FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Descendants of Canadians Born Abroad Regain Citizenship Rights Across Generations
December 2025
Thousands of individuals born outside Canada to Canadian ancestry have regained their right to Canadian citizenship following a landmark legal and legislative shift that removes long-standing generational barriers.
On December 23, 2023, the Ontario Superior Court ruled that Canada’s second-generation citizenship cut-off was unconstitutional. The Court directed the Government of Canada to amend the Citizenship Act to correct the exclusion affecting individuals born abroad who were denied citizenship solely because their Canadian parent was also born outside Canada.
After nearly two years, Parliament responded. On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3 received Royal Assent and came into force, fundamentally expanding Canadian citizenship by descent.
Key Changes Introduced by Bill C-3
- Eliminates the former first-generation limit on citizenship by descent
- Restores citizenship eligibility to second-generation individuals born abroad
- Opens the door to citizenship for descendants of Canadians across multiple generations
- Allows applicants to qualify provided they can demonstrate an unbroken line of descent to a Canadian citizen
- Introduces a new physical presence requirement for Canadian parents born abroad — applicable only to children born after December 15, 2025
Implementation Now Underway
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has begun issuing citizenship certificates under the amended law, including approvals for second-generation and select third-generation applicants. This marks the first time Canadian citizenship by descent has been recognized beyond the second generation in modern practice.
While IRCC continues to finalize operational guidelines for later-generation cases, applications supported by proper documentation are actively being reviewed.
Documentation Remains Essential
Applicants must provide birth and citizenship records linking each generation to establish an unbroken lineage to their Canadian ancestor.
Bill C-3 represents one of the most significant expansions of citizenship rights in decades, restoring fairness to families previously excluded under outdated provisions of Canadian law.
Media & Client Inquiries:
Canada Citizenship Help
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