With shifting travel rules and global uncertainty, more individuals are considering second citizenship as a long-term security option.

Even notable figures like George Clooney and Rosie O’ Donnell have pursued dual citizenship, with French and Irish passports, respectively.

In response to the rising demand for second passports, Canada has enacted a new law that expands eligibility for Canadian citizenship.

On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), came into effect, broadening the scope of individuals who can be recognized as Canadian citizens by descent, particularly those previously restricted by the first-generation limit (FGL).

This article will discuss:

• Implications of Bill C-3;
• Eligibility criteria for Canadian citizenship;
• Process for applying for a Canadian passport;
• Permissibility of dual citizenship in Canada; and
• Advantages of holding a Canadian passport.

Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship under Bill C-3

Bill C-3 has removed the FGL for individuals born or adopted abroad before December 15, 2025, who would have been Canadian citizens under previous regulations.

The FGL, introduced in 2009, restricted citizenship by descent to the first generation born outside Canada.

Previously, children born abroad could only inherit citizenship if their parent was born in Canada or naturalized. If the parent was a citizen by descent, the child was ineligible for Canadian citizenship.

Bill C-3 has rectified this, granting citizenship to many ‘Lost Canadians’.

If you have a grandparent born in Canada or who acquired citizenship through naturalization, you may qualify for Canadian citizenship, even if neither you nor your parents were born in Canada.

If uncertain about eligibility, CanadaVisa offers a free online tool to assess qualification for citizenship by descent under the new law.

Application for Proof of Citizenship

If you believe you are a Canadian citizen under Bill C-3 and wish to obtain a proof of citizenship certificate, you must apply through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Most applications are online, with paper options for specific cases. Upon successful application, you will receive a citizenship certificate to apply for a Canadian passport.