Updated on December 15, 2025, 4:19 PM EST (Toronto Time)
Bill C-3, known as the “An Act to Amend Canada’s Citizenship Act (2025),” has now become law as of December 15, 2025. This legislation aims to address historical inequalities in how Canadian citizenship is passed down through generations.
For many families worldwide, this change brings hope, ensuring that Canadian ties remain strong regardless of geographical distance.
Over the years, outdated regulations have left numerous individuals, often referred to as “Lost Canadians,” in a state of uncertainty, denying them the citizenship they were entitled to.
The new law not only corrects past injustices but also establishes a forward-thinking framework that prioritizes genuine connections to Canada.
If you are a Canadian living overseas, have family connections abroad, or are interested in how these modifications may impact you, this detailed guide provides all the necessary information.
New Canadian Citizenship Rules and Who Benefits
Bill C-3 was introduced on June 5, 2025, and received royal assent on November 20, 2025, ushering in a new era. Effective immediately from December 15, 2025, it removes the first-generation restriction both retroactively and going forward while safeguarding the integrity of citizenship.
Retroactive Relief for Pre-2025 Cases
Individuals born or adopted before December 15, 2025, who were previously excluded by the first-generation limit or other outdated regulations, now automatically receive citizenship under the new law. This includes descendants of “Lost Canadians” and children born abroad to Canadian parents.
- Descendants of “Lost Canadians” who were overlooked by previous reforms.
- Children born overseas to Canadian parents who were themselves born or adopted abroad.
- Adopted individuals in similar situations.
These new citizens can apply for proof of citizenship through IRCC without the need for reapplication if they have already submitted under the interim measures, streamlining the process and reducing waiting times.
Furthermore, a simplified renunciation process is available for those who acquire citizenship but wish to relinquish it for personal reasons or dual citizenship conflicts.
The Substantial Connection Requirement
Bill C-3 introduces a balanced approach for children born or adopted abroad on or after December 15, 2025, to parents who were also born or adopted outside Canada. The parent must demonstrate a “substantial connection” to Canada, defined as a minimum of 1,095 days (three cumulative years) of physical presence in the country before the child’s birth or adoption.
This criterion reinforces the idea that citizenship by descent should be linked to real connections with Canada, ensuring that citizenship is not diluted across multiple generations without genuine engagement.
- Time spent in Canada as a child, student, or resident counts towards the substantial connection requirement.
- Biological and adopted children are treated equally under this provision.
Parents applying for citizenship for their adopted child abroad must provide evidence of this connection during the application process.
How to Navigate Canada’s New Citizenship Rules
If you may be affected by these changes, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Utilize IRCC’s online tools to determine if you qualify for citizenship or the substantial connection requirement.
- Apply for Proof of Citizenship: For retroactive cases, submit Form CIT 0001E along with relevant documents. Processing times vary but are prioritized for these applications.
- Gather Evidence for Substantial Connection: For future applications, compile records demonstrating physical presence in Canada totaling 1,095 days.
- Renunciation Options: Utilize the simplified form for those newly granted citizenship who wish to renounce it.
IRCC has enhanced its resources, including helplines and webinars, to manage the anticipated increase in applications. While some backlog is expected, the government assures efficient processing.
Evolution of Canada’s Citizenship Laws and Existing Gaps
To comprehend the importance of Bill C-3, it is crucial to trace the development of Canada’s citizenship legislation. The journey began with the Canadian Citizenship Act of 1947, which laid the groundwork for modern citizenship but contained clauses that unintentionally excluded certain groups.
Over the years, amendments were made to rectify these issues. In 2009 and 2015, changes were implemented to restore or grant citizenship to most “Lost Canadians,” individuals who had previously lost or never acquired citizenship due to outdated provisions.
While these reforms benefited approximately 20,000 people, not everyone was covered. Descendants of Lost Canadians and those affected by the 2009 first-generation limit remained marginalized.
The first-generation limit, introduced in 2009, dictated that citizenship by descent could only be passed on if the parent was born or naturalized in Canada, excluding children born abroad to Canadian parents who were themselves born overseas.
