published on 16 December 2025 @ 4:05 pm · COMMENT

New Canadian Citizenship Law Allows Citizenship Beyond First Generation Born Abroad

As of December 15, 2025, Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act, is now in force. The amendments are intended to modernize Canadian citizenship law and have significant implications for individuals previously affected by the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent.

Under the new law, individuals born before December 15, 2025, who would have been Canadian citizens but for the first-generation limit or other outdated provisions, if eligible, are now recognized as Canadian citizens and may apply for proof of citizenship. This change addresses long-standing gaps that excluded many “Lost Canadians” from citizenship.

For those born or adopted outside Canada on or after December 15, 2025, citizenship by descent is no longer automatically restricted to the first generation. A Canadian parent born or adopted abroad may pass on citizenship, if they can demonstrate a substantial connection to Canada, defined as at least 1,095 days (three years) of physical presence in Canada prior to the child’s birth or adoption. This requirement does not apply to individuals born before December 15, 2025.

Applications previously submitted under IRCC’s interim measures introduced in 2023 will be processed under the amended law, and applicants do not need to reapply.

These long-awaited amendments follow a 2023 court ruling that found key aspects of the first-generation limit unconstitutional. For many families, these amendments represent not just a legal change but an affirmation of identity and belonging. Anyone who may be affected is encouraged to seek legal guidance to understand their eligibility and navigate the application process under the updated law.

filed under: CITIZENSHIPIMMIGRATIONPERMANENT RESIDENCE