Who is covered by Canada’s Bill C-3? New citizenship-by-descent rules explained
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتسابAmendments to Canada’s Citizenship Act under Bill C-3 took effect on December 15, 2025, after the bill received Royal Assent on November 20, 2025.
The newly activated rules mainly clarify who is recognized as a citizen by descent when born abroad, and when additional conditions apply. In practice, the government points to three key groups:
- People born outside Canada before December 15, 2025
Those who would have been citizens but for the “first-generation limit” or other outdated rules are now considered Canadian and can apply for proof of citizenship.
- People born or adopted abroad on or after December 15, 2025, in the second generation (or later)
Eligibility depends on demonstrating a “substantial connection” to Canada, including that the Canadian parent born or adopted abroad accumulated 1,095 days (three years) of cumulative physical presence in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption.
- People who were already citizens
IRCC notes the change does not alter the status of those who were already Canadian citizens before Bill C-3 became law.
IRCC advises anyone who believes they became eligible under the amendments to apply for a citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship), which can help avoid travel and border delays.
