Bill C-3 Officially Becomes Law, Unlocking Canadian Citizenship for Thousands Worldwide
Major reform ends long-standing citizenship barriers
Canada has officially enacted a major reform to its citizenship laws. On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3 — An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act — came into force, removing restrictive rules that had prevented many individuals born abroad from claiming Canadian citizenship.
This legislative change resolves decades of exclusion caused by the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent and restores citizenship rights to thousands of individuals often referred to as “lost Canadians.”
According to Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, the new law reinforces Canada’s commitment to fairness and strengthens connections between Canadians living domestically and abroad.
Who Gains Citizenship Under the New Law?
Recognition of previously excluded Canadians
Under the amended Citizenship Act, any individual born before December 15, 2025, who would have been considered a Canadian citizen if not for outdated legislative restrictions, is now recognized as Canadian.
These individuals may apply directly for proof of Canadian citizenship, without needing to meet new eligibility thresholds.
New Rules for Children Born Abroad After December 15, 2025
Citizenship by descent with a substantial connection requirement
For individuals born outside Canada on or after December 15, 2025, citizenship eligibility depends on two key conditions:
- At least one parent must have been a Canadian citizen at the time of the child’s birth
- The Canadian parent must meet the substantial connection to Canada requirement
To satisfy this connection test, the Canadian parent must demonstrate a minimum of 1,095 days (three years) of physical presence in Canada prior to the child’s birth.
This new framework balances citizenship access with meaningful ties to Canada.
What Happens to Applications Filed Under Interim Measures?
No need to reapply
In 2023, Canada introduced interim measures allowing certain affected individuals to apply for proof of citizenship while legislative amendments were pending.
With Bill C-3 now in force:
- Applications already submitted under interim measures will be processed under the new law
- Applicants do not need to submit a new or duplicate application
This ensures continuity and avoids unnecessary delays for affected families.
Additional Groups Who May Regain or Acquire Citizenship
Depending on individual circumstances, the updated Citizenship Act may also:
- Grant citizenship to people born abroad to a Canadian parent
- Extend citizenship to children of parents who gain citizenship through the new rules
- Restore citizenship to individuals who previously lost it due to old legislative provisions
Each case will be assessed based on personal history and eligibility criteria.
Why Bill C-3 Was Long Overdue
A response to constitutional concerns
The path to Bill C-3 followed years of legal challenges and delays.
In December 2023, the Ontario Superior Court ruled that Canada’s previous citizenship rules were unconstitutional, stating they created unequal classes of citizens with differing rights to pass on citizenship.
Rather than appeal the decision, the federal government committed to reform. Multiple extensions were granted to amend the law, with final approval arriving in late November 2025. Bill C-3 officially took effect on December 15, 2025.
Why Canadian Citizenship Matters
Canadian citizenship provides rights and protections beyond permanent residence, including:
- The right to vote in federal and provincial elections
- Guaranteed entry into Canada without inadmissibility concerns
- Broader sponsorship rights for spouses and partners abroad
- Eligibility for positions requiring security clearance
- Access to a Canadian passport
For many families, Bill C-3 represents not just legal status, but long-awaited recognition and belonging.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
