Canada has long been regarded as a welcoming country, boasting vast landscapes, multicultural cities, and an immigration system that provides pathways to residency and citizenship. In December 2025, Canada made a significant update to its citizenship laws that affects how citizenship is passed down to children born abroad. This is especially important for global families, long-distance relatives, and people with Canadian roots who have been waiting for clarity.
Why This Change Matters Now
On December 15, 2025, the Government of Canada officially enacted Bill C‑3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025). This amendment changes longstanding rules around citizenship by descent that is, how Canadian citizenship is inherited through parentsand makes the law more inclusive for people born outside Canada.
Government officials describe these changes as an effort to “reflect how Canadian families live today, both at home and around the world.”
What Changed: A Simpler, Fairer Approach to Citizenship by Descent
Before this change, Canada had a rule called the first-generation limit. Essentially:
If you were born outside Canada, and your parent was also born outside Canada (even if they were Canadian citizens), then you typically couldn’t automatically become a Canadian citizen by descent.
This rule left many people sometimes referred to as “Lost Canadians” excluded even if they had strong family ties to Canada.
The New Framework: What’s Different
With Bill C‑3 now in force:
1. People Already Born Before December 15, 2025
If you were born abroad before the law came into effect, and:
You have a parent who is a Canadian citizen. Then, in most cases, you are now considered a Canadian citizen, even if the old law would have excluded you.
Many individuals who were previously shut out can now apply for a proof of citizenship— a formal document that lets you get a Canadian passport and travel or live in Canada with all citizen rights.
2. Children Born Abroad After December 15, 2025
For children born outside Canada after the new rules took effect, citizenship by descent still applies, but with one new condition:
• Their Canadian parent (or adopting parent) must show a substantial connection to Canada, which generally means at least 1,095 days (about 3 years) physically spent in Canada before the child’s birth.
This requirement balances inclusivity with ensuring that those passing on citizenship have genuine ties to Canada. (immigrationnewscanada.ca)
How This Affects Travellers and Global Families
If you’ve ever wondered whether you or your child, sibling, cousin, or grandchild might qualify for Canadian citizenship, here’s the big picture:
You might already be Canadian.
If you were born abroad before December 15, 2025, to a Canadian citizen parent, you may now be a Canadian citizen by law. Many people who assumed they weren’t eligible now can apply for citizenship certification.
Children born abroad after December 2025
For parents outside Canada who want their children to inherit Canadian citizenship, the path is still open as long as the “substantial connection” test is met.
Proof of citizenship matters.
Even if the law says you’re now a citizen, you’ll want official proof, especially if you plan to:
• Apply for a Canadian passport
• Travel visa-free to Canada
• Work, live, or study in Canada
Having a citizenship certificate eliminates confusion at borders or with immigration officials.
Tips If You’re Considering Applying
1. Check your eligibility – Review the Canadian government’s official eligibility pages and see if your situation matches.
2. Gather documents – birth certificates, parents’ proof of citizenship, evidence of time in Canada (if needed), and adoption documents (if applicable).
3. Submit for a citizenship certificate – this is a confirmation of citizenship.
4. Apply for a Canadian passport – Once you have proof, you can enjoy full rights as a Canadian.
Conclusion
Canada’s December 2025 citizenship updates make it easier for children born abroad and previously excluded individuals to claim their Canadian roots. Understanding these changes and applying for proof of citizenship can open doors to travel, work, or study in Canada. Citizenship now reflects connection and heritage, not just borders.
