The Government of Canada has introduced new legislation that would expand access to Canadian citizenship for children born outside the country. Tabled on June 5, 2025, by the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Bill C-3 aims to remove longstanding restrictions on citizenship by descent and align the law with modern family realities.
On This Page You Will Find:
- What Canada’s Bill C-3 changes about citizenship by descent
- Who will gain citizenship automatically if the bill passes
- New rules for parents passing on Canadian citizenship abroad
- Background on court challenges to the first-generation limit
- What to expect next if the bill becomes law
Ending the First-Generation Limit
At present, Canadian citizens born abroad – also known as citizens by descent – cannot automatically pass their citizenship on to their children if those children are also born outside Canada. This restriction, known as the “first-generation limit,” has been in place since 2009. Critics argue that the rule does not reflect how Canadian families live and move in a global world.
Bill C-3 proposes to end this barrier by automatically granting citizenship to anyone who would have been a citizen today if not for the first-generation limit or outdated provisions in older citizenship laws.
Read more: Are Rising Numbers Of Canada’s Immigrants Getting Citizenship and Then Leaving?
A New Framework Based on Connection to Canada
Going forward, the bill sets out a clear path for citizenship by descent beyond the first generation. Children born or adopted abroad will be eligible for Canadian citizenship if at least one of their parents – regardless of where that parent was born – can demonstrate a substantial connection to Canada.
This connection will be defined as a minimum of 1,095 cumulative days (three years) of physical presence in Canada prior to the child’s birth or adoption.
According to Minister Diab, this strikes a balance between openness and integrity. “Citizenship is more than a legal status – it’s a profound connection to the values, history, and spirit of Canada,” she said. “This change honours that bond and ensures that citizenship passed down through generations remains meaningful.”
Court Decision Prompted Action
The legislation follows a December 2023 ruling by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, which found the first-generation limit unconstitutional. The court stated that the law unfairly denied citizenship rights to many Canadians’ children born abroad. The federal government accepted the ruling and chose not to appeal.
This bill also addresses a specific group of individuals born between February 15, 1977, and April 16, 1981, who lost their citizenship at age 28 under previous laws. Many of these so-called “Lost Canadians” were never able to regain their status.
Next Steps for the Bill
Bill C-3 must still pass both the House of Commons and the Senate before receiving Royal Assent. If passed, the government has committed to implementing the changes swiftly and providing clear guidance for those affected.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website will be updated with information for eligible individuals once the legislation becomes law.
A Step Toward Inclusion
This move builds on earlier efforts to restore fairness in Canadian citizenship laws. Legislative changes in 2009 and 2015 helped around 20,000 people regain or acquire Canadian citizenship. Bill C-3 continues that legacy by making citizenship rules more inclusive, while ensuring that those who pass on citizenship have a genuine connection to Canada.
FAQ
Who qualifies for citizenship under Bill C-3 if it becomes law?
Anyone who would have been a Canadian citizen if not for the first-generation limit or outdated legal provisions will automatically gain citizenship once the bill is in force.
What is the new requirement for passing citizenship to children born abroad?
Parents will need to show they spent at least 1,095 cumulative days (three years) physically in Canada before their child’s birth or adoption to pass on citizenship.
Does this bill help people who lost their citizenship at age 28 under older rules?
Yes. Bill C-3 will restore citizenship to individuals affected by section 8 of the Citizenship Act, which stripped citizenship from some people at age 28.
Why did the government introduce this bill now?
The bill responds to a December 2023 court ruling that declared key parts of the first-generation limit unconstitutional. The government accepted the decision and committed to reform.
When will the changes come into effect?
If Bill C-3 passes Parliament and receives Royal Assent, the government has promised to act quickly to implement the new rules and update the IRCC website with guidance.
