On December 15, 2025, a major update to Canada’s citizenship rules took effect with Bill C-3. If your family includes Canadians who were born or adopted abroad—or you think you might have a claim to citizenship through a parent or grandparent—these changes could directly affect you.
The Big Shift: No More First-Generation Cap
For years, citizenship by descent stopped at the first generation born outside Canada. That ceiling has now been lifted in many cases. In practical terms, people who were previously excluded because they were born abroad to a Canadian who was also born or adopted abroad may now be Canadian already under the new law.
New Standard Going Forward: “Substantial Connection” for Future Births/Adoptions
For children born or adopted on or after December 15, 2025, a Canadian parent who was themselves born or adopted outside Canada must show a substantial connection to Canada to pass on citizenship. The benchmark is clear:
- At least 1,095 days (three years) of cumulative physical presence in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption.
Examples of Proof You Can Use
To demonstrate that three-year connection, families can rely on practical records such as:
- School or university transcripts and enrollment records
- Employment letters, pay stubs, or tax documents
- Travel and immigration movement records showing physical presence
Important: This substantial-connection rule applies only to those born or adopted on or after December 15, 2025. If you were born before that date, the new connection requirement doesn’t apply to your situation.
You Might Already Be Canadian and Not Know It
Because the first-generation limit has been lifted for many scenarios, a significant number of people now qualify as Canadian citizens automatically. If this could be you, the next step is to apply for proof of citizenship (a citizenship certificate) so you can access services and obtain a Canadian passport without hassles later.
Changed Your Mind? There’s a Streamlined Renunciation Option
With more people now recognized as citizens by operation of law, the government introduced a simplified renunciation process. If you’ve become a Canadian under the new rules but prefer not to hold Canadian citizenship, you can formally give it up through an easier, more direct pathway.
Why This Matters
This reform is one of the most consequential shifts to citizenship by descent in recent memory. It:
- Corrects long-standing inequities created by the old first-generation cap;
- Aligns policy with the reality of globally mobile Canadian families; and
- Ensures that when citizenship is passed to children born or adopted abroad in the future, there’s a real, demonstrable tie to Canada.
What to Do Next
- Assess your status. If you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, especially before December 15, 2025, you may already be a citizen.
- Gather evidence. For children born/adopted on or after December 15, 2025, start assembling documents that demonstrate the Canadian parent’s three years in Canada (education, employment, travel history).
- Get proof. If you believe you’re Canadian now, apply for a citizenship certificate to formalize your status.
- Ask for guidance. Every family history has nuances. We can take a close look at your circumstances, confirm your eligibility, and walk you through the right course of action, from securing proof of citizenship to renouncing status or preparing for future children born outside Canada.
We Can Help
This is a landmark change that could positively affect thousands of families worldwide. If you’re unsure how these amendments apply to you, contact us. We’ll help you understand your options, organize your documents, and take the next steps with confidence.
Contact Us
Name: Sonia Sidhu
Email: [email protected]
Phone No: (416) 365-5985
Website: www.gands.com
Address: 150 York St, 5th Floor | Toronto, ON
M5H 3S5 | Canada
