Canada Brings Bill C-3 Into Force: Citizenship by Descent

In a landmark move that reshapes the future of Canadian nationality law, the Government of Canada has officially brought into force Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025). The reform marks one of the most significant changes to citizenship rules in decades, correcting long-standing exclusions and restoring citizenship rights to thousands of people previously left out by rigid legal limits.

The Canada Bill C-3 Citizenship Act directly addresses historical inequities created by earlier legislation and reflects a modern understanding of how Canadian families live, work, and grow across borders.

Canada: What Is Bill C-3 and What Does It Do?

Under Bill C-3, individuals born or adopted outside Canada before December 15, 2025, who were earlier denied citizenship due to outdated provisions — including the controversial first-generation limit — are now recognized as Canadian citizens by law.

These individuals can apply for official proof of citizenship through a Canadian citizenship certificate. Those who do not wish to hold citizenship may also renounce it through a straightforward legal process.

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship described the reform as long overdue, stating that the law now reflects “how Canadian families live today,” acknowledging that many citizens spend time abroad while maintaining deep ties to Canada.

Why Citizenship Reform Was Necessary

For years, Canada’s first-generation limit restricted citizenship by descent to just one generation born abroad. Under the old Citizenship Act, a Canadian parent could pass on citizenship only if they themselves were born in Canada or became naturalized before their child’s birth or adoption.

As global mobility increased, this rule left many families in legal limbo. Children and grandchildren of Canadians — despite cultural, emotional, and economic ties to the country — found themselves excluded. Over time, those affected became widely known as “Lost Canadians.”

Court challenges and public pressure highlighted the unfairness of the system, ultimately pushing the government toward legislative reform.

Canada: What Changed Under the Canada Bill C-3 Citizenship Act

Citizenship Restored to Previously Excluded Individuals

The new law automatically recognizes people born or adopted abroad before December 15, 2025 as Canadian citizens if they were previously denied under the old rules. This applies equally to biological and adopted children.

For many families, the change ends decades of uncertainty and restores a legal identity that had been denied by technicalities rather than a lack of connection.

New Rules for Children Born or Adopted Abroad After December 15, 2025

While Bill C-3 removes past injustices, it also introduces a forward-looking framework.

For children born or adopted on or after December 15, 2025, citizenship by descent will require proof of a “substantial connection to Canada” if the Canadian parent was also born or adopted outside the country.

To meet this requirement, the Canadian parent must demonstrate:

• At least 1,095 days (three cumulative years) of physical presence in Canada

• Time spent in Canada must be prior to the child’s birth or adoption

This rule applies equally to biological and adopted children, reinforcing fairness while maintaining a meaningful link to Canada.

What Happens to Pending Applications

Individuals who applied under interim measures introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) following a 2023 court ruling will not need to reapply. Their applications will continue to be processed under the new Canada Bill C-3 Citizenship Act framework.