Canada has reached a major milestone in updating its citizenship laws to reflect modern realities and restore fairness for families. With Bill C-3, an Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025) now receiving royal assent, Canadians previously excluded under outdated rules will have a clear and equitable path to pass citizenship to their children born or adopted abroad.
What Changes Under Bill C-3?
- Restoring Citizenship for Those Impacted by Past Rules: Individuals who would have been Canadian citizens but were excluded due to the first-generation limit or other outdated provisions will now be eligible for citizenship once the law comes into force.
- A Modern Framework Going Forward: Canadian parents born or adopted outside Canada will be able to pass citizenship to children born or adopted abroad after the law takes effect, provided they demonstrate a substantial connection to Canada. This approach balances fairness with the principle that citizenship by descent should reflect real ties to the country.
- Implementation Timeline: The law will come into force on a date set by Order in Council, which will be announced publicly. Until then, the interim measure for those affected by the first-generation limit remains in place.
Why This Matters
The reform addresses long-standing inequities in Canada’s citizenship framework, particularly for families living abroad. It also responds to the Ontario Superior Court ruling in December 2023, which declared parts of the Citizenship Act unconstitutional due to the first-generation limit.
Quick Facts
- The original 1947 Citizenship Act caused many Canadians to lose or never acquire citizenship.
- Legislative changes in 2009 and 2015 restored citizenship for most “Lost Canadians,” with about 20,000 individuals seeking proof of citizenship.
- The first-generation limit, introduced in 2009, restricted citizenship by descent for children born abroad to Canadian parents who were also born outside Canada.
- Bill C-3 ensures inclusivity while maintaining the integrity of Canadian citizenship.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.