Canada Moves to Grant Citizenship by Descent Under New Federal Legislation

On June 5, 2025, Minister Lena Metlege Diab introduced Bill C-3 as an important change to Canada’s Citizenship Act. Once in effect, the law will let Canadian citizens living abroad pass on their citizenship to grandchildren.

Overcoming the barrier to the First‑Generation Access

Since 2009, those eligible to pass citizenship by descent under Canadian law can only be people with Canadian citizenship acquired as birth or by naturalization. As a result, people born abroad as Canadians were not able to grant citizenship to their sons or daughters born abroad too.

It is Bill C‑3’s objective to change that by:

• Giving Canadian citizenship to those who previously lost it based on the earlier citizenship rules.
• Canadian citizens can adopt only when their country of residence was Canada for a minimum of 3 years before the adoption takes place.
• This change reflects Canada’s modern and globally connected society and aligns with the country’s commitment to fair and inclusive Canada immigration policies.

“Citizenship is more than a legal status—it’s a profound connection to the values, history, and spirit of Canada. By requiring those who pass citizenship to their children born abroad beyond the first generation to have a substantial connection to our country we are honouring that bond. It reflects our belief that being Canadian means more than just a place of birth; it’s about belonging, shared experiences, and a commitment to the inclusive and diverse community we all call home.”

– The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Who will benefit?

• Canadian children born abroad to citizens are now able to get Canadian citizenship.
• As another example, if your parent got citizenship by being born abroad to another Canadian, and you were born abroad too, your children can receive citizenship under the new law.

In addition, this law allows many “Lost Canadians” to obtain citizenship rights they were not able to get before due to the previous rules.

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What Makes This Law Important?

On December 5, 2023, a court in Ontario decided that the first-generation cap goes against the constitution. After approving the decision, the Government of Canada did not issue an appeal, which resulted in the introduction of Bill C‑3 for the Citizenship Act update.

Steps to be Taken Before the Law is Put in Place

• At this stage, the debate over the law is taking place in Parliament.
• People looking for financial assistance through a discretionary application can apply.
• It is the Minister’s job to give citizenship based on a person’s qualifications and fairness.
• The measures guarantee everyone is well supported as the company makes the transition.
• They use this strategy since the bill is being developed.

Impact on the Process of Getting a Visa

• If Your Family is Living Overseas

Even though this new rule won’t grant residency, it will allow children born overseas to maintain Canadian citizenship from their parents, who themselves may have been born abroad.

• For Express Entry Program Applicants

While this doesn’t directly impact Express Entry Program candidates, it does provide added citizenship security for future generations of those who choose to settle and immigrate to Canada.

• Those who are planning to reside in the USA

Planning to immigrate to Canada? Because of this act, your grandchildren will be able to keep their Canadian identity, regardless of where they were born.

Topic Details

• On June 5, 2025, the IRCC Minister presented the bill.
• Major change children of immigrants could now become members of the community through birthright.
• Parent had to live in Canada for 3 years before the birth of the child.
• It was decided by the court that the first-generation limit violated the constitutional rights of future generations.
• You may submit capabilities to be developed during the debate period.
• Now, families living abroad can get citizenship for their descendants in Canada.

Conclusion

Canada keeps developing its immigration and citizenship rules to match the needs of its mixed population. Bill C–3 is a good step toward making sure that Canadian citizenship is given equally to all people, regardless of where they were born.

Whether you’re planning to immigrate to Canada, sponsor your family, or apply through the Express Entry Program, this legislation reinforces Canada’s commitment to making citizenship accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for generations to come.

Source: canada.ca

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