Amid growing global uncertainty, the demand for second passports is higher than ever, offering a sense of security and freedom. A recent announcement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) signals a significant change that could open the door to Canadian citizenship for many who were previously ineligible.
Summary of the Announcement
Canada is moving forward with a new bill that amends the Citizenship Act to change the rules for “citizenship by descent.” This update addresses the “first-generation limit,” a rule that has, until now, prevented certain Canadian citizens from passing their citizenship on to their children born abroad. The proposed legislation aims to extend citizenship eligibility to a new generation of individuals with a substantial connection to Canada.
What Does This Update Mean?
This is a landmark change in Canadian citizenship law. Previously, the 2009 legislation created a “first-generation limit,” meaning that a Canadian parent who was also born outside of Canada could not pass on their citizenship to their child if that child was also born abroad. This new bill effectively removes that barrier.
The key significance is that citizenship will no longer be determined solely by where your Canadian parent was born. Instead, it will be based on the parent demonstrating a “substantial connection” to Canada. This acknowledges that a person’s bond to Canada isn’t just about their birthplace. For families who have felt disconnected from their Canadian heritage due to this rule, this change re-opens a vital link to their roots and the benefits of a Canadian passport.
Program Requirements Explained: Old vs. New
- Old Rule (First-Generation Limit): If you were a Canadian citizen born outside Canada, your children born outside Canada were generally not eligible for citizenship.
- New Rule (Substantial Connection): The new law will allow a Canadian parent born abroad to pass on citizenship if they can prove a “substantial connection” to Canada. This is expected to be defined by having spent a significant amount of time physically in Canada before the birth of their child (e.g., a cumulative 1,095 days).
Who Is Affected by This Change?
This legislative update directly impacts several groups of people:
- “Lost Canadians”: Individuals born abroad to a Canadian parent who was also born abroad, who were previously denied citizenship due to the first-generation limit.
- Canadian Citizens Abroad: Canadian parents living and working internationally who were born outside of Canada can now secure Canadian citizenship for their children.
- Families Seeking Stability: In a world of shifting travel rules, this provides families with the long-term security and mobility that comes with a Canadian passport.
What Can You Do About It? Next Steps
While the bill progresses through the legislative process, prospective applicants can take practical steps to prepare.
- Assess Your Eligibility: Review your family’s history. If you have a Canadian parent who was born abroad, determine if they meet the new “substantial connection” requirement based on their time spent in Canada.
- Gather Documentation: Start collecting key documents now. This may include your parent’s proof of Canadian citizenship, their records of time spent in Canada (such as school records, tax statements, or official government records), your original birth certificate, and other identification documents.
- Stay Informed: Keep a close watch on the official IRCC website for the formal announcement of the bill receiving Royal Assent and for the release of new application forms and guidelines. Application procedures will only be updated after the law is officially in effect.
This change represents a major opportunity for many to claim their Canadian heritage. Preparing in advance will put you in a strong position to apply as soon as the process opens.