On This Page You Will Find
- What Bill C-3 changes
- Who will gain citizenship automatically
- New rules for passing on citizenship in the future
- What remains in place until the law takes effect
- What families should expect next
- Frequently asked questions
Canada Passes Bill C-3
Canada has now passed Bill C-3, marking a major shift in how citizenship is passed from Canadian parents to children born or adopted abroad. The new law removes long-criticised restrictions and creates a clearer, more consistent system for families with international ties.
Bill C-3 responds directly to the Ontario Superior Court ruling that struck down the first-generation limit as unconstitutional in 2023. The government accepted the ruling and has now enacted permanent reforms after months of interim measures, delays and deadline extensions.
The law has received royal assent. It will take effect on a date set by order in council.
What Bill C-3 Changes
Once in force, Bill C-3 will do two major things:
1. Restore citizenship to people excluded under old rules
Citizenship will be granted to individuals who would have been citizens if not for the first-generation limit or other outdated provisions. This includes many people often referred to as Lost Canadians.
2. Set a new, modern rule for passing on citizenship
A Canadian parent who was born or adopted abroad will be able to pass citizenship to a child born or adopted outside Canada if they show a substantial connection to Canada.
IRCC will confirm the final definition of substantial connection, but it is expected to align with earlier proposals requiring meaningful physical presence.
These changes aim to fix long-standing unfairness while keeping citizenship tied to real links to Canada.
Who Gains Citizenship Automatically
People born before the new law comes into force may gain Canadian citizenship automatically if they:
- Would have been citizens but for the first-generation limit
- Were affected by older loss-of-citizenship rules that applied before 2009 and 2015 reforms
- Fall within groups recognised by the courts as unfairly excluded
IRCC will publish instructions once the law is active.
What Happens Going Forward
For future generations, the rules become more predictable. Canadians born or adopted abroad will be able to pass on citizenship to their children born abroad if they meet the substantial-connection requirement.
This replaces the blunt first-generation limit with a system that recognises modern family mobility while maintaining the principle that citizenship by descent requires ongoing ties to Canada.
Interim Measures Remain Until the Law Comes Into Force
The law is not yet active. Until IRCC sets the coming-into-force date, the interim measures stay in place.
Affected individuals may still apply for discretionary grants under section 5(4) of the Citizenship Act.
These include people who:
- Were born or adopted before 19 December 2023
- Were affected by the former first-generation limit
- Were affected by retention rules under section 8
- Have a Canadian parent with enough physical presence to meet existing requirements
Families should continue to rely on these measures until the new system opens.
What Families Should Expect Next
IRCC will announce the exact date the law takes effect. When it does:
- Some people will gain citizenship automatically
- Others may need to apply under new provisions
- New rules for passing on citizenship will start immediately
- IRCC will update its application forms and program delivery instructions
This marks the end of years of uncertainty for thousands of families.
Bill C-3: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bill C-3?
Bill C-3 is legislation that removes the first-generation limit and restores citizenship to people excluded under older rules. It also creates a new, consistent standard for passing citizenship on to children born or adopted outside Canada.
Who will gain citizenship automatically?
People born before the law takes effect who would have been citizens if not for the first-generation limit or older loss-of-citizenship rules. IRCC will confirm details once the law is in force.
What is the new rule for passing on citizenship?
Canadian parents born or adopted abroad will be able to pass citizenship to their children born abroad if they show a substantial connection to Canada. IRCC will define the exact standard, likely based on meaningful physical presence.
Are interim measures still available?
Yes. Until the law comes into force, people affected by the first-generation limit can still apply through discretionary grants under section 5(4). These remain the main temporary pathway.
When will Bill C-3 take effect?
The law comes into force on a date set by order in council. IRCC will announce the date publicly. Families should continue using interim measures until then.
