Thousands of Canadians who were previously affected by the first-generation limit (FGL) on citizenship by descent are now eligible to obtain Canadian citizenship.
On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3—An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act—officially became law.
“This new legislation strengthens the bond between Canadians at home and around the world, and reaffirms the values we hold as a nation,” said Minister of Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab.
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Expanded Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship
Under the amended Citizenship Act, individuals born before December 15, 2025, who would have been Canadian citizens if not for the FGL or other outdated provisions, are now recognized as Canadian citizens and may apply for proof of citizenship.
Individuals born outside Canada on or after December 15, 2025, to at least one Canadian parent—who was also born outside Canada—may be eligible for citizenship if:
- Their parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of their birth; and
- Their Canadian parent meets the substantial connection to Canada requirement.
To satisfy this requirement, the Canadian parent must demonstrate that they lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) before the child’s birth.
With the amendments now in force, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will process applications submitted under the interim measures introduced in 2023 in accordance with the new rules.
Applicants who already submitted a proof of citizenship application under the interim measures do not need to reapply following the passage of Bill C-3.
Additional Individuals Who May Gain or Regain Citizenship
Depending on individual circumstances, the amended Citizenship Act may also grant or restore Canadian citizenship to:
- Individuals born outside Canada whose parent was a Canadian citizen before their birth;
- Individuals born outside Canada whose parent became a citizen as a result of the new amendments; and
- Individuals who previously lost their Canadian citizenship.
Background on Bill C-3
The passage of Bill C-3 follows more than two years of legal challenges and legislative delays.
In December 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that the second-generation limit provisions of the former Citizenship Act were unconstitutional, finding that they created two classes of Canadian citizens with unequal rights to pass on citizenship.
Rather than appealing the decision, the federal government committed to amending the Act. Although initially given a 2024 deadline, the government sought multiple extensions, with the most recent granted on November 18, 2025.
The extension ultimately became unnecessary when Bill C-3 received Royal Assent on November 20, 2025.
Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
Compared to permanent residents, Canadian citizens enjoy several exclusive rights, including:
- The right to vote in Canadian elections;
- The guaranteed right to enter Canada and protection from inadmissibility;
- Greater flexibility to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence;
- Eligibility for certain political and government positions requiring security clearance; and
- The right to hold a Canadian passport.
