🇨🇦 Canada Modernizes Citizenship Rules: What Bill C-3 Means for Families Abroad
- Hrycyna Law Professional Corporation
- Nov 26
- 2 min read
A New Era for Citizenship by Descent
Canada has introduced a landmark reform through Bill C-3 – An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), modernizing how citizenship is passed to children born outside the country. This legislative update is set to impact thousands of globally mobile families, including an estimated 570,000 Canadians living in the United States by restoring fairness and adapting the law to today’s international realities.
Correcting Past Inequities: The “Lost Canadians”
For years, the 2009 “first-generation limit” restricted citizenship to the first generation born abroad, leaving many children of Canadian parents without status. These individuals, often called Lost Canadians, included those affected by outdated gender, marriage, or residency rules.
Bill C-3 finally addresses these gaps. According to the Parliamentary Budget Officer, more than 115,000 people born outside Canada will automatically gain or regain citizenship once the new law takes effect.
Key Highlights of Bill C-3
Restoring Citizenship Retroactively
Those who lost or were denied citizenship under older laws will automatically have it restored when the legislation comes into force. This applies to adults and children alike, including Canadians who grew up abroad but have maintained close ties to Canada.
A New Standard for Future Generations
For children born or adopted outside Canada after the law takes effect:
If a parent was born or naturalized in Canada, citizenship continues to pass automatically.
If a parent was born or adopted abroad, they can pass on citizenship only if they have accumulated three years (1,095 days) of physical presence in Canada.
This balanced approach ensures that future generations maintain a meaningful connection to Canada while recognizing the mobility of modern families.
When Will the Law Take Effect?
Bill C-3 received Royal Assent on November 20, 2025, but is not yet in force. The Ontario Superior Court has granted the federal government until January 20, 2026 to implement the changes. During this transition, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will update its internal systems, application forms, and officer training materials.
Until then, individuals affected by the previous restrictions may still apply through IRCC’s interim discretionary grant process, introduced in March 2025.
Practical Next Steps
Review your situation. If you or your child were born abroad, you may benefit from these changes.
Gather proof of residence. Keep records of your time in Canada — employment history, tax returns, or school records.
Monitor IRCC announcements. We will update our clients once the implementation date and procedural details are confirmed.
Consult a professional. Our team can help you determine eligibility and prepare your citizenship or PR application under the new framework.
Start Your Path to Citizenship or Permanent Residency Today 🇨🇦
We offer a free consultation to assess your eligibility and guide you through the process of securing Canadian citizenship or Permanent Residency.
📅 Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a secure future in Canada.
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