Starting from December 15, 2025 — Bill C-3 has officially come into effect and amends Canada's citizenship law.
Before Bill C-3 came into effect, the Canadian Citizenship Act limited the transmission of citizenship to the first generation for those born or adopted abroad. This means that a Canadian citizen can only pass on citizenship or have a child acquire citizenship directly if the child's parent was born in or became a Canadian citizen before the child was born or adopted.
On June 5, 2025, the government introduced Bill C-3, the Citizenship Act Amendment (2025), aimed at expanding citizenship rights by descent beyond the first generation in a more comprehensive way and protecting the value of Canadian citizenship. The bill was passed on November 20, 2025, and came into effect on December 15, 2025.
- Individuals whose parents are Canadian citizens and who were born or adopted abroad before December 15, 2025, can apply for citizenship for their children.
- People born or adopted abroad on or after December 15, 2025, who have a parent who is a Canadian also born or adopted abroad, must prove that their Canadian parent has lived in Canada for three years when applying for a Canadian citizenship certificate, or when applying for Canadian citizenship for an adopted child.
In conclusion, Bill C-3 is not just a legal change but also carries significant social meaning, while fostering a stronger sense of community between citizens and the country. Check out the official information at the source below!
