Thousands of individuals previously impacted by citizenship restrictions now have the opportunity to obtain Canadian citizenship.

On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3, known as ‘An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act,’ was enacted.

The new legislation, according to Minister of Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab, strengthens the ties between Canadians globally and upholds our national values.

Expanded Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship

Effective immediately, individuals born before December 15, 2025, who would have been Canadian citizens if not for outdated regulations, are now eligible to apply for proof of citizenship.

Children born abroad to at least one Canadian parent after December 15, 2025, qualify for Canadian citizenship if their parent was a citizen at the time of their birth and meets the ‘substantial connection to Canada’ criteria.

• Canadian parents must demonstrate they resided in Canada for a minimum of three years before the child’s birth to satisfy the connection requirement.

With the recent amendments to the Citizenship Act, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will review applications submitted under the interim measures introduced in 2023 in accordance with the updated regulations.

Individuals who previously applied for proof of citizenship under interim measures are not required to reapply following the implementation of Bill C-3.

The revisions to the Citizenship Act may also extend Canadian citizenship to additional individuals.