Bill C-3 takes effect, giving many a clear pathway to Canadian citizenship

Thousands of lost Canadians previously affected by the first-generation limit (FGL) to citizenship by descent are now eligible to gain Canadian citizenship. 

On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3, “An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act", became law. 

“This new legislation strengthens the bond between Canadians at home and around the world, and reaffirms the values we hold as a nation,” says Minister of Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab.  

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Expanded eligibility for Canadian citizenship

Going forward, anyone born before December 15, 2025, who would have been a Canadian citizen but for the FGL or other outdated rules will be recognized as Canadian and can apply for proof of citizenship. 

Those born abroad to at least one Canadian parent (also born outside Canada), on or after December 15, 2025, will be eligible for Canadian citizenship if: 

• Their parent was a Canadian citizen when they were born; and 
• Their Canadian parent passes the “substantial connection to Canada” test. 

To meet the connection to Canada test, the Canadian parents must prove they spent at least three years (1,095) days in Canada prior to the child’s birth.

With the Citizenship Act now amended, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will process applications submitted under the interim measures (introduced in 2023) with consideration of the new rules. 

Applicants who have already submitted a proof of citizenship application under the interim measures do not need to submit another application now that Bill C-3 has formally come into effect.

Changes to the Citizenship Act may also grant or restore Canadian citizenship to the following individuals, depending on their circumstances: 

• Those who were born outside Canada and whose parent was a citizen before they were born; 
• Those who were born outside Canada and whose parent became a citizen because of the new changes; and 
• Those who previously lost their Canadian citizenship.

History of Bill-C3

The introduction of Bill C-3 has been long-awaited and follows two full years of deliberation and legal roadblocks.

In December of 2023, the Ontario Superior Court Justice declared the second-generation limit provisions within Canada's previous Citizenship Act unconstitutional, citing the fact that the legislation created two classes of Canadian citizens, with one given fewer rights to confer their citizenship than the other.

Canada's federal government at the time chose not to contest this ruling, and instead moved to amend the Citizenship Act. The government was initially granted a 2024 deadline, but it failed to meet it. Over these two years, the federal government sought an extension to amend the Act multiple times, with the most recent instance being the extension granted on November 18, 2025.

With the Bill receiving Royal Assent on November 20, 2025, the latest extension was not needed.

The benefits of Canadian citizenship

As compared to permanent residents, Canadian citizens hold a number of rights unique to them. This includes:

• The ability to vote in Canadian elections;
• The right to enter Canada, and the inability to be found inadmissible.
• Increased freedom to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner from abroad for Canadian permanent residence;
• The ability to hold various political positions that require a security clearance; and
• Being eligible for a Canadian passport.

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