete including name, date of birth, last international representation (including country represented) and nationality/nationalities held.