Canada Implements Bill C-3, Offering a Clear Route to Citizenship

Thousands of individuals previously affected by Canada’s first-generation limit (FGL) on citizenship by descent can now reclaim or obtain Canadian citizenship. On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3, officially titled An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act, came into force, bringing long-awaited changes to Canada’s citizenship laws.

The new legislation is designed to correct outdated rules that prevented many people often referred to as “lost Canadians” from being recognized as citizens, despite having strong family ties to the country.

Commenting on the change, Minister of Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab, stated that the legislation strengthens connections between Canadians living in Canada and those abroad, while reaffirming the country’s core values.

This is a developing story, and further details are expected as implementation progresses.

Expanded Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship

Under the amended Citizenship Act, individuals born before December 15, 2025, who would have been Canadian citizens if not for the first-generation limit or other outdated provisions, will now be recognized as Canadian citizens. These individuals can apply for proof of Canadian citizenship.

For individuals born outside Canada on or after December 15, 2025, Canadian citizenship by descent will be available if they meet specific conditions:

• At least one parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of the child’s birth, and
• The Canadian parent meets the substantial connection to Canada requirement.

To satisfy this requirement, the Canadian parent must demonstrate that they lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) before the child’s birth.

What This Means for Existing Applicants

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will now process citizenship applications submitted under the interim measures introduced in 2023, taking into account the new rules under Bill C-3.

Applicants who have already applied for proof of citizenship under the interim measures do not need to submit a new application, as their files will be assessed under the amended law.

Who May Benefit From the New Changes

Depending on individual circumstances, the updated Citizenship Act may grant or restore Canadian citizenship to:

• Individuals born outside Canada to a Canadian parent;
• Individuals whose parent becomes a citizen due to the new amendments; and
• Those who previously lost their Canadian citizenship under earlier rules.

Background: Why Bill C-3 Was Introduced

The passage of Bill C-3 follows nearly two years of legal challenges and government deliberation. In December 2023, the Ontario Superior Court ruled that the second-generation limit under the previous Citizenship Act was unconstitutional, stating that it created unequal classes of Canadian citizens.

Rather than appealing the decision, the federal government chose to amend the law. Although initially given a 2024 deadline, the government sought multiple extensions, the most recent of which was granted on November 18, 2025.

Bill C-3 received Royal Assent on November 20, 2025, making further extensions unnecessary.

Key Benefits of Canadian Citizenship

Canadian citizens enjoy several rights and privileges that are not available to permanent residents, including:

• The right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections;
• Guaranteed entry into Canada and protection from inadmissibility;
• Greater flexibility when sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner from abroad;
• Eligibility for certain government and political roles requiring security clearance; and
• Access to a Canadian passport.

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