New Canadian citizenship rules are now in force, allowing citizenship to be passed down beyond the first generation for people born or adopted abroad, under specific conditions.
The changes stem from Bill C-3, which amended the Citizenship Act and took effect on Dec. 15. Under the new rules, a Canadian parent who was born or adopted outside Canada can pass on citizenship to a child born or adopted abroad, provided the parent can show they lived in Canada for at least three years before the child’s birth or adoption.
Children born outside Canada before Dec. 15 who are second generation or later are automatically granted Canadian citizenship. Those adopted before that date may now apply under the updated rules.
Immigration Minister Lena Diab said the changes reflect modern family realities and aim to provide fairness and clarity for Canadians living abroad. The legislation also addresses the long-standing issue of so-called “Lost Canadians,” created by a 2009 first-generation limit that was ruled unconstitutional by the Ontario Supreme Court in 2023.
Previously, citizenship by descent was largely restricted to the first generation born abroad. Bill C-3 extends those rights, reaffirming the ability of Canadians worldwide to maintain and pass on their connection to Canada.