Canada’s federal government is facing delays in finalizing amendments to the country’s Citizenship Act. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has granted a two-month extension for the passing of Bill C-3, which aims to eliminate the First-Generation Limit (FGL) on Canadian Citizenship. Initially declared unconstitutional in 2023, the recent deadline of November 20, 2025, has been pushed to January 20, 2026. If enacted, Bill C-3 would enhance the ability of Canadians born abroad to transmit their citizenship to children born outside Canada.

Potential Early Enactment of Bill C-3

There is a possibility that Bill C-3 could come into effect before the extended deadline based on its progress towards Royal Assent. Judge Akbarali, in her decision to extend the deadline, acknowledged the government’s substantial efforts in enacting replacement legislation, suggesting a potential implementation by the end of 2025. The Bill has completed three readings in the House of Commons and two in the Senate, with further steps required for Royal Assent.

The Bill is currently under review by the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science, and Technology (SOCI), which may propose amendments. If the Bill passes both chambers without changes, it will become law in Canada upon receiving Royal Assent.

Continuation of Interim Measures

While awaiting the finalization of Bill C-3, interim measures remain in place to assist those affected by the FGL in obtaining citizenship. Introduced in March 2025, these measures allow eligible individuals to apply for citizenship through a discretionary grant. The groups covered by these measures include individuals subject to the FGL born before December 19, 2023, those born after this date with a Canadian parent meeting specific criteria, certain individuals born before April 1, 1949, and those who lost citizenship due to retention requirements.