Canada’s Citizenship Laws Reform

Canada is on the brink of a significant change in its citizenship laws with the recent passing of Bill C-3 by Parliament. This legislation aims to address the long-standing issue of the first-generation limit and its impact on individuals.

Restoring Citizenship

Bill C-3, which successfully cleared its third reading in the Senate on November 19, 2025, is poised to become law pending royal assent. One of the key provisions of the bill is the restoration of citizenship to individuals who were previously affected by the first-generation limit, often referred to as lost Canadians.

Creating New Pathways

In addition to reinstating citizenship for those affected, the legislation introduces a new pathway for children born or adopted outside Canada. Moving forward, children of Canadian citizens by descent can still acquire citizenship if their Canadian parent can demonstrate a significant connection to Canada. This connection is defined as a minimum of 1,095 days of physical presence in the country before the child’s birth or adoption.

Legal Background

These changes come in response to a 2023 Ontario court ruling that deemed the first-generation limit unconstitutional, prompting the government to address the issue within specific timelines. The most recent deadline set by the court is January 20, 2026. Notably, a proposal to narrow the connection requirement to a five-year window was rejected during the bill’s third reading in the Senate.

Implementation

Once royal assent is granted, the bill will come into effect on a date determined by the Governor General. This marks a significant step towards rectifying past injustices and ensuring a more inclusive citizenship framework for all Canadians.