Bill C-3 Canadian Citizenship: New Clear Pathway Unveiled

Canada has formally reshaped its citizenship framework with the enactment of Bill C-3, marking a major shift in how citizenship by descent is granted. The legislation took effect on December 15, 2025, opening a new pathway for thousands of individuals previously excluded under the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent.

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab described the change as a step toward reinforcing ties between Canadians worldwide, stating that the reform reflects national values and fairness within the citizenship system.

Understanding Bill C-3 and Canadian Citizenship Reform

Bill C-3 amends Canada’s Citizenship Act to address long-standing exclusions created by the first-generation limit. Individuals born outside Canada before December 15, 2025, who would have been citizens but for the first-generation limit or outdated provisions, may now apply for proof of Canadian citizenship .

For children born abroad on or after December 15, 2025, citizenship by descent is available if at least one parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of birth and meets a newly defined “substantial connection to Canada” requirement.

Under the amended law, Canadian parents who were themselves born outside Canada must demonstrate a meaningful connection to the country. This is defined as having lived in Canada for at least three years, or 1,095 days, before the birth of their child.

This requirement is intended to balance citizenship transmission with demonstrable ties to Canada, while avoiding the automatic exclusion imposed by earlier legislation.

The reforms introduced through Bill C-3 follow years of legal challenges. In December 2023, the Ontario Superior Court ruled that the second-generation limit provisions of the Citizenship Act were unconstitutional, citing unequal treatment among Canadian citizens.

The federal government chose not to appeal the ruling and instead committed to legislative reform. Although an initial deadline in 2024 was missed, multiple court-approved extensions were granted, with the final extension issued on November 18, 2025. Bill C-3 subsequently received Royal Assent on November 20, 2025, ahead of its formal implementation in December.

Application Processing and Transitional Measures

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has outlined a streamlined approach for handling citizenship applications following the implementation of Bill C-3.

Image showing Citizenship and Immigration Canada inscription and small Canadian flag

Step 1: Check If You Applied Under Interim Measures

If you applied for proof of Canadian citizenship under the interim measures introduced in 2023, your application remains valid.

Step 2: No Reapplication Required

Applicants with pending applications submitted under the 2023 interim measures do not need to reapply. IRCC will continue processing these cases under the amended Citizenship Act.

Step 3: Review Under Updated Law

IRCC will assess all pending and new applications using the revised citizenship rules, including the removal of the first-generation limit and the application of new eligibility criteria.

Step 4: Citizenship May Be Restored or Granted

Individuals previously excluded or who lost citizenship under older laws may have citizenship restored or granted, depending on their circumstances. Step 5: Submit New Applications if Newly Eligible

Those who did not apply earlier but are now eligible under Bill C-3 may submit a new application for proof of citizenship.

Implications for Canadians Abroad

Citizenship provides rights and protections that go beyond permanent residence. Canadian citizens benefit from guaranteed entry to Canada, voting rights, expanded sponsorship options for family members, and eligibility for positions requiring security clearance. Citizenship also grants access to a Canadian passport, a key benefit for international mobility.

By removing rigid generational limits while introducing a defined connection test, Bill C-3 signals a recalibration of Canada’s citizenship policy toward inclusion balanced with national attachment.

Key Takeaways

Bill C-3 took effect on December 15, 2025

The first-generation limit on citizenship by descent has been reformed

Individuals previously excluded may now apply for proof of citizenship

Children born abroad after December 15, 2025 may qualify if parents meet residency requirements

The changes follow a 2023 court ruling finding prior rules unconstitutional

Bill C-3 represents one of the most consequential citizenship reforms in recent years. By addressing constitutional concerns and modernizing citizenship by descent rules, Canada has established a clearer and more inclusive framework that restores rights, strengthens legal certainty, and redefines the connection between citizenship and national identity.