Summary
On December 15, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that Bill C-3, an Act to amend the Citizenship Act, has officially come into effect. This significant legislative change removes the “first-generation limit” on passing down Canadian citizenship to children born abroad. This means more people with a Canadian parent will now be eligible for citizenship, regardless of where their parent was born.
What Does This Update Mean?
This is a major change to Canada’s citizenship by descent rules. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- The Old Rule: Previously, a Canadian citizen could only automatically pass on their citizenship to a child born abroad if the parent was either born in Canada or became a naturalized citizen before the child’s birth. If the Canadian parent was also born abroad (i.e., they were the first generation born outside Canada), they could not pass on citizenship to their own children born outside Canada.
- The New Rule (Effective Dec 15, 2025): Bill C-3 has eliminated this “first-generation limit.” Now, Canadian citizens born abroad can pass on their citizenship to their children born outside Canada. This restores a more inclusive approach to citizenship for multi-generational Canadian families living around the world.
This update is crucial for many individuals who were previously unable to claim their Canadian heritage, often referred to as “Lost Canadians.” It recognizes that Canadian identity can extend beyond geographical borders and generations.
Who Is Affected?
This policy change directly impacts several groups of people:
- Canadian Citizens Born Abroad: If you are a Canadian citizen who was born outside of Canada, you can now pass on your citizenship to your children who are also born outside of Canada.
- Children of Canadians Born Abroad: Individuals born outside Canada to a Canadian parent (who was also born outside Canada) may now be eligible for a direct grant of citizenship.
- Future Parents: Canadians living and working abroad who plan to have children will now have a clear path to secure Canadian citizenship for them.
- “Lost Canadians”: This may provide a long-awaited solution for individuals who were previously denied citizenship due to the first-generation limit.
What Can You Do About It?
If you believe this change in legislation might affect you or your family, here are some practical next steps:
- Review Your Family’s History: Determine where your parents and grandparents were born and how they obtained Canadian citizenship. This will help you understand if you fall under the new rules.
- Check Your Eligibility: Visit the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. They will have updated eligibility criteria and application guides based on the new law.
- Gather Documents: You will likely need to provide documents such as your Canadian parent’s proof of citizenship, your own birth certificate, and other identification. Start collecting these documents now.
- Apply for Proof of Citizenship: If you are now eligible, the next step is typically to apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate. This is the official document that proves your Canadian citizenship.
As this is a new law, processing details and forms may be updated. Always refer to the official IRCC website for the most accurate and up-to-date information before applying.
Important Dates & Deadlines
- December 15, 2025: This is the date the new law, Bill C-3, officially came into effect. Eligibility for many individuals begins from this date forward.
Stay tuned for more updates as IRCC releases detailed guides on how to navigate the application process under these new, more inclusive rules.