Canadian Citizenship by Descent: The Bill C-3 Rules in Force Since December 15, 2025

Since 2009, Canadian citizenship by descent was limited to the first generation born outside Canada. A child born abroad to a Canadian parent who was also born abroad usually did not get citizenship. In December 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice found this rule unconstitutional. While Parliament worked on a fix, IRCC used an interim measure that let affected people apply for a discretionary grant of citizenship.

Bill C-3 is that fix. It received Royal Assent on November 20, 2025, and came into effect on December 15, 2025. It does two main things:

1. Restores citizenship to people born abroad before December 15, 2025 who were cut off by the first-generation limit, and to remaining "Lost Canadians" and their descendants.
2. Sets a new rule for the future: the "substantial connection" test for children born or adopted abroad in the second or later generation on or after December 15, 2025.

According to IRCC, if you were born outside Canada before the law took effect and one of your parents was a Canadian citizen, you are now automatically a Canadian citizen in most cases. This applies even if your parent was also born abroad, and even if your parent became Canadian only because of these changes.

"Automatically" means you do not apply to become a citizen. But you still need proof, usually a citizenship certificate, to get a Canadian passport or use your rights. See how to get proof below.

If you applied under the interim measure (for a discretionary grant), IRCC's rules page explains how your application is being handled.

The 1,095 days are cumulative, not consecutive. Days from any period of the parent's life count, as long as they are before the child's birth or adoption. Keep records that prove the parent's time in Canada, such as school records, tax records, employment records, or travel history.

If the child does not qualify, other routes include sponsoring the child as a dependent child for permanent residence, followed by citizenship later.

Children adopted abroad by a Canadian parent can get citizenship through a direct grant for adopted people, instead of by descent. Bill C-3 extends this to adoptions in the second or later generation, with a similar requirement: the adoptive parent who was born or adopted abroad must have spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before the adoption.

Apply for a citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship) through IRCC. The certificate confirms that you are a citizen; it does not make you one. You will need:

• Your birth certificate showing your parents.
• Proof of your Canadian parent's citizenship (for example, their citizenship certificate or Canadian birth certificate).
• If you rely on the 1,095-day rule, proof of your parent's time in Canada.
• Identity documents and photos.

Check the current fee and processing time on IRCC's proof of citizenship page and the processing times tool. Once you have the certificate, you can apply for a Canadian passport.

Dual citizenship. Canada allows dual citizenship. Whether you can keep your other citizenship depends on the other country's law. See dual citizenship.

Travel to Canada. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, generally need a valid Canadian passport to fly to Canada and cannot use an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Canadian-American dual citizens can travel with a valid US passport. Plan ahead so you are not stuck at check-in.

Renouncing. If you became a citizen automatically and do not want Canadian citizenship (for example, because of tax, military service, or other-country rules), you can apply to renounce it.

For complex cases, such as multiple generations abroad, adoptions, or past loss of citizenship, talk to a lawyer or licensed consultant (RCIC).