Bill C-3 eliminated the previous first-generation limit for individuals born or adopted before December 15, 2025.

Consequently, some adopted individuals who were previously ineligible to inherit Canadian citizenship through a Canadian ancestor are now eligible.

This article delves into how Canadian citizenship by descent applies in cases of adoption.

Adoption Process and Citizenship

Under Bill C-3, many biological children born outside Canada before December 15, 2025, who can trace their lineage to a Canadian ancestor, are now Canadian citizens by default. They are not required to take an oath or fulfill residency obligations. Instead, they can apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate to validate their status.

However, an individual adopted overseas by a Canadian citizen typically does not automatically acquire Canadian citizenship upon finalization of the adoption.

Instead, an adopted individual born abroad can attain Canadian citizenship through either:

• A direct grant of citizenship under the adoption provisions of the Citizenship Act; or
• Naturalization after becoming a Canadian permanent resident.

Adopted individuals born abroad cannot directly apply for a citizenship certificate. Once their citizenship grant is sanctioned, they can then request a Canadian citizenship certificate as confirmation of their status.

Option 1: Citizenship by Direct Grant for Adopted Individuals

An individual adopted outside Canada may be eligible for a direct grant of citizenship.

Typically, at least one adoptive parent must have been a Canadian citizen at the time of adoption and must have met the criteria to transmit citizenship.

Option 2: Citizenship through Naturalization

A Canadian parent can alternatively sponsor an adopted child for immigration to Canada as a permanent resident.

Upon the child becoming a permanent resident, depending on the circumstances, a parent or guardian can apply for citizenship on behalf of the minor, or the individual can apply later as an adult if they fulfill the adult citizenship prerequisites. This process is termed citizenship through naturalization.

Prior to granting citizenship, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses:

• Whether the Canadian parent