Canada Enacts Bill C-3 to Reform Citizenship by Descent Rules

Bill C-3 Ends ‘First-Generation Limit’ and Restores Citizenship to Thousands

Canada has introduced a significant reform to its citizenship regime with Bill C-3 coming into force on December 15, 2025 . The amendment to the Citizenship Act addresses long-standing exclusions caused by restrictive descent rules and resolves grievances faced by thousands of people with deep familial ties to Canada but no legal citizenship status.

What Bill C-3 Changes
Bill C-3 removes the earlier “first-generation limit” on citizenship by descent for individuals born or adopted outside Canada before December 15, 2025 . Those previously denied citizenship solely because their Canadian parent was also born abroad are now recognised as Canadian citizens by law . Eligible individuals can apply for a citizenship certificate as proof, enabling access to passports, voting rights, and federal benefits.

Why Reform Was Needed
Under the former framework, citizenship by descent could be passed down only one generation unless the parent was born or naturalised in Canada. This led to the emergence of so-called “Lost Canadians” —people who lost or never acquired citizenship despite strong connections. Court rulings and sustained public advocacy highlighted the inequity of the rule in a world of increased global mobility, prompting Parliament to modernise the law.

Rules for Future Generations
For children born or adopted abroad on or after December 15, 2025 , citizenship by descent will require a “substantial connection” to Canada. A Canadian parent who was also born or adopted abroad must show 1,095 days (three cumulative years) of physical presence in Canada prior to the child’s birth or adoption. The requirement applies equally to biological and adopted children , balancing fairness with a meaningful national link.

Who Benefits and What Comes Next
Individuals who qualify automatically under Bill C-3 but lack documentation must apply for a citizenship certificate to formalise status. Applications filed under interim measures following the 2023 court ruling will continue under the new law. Overall, the reform restores citizenship to affected families while setting clear, durable rules for the future.

Exam-Focused Points

• Bill C-3 came into force on December 15, 2025 .

• It retrospectively removes the first-generation limit for those born earlier.

• Three years (1,095 days) of physical presence is required for future citizenship by descent.

• The reform addresses the issue of “Lost Canadians.”