Canadian Citizenship by Descent Calculator: Check Your Eligibility

Choose your evaluation form

Choose your evaluation form

Canadian Citizenship by Descent Calculator — Quick Answer

If you have a Canadian parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent anywhere in your family tree, you may already be a Canadian citizen under Bill C-3 — Canada's new Citizenship Act, which came into force on December 15, 2025. Bill C-3 removes the first-generation limit retroactively, meaning millions of people worldwide previously denied citizenship by descent are now eligible. Use this free Canadian citizenship by descent calculator to check your eligibility in under 2 minutes. Results are reviewed by immigration lawyer Colin R. Singer, and we'll email you a preliminary assessment and next steps.

How do I check if I qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent under Bill C-3?

Use the free Canadian citizenship by descent calculator on this page. Answer a few questions about your Canadian ancestor — their relationship to you, the province they were born in, and whether you were previously affected by the first-generation limit. You'll receive a free preliminary eligibility assessment by email, prepared with input from Canadian immigration lawyer Colin R. Singer.

Who is eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent under Canada's new law?

Under Bill C-3 (the Lost Canadians Act), Canadian citizenship by descent now extends beyond the first generation. You may be eligible if you have a Canadian parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, or earlier ancestor anywhere in your family tree — even if you were previously told you did not qualify because of the first-generation limit. The law applies retroactively as of December 15, 2025.

Is there a free Canadian citizenship eligibility calculator?

Yes. Immigration.ca offers a free Canadian citizenship by descent calculator available to anyone worldwide. The calculator asks about your direct-line Canadian ancestor and assesses your eligibility under Bill C-3. Results are emailed to you.

Use the form below to answer a few questions about your parent, grandparent, or earlier Canadian ancestor. We’ll email you a preliminary result and the next steps to take — including how to book a virtual consultation with immigration lawyer Colin R. Singer if you want a lawyer-confirmed plan.

Is your case complex? Are you looking for immediate guidance? Book a virtual consultation to speak with an experienced Canadian immigration attorney about your specific situation and how the new rules apply to you.

Ready to apply once you qualify? See our step-by-step guide on how to claim Canadian citizenship by descent.

C-3 Citizenship
Name
Name
First Name
Last Name
Do you have a direct-line ancestor who was either born in Canada or became Canadian through naturalization?
Who is the closest such ancestor in your direct line?
Which province was your ancestor(s) born in? (Check all that apply.)
Is your descent line “straight through” (parent → grandparent → etc.) with no adoption or unknown parentage in the line you’re relying on?
Were you ever told you were not a citizen because your Canadian parent was also born outside Canada (the “first-generation limit”)?