Global demand for second passports is surging – how Canada’s new bill could open the door

As travel rules continue to shift and global uncertainty grows, more people are turning to second citizenship as a source of long-term security.

Even celebrities such as George Clooney and Rosie O’ Donnell have acquired or are seeking to acquire dual citizenship (and the passport that comes with it)—French citizenship for the former and Irish for the latter.

Amid this global demand for second passports, Canada has recently passed a new law making more individuals eligible for a Canadian passport.

On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025) came into force, expanding who can be recognized as a Canadian citizen by descent—especially people who were previously blocked by the first-generation limit (FGL).

Check Your Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship

This article will cover:

• What the passing of Bill C-3 means;
• How you can find out if you’re eligible for Canadian citizenship;
• How to apply for a Canadian passport (if eligible);
• Whether Canada allows dual citizenship; and
• The benefits of having a Canadian passport.

Am I eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent due to Bill C-3?

Bill C-3 removed the FGL for many people born (or adopted) abroad before December 15, 2025, who would have been Canadian citizens if not for the previous rules.

The FGL was implemented in 2009, limiting citizenship by descent to the first generation born outside Canada.

This meant that a child born abroad would inherit citizenship by descent only if their parent was either born in Canada or became a citizen through naturalization. If the child's parent was a citizen by descent (e.g., they were also born abroad to a Canadian), the child could not inherit Canadian citizenship.

Bill C-3 eliminated this rule, thus granting thousands of “Lost Canadians” with citizenship.

If you have a grandparent who was born in Canada or acquired Canadian citizenship through naturalization, you may be eligible for Canadian citizenship—even if neither you nor your parents were born in Canada.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, CanadaVisa has released a free online tool that you can use to assess your eligibility for citizenship by descent under the new legislation.

Applying for a proof of citizenship

If you believe you are a Canadian citizen due to the passing of Bill C-3 and wish to obtain a proof of citizenship certificate, you will need to apply for one with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Most individuals must do so online, though paper applications are available for certain individuals. If you apply for proof of citizenship and your application is successful, you will be granted a citizenship certificate which you can then use to apply for a Canadian passport immediately.

If you are applying within Canada, you can get your Canadian passport in as little as 10 business days—provided you apply for one in person at a Service Canada centre.

Get a Free Legal Consultation on Applying for Proof of Canadian Citizenship

Does Canada allow dual citizenship?

Canada recognizes and allows dual (and multiple) citizenship, meaning you can become a Canadian citizen without being required by Canada to give up your other nationality.

However, not all countries allow dual citizenship. Whether you can keep your original citizenship after becoming Canadian depends on the laws in your other country of citizenship (and sometimes on whether you must formally notify that country or complete a renunciation process).

For example, China does not recognize dual nationality, and India does not allow Indian citizenship to be held at the same time as a foreign citizenship—so nationals of those countries may be required to give up their original citizenship when they naturalize elsewhere.

The United States allows Americans to hold another citizenship, including Canadian citizenship—so US nationals can become Canadian without automatically losing their US status.

All foreign nationals should check the rules of their original citizenship country before applying for a dual Canadian citizenship.

What are the benefits of having a Canadian passport?

The Canadian passport has repeatedly been named as one of the world’s most powerful passports.

According to the Henley Passport Index, the Canadian passport beats out the US passport—the latter dropping out of the top 10 strongest passports worldwide in the last 20 years.

The Canadian passport currently allows visa-free travel to 181 destinations worldwide (against the US’s 179 destinations).

There are many other perks of having a Canadian passport, from having the right to vote in elections and run for office, to the ability to freely enter, work and live in Canada without any restrictions.

Check Your Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship