Canada’s Bill C-3 Restores Citizenship by Descent

What Is Bill C-3 And Why Does It Matter?

Bill C-3 is a change to Canada’s citizenship law that took effect on December 15, 2025. It fixes long-standing gaps in how Canada handled citizenship by descent.

For years, the “first-generation limit” created confusion for families living outside Canada. In many cases, a Canadian parent who was also born abroad could not automatically pass citizenship to their child born abroad. That is how many people became known as “Lost Canadians” — individuals who had every reason to believe they were Canadian but were blocked by technical rules.

If you have Canadian family roots and were born outside Canada, this law could directly affect you.

What Changed Under The New Citizenship Law

Two major updates matter for most families.

1. Citizenship Is Restored For Many Previously Excluded Families
   People who were cut off by older rules may now be recognized as Canadian citizens. In simple terms, Canada has reopened the door for many families who were excluded by the previous framework. If you qualify, you will typically apply for proof of citizenship, but the key shift is that the law now recognizes you.
   

2. A Clear Three-Year Connection Rule For Some Future Cases
   For children born or adopted outside Canada after December 15, 2025, a Canadian parent who was also born outside Canada may need to show a “substantial connection” to Canada.
   
   That connection means about three total years of physical presence in Canada at some point before the child’s birth or adoption. It does not need to be three consecutive years. Childhood years, university, or time spent working in Canada can count toward the total.

The goal is simple: allow citizenship to pass down, while ensuring a real connection to the country.

Who Should Pay Attention To Bill C-3

This law is especially relevant if:

• You were born outside Canada and have a Canadian parent or grandparent.

• Your Canadian parent was also born outside Canada.

• You previously tried to confirm your Canadian status and received confusing answers.

• You are Canadian, living abroad, and planning to have children outside Canada.

If you were born in Canada or became Canadian through naturalization, and your child is the first generation born abroad, this change likely does not affect you.

What You Should Do If You Think You Qualify

First, look at your family history clearly. Identify the Canadian parent or grandparent who anchors your claim.

Next, gather basic documents such as birth certificates and any records that show name changes.

If the three-year physical presence rule may apply to you, gather evidence of time spent living in Canada. School transcripts, tax records, work history, leases, or government records can all help.

Finally, apply for a citizenship certificate. Even if the law recognizes you as Canadian, the certificate is the document that proves it officially.

The United States has one of the largest Canadian expatriate communities in the world. Many families have lived outside Canada for generations. Bill C-3 acknowledges that reality. It reflects how global mobility has changed family life, careers, and citizenship patterns. For many families, this update brings clarity where there was once confusion.

FAQ: Canada’s Bill C-3

When Did Bill C-3 Take Effect?

December 15, 2025.

What Is A “Lost Canadian”?

Someone who lost or never obtained Canadian citizenship because of older citizenship rules that created unintended gaps.

What Is Citizenship By Descent?

It means acquiring Canadian citizenship through a Canadian parent, and in some cases through earlier generations.

What Is The Three-Year Rule?

For some families going forward, a Canadian parent born outside Canada must show about three years of physical presence in Canada before passing citizenship to a child born abroad.

Do I Automatically Get A Passport?

No. Most people must first apply for proof of citizenship, then apply for a Canadian passport.