Canada has taken a historic step toward modernizing and humanizing its citizenship laws. With the passing of Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), the federal government has officially moved forward with long-awaited reforms that will restore citizenship rights to thousands of individuals affected by outdated rules.

This update represents a major shift for families with children born abroad, Canadians who were excluded under previous laws, and anyone impacted by the first-generation limit to citizenship by descent.

In this detailed guide, Skylam Immigration breaks down exactly what Bill C-3 means, who it helps, how it restores fairness, and what families should prepare for next.

1. Background: Why a Change Was Needed

Canada’s citizenship rules—especially those related to citizenship by descent—have been the subject of confusion, legal battles, and unfair exclusions for decades. While reforms in 2009 and 2015 helped many, important gaps remained.

1.1 The First-Generation Limit (2009)

In 2009, the Canadian government introduced the first-generation limit to citizenship by descent.
This rule stated:

➡️ A child born outside Canada does NOT automatically become a Canadian citizen
➡️ If their Canadian parent was also born or adopted outside Canada

While the goal was to reinforce ties to Canada, it created a harsh reality:
Many children of Canadians were simply left without citizenship—even when their families maintained strong Canadian identities.

1.2 The “Lost Canadians”

Several outdated rules in the 1947 Citizenship Act caused thousands of individuals to lose citizenship or never receive it. Examples included:

• People whose parents lost citizenship before 1977 due to gender-based rules
• People whose parents took another nationality
• Individuals born abroad whose parents were also born abroad
• Children adopted outside Canada before certain amendments

Although changes in 2009 and 2015 helped many “Lost Canadians,” some groups still remained excluded.

1.3 Court Ruling Triggering Urgent Reform

On December 19, 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice declared the first-generation limit unconstitutional.
The government agreed with the decision and chose not to appeal.

This pushed the federal government to develop a modern, inclusive, fair framework — leading to Bill C-3.

2. What Is Bill C-3?

Bill C-3 is new legislation that updates Canada’s Citizenship Act to:

✔ Restore citizenship to individuals who lost or were denied citizenship under outdated rules
✔ Create a clear and fair path for Canadian parents to pass on citizenship to children born abroad
✔ Replace the first-generation limit with a modern, connection-based standard

The bill received Royal Assent, meaning it has officially passed Parliament and will become law once an effective date is declared by Order in Council.

3. Who Will Automatically Gain Citizenship Once the Law Comes into Force?

When Bill C-3 comes into force, citizenship will be granted to people who:

• Were born outside Canada,
• Were excluded due to the first-generation limit,
• Would have been Canadian if not for old or outdated rules,
• Or fall under remaining groups of “Lost Canadians.”

This includes:

3.1 Children Born Abroad to Canadian Parents Born Abroad

A major group affected by the 2009 rule:

Example:
A Canadian mother born in Dubai to Canadian parents, now living in Canada, gives birth to a child while on a temporary trip abroad.
Under old rules → the child would not be considered Canadian.
Under Bill C-3 → the child will be recognized as Canadian.

3.2 People Impacted by Old Gender-Biased Rules

The 1947 Act included discriminatory rules affecting citizenship based on:

• Gender of the parent
• Marriage status
• Foreign nationality laws

Bill C-3 resolves many remaining gaps.

3.3 Adopted Children Left Out Under Older Provisions

The new legislation ensures adopted children are treated consistently and fairly.

4. New Rules Going Forward: A Modern, Consistent Framework

Bill C-3 introduces a forward-looking path for citizenship by descent that reflects the reality of globally mobile families.

4.1 Citizenship Can Be Passed to Children Born or Adopted Abroad

A Canadian parent born or adopted abroad can now pass citizenship to their child born outside Canada IF they demonstrate a substantial connection to Canada.

This is the key new requirement.

4.2 What Is a “Substantial Connection”?

The government has not yet released the final list of what qualifies, but it may include factors such as:

• Years of living in Canada
• Education in Canada
• Employment in Canada
• Long-term residency
• Filing Canadian taxes
• Maintaining cultural, family, or community ties

This ensures children inherit citizenship when their parent has meaningful ties to the country.

4.3 This Rule Balances Fairness With Integrity

The connection requirement ensures Canada maintains:

• Genuine ties
• Clear standards
• Fairness for families
• Protection of the value of citizenship

5. What Happens Until the Law Comes Into Force?

Until the government announces the official start date, the interim measure remains active for individuals affected by the first-generation limit.

The interim measure allows applications to be processed under a more flexible approach while final legislation is being prepared.

Families are encouraged to monitor IRCC updates and seek professional guidance to understand their specific situation.

6. Why Bill C-3 Is a Meaningful Milestone for Canada

Beyond fixing legal gaps, Bill C-3 is a statement of Canadian values — fairness, inclusivity, equality, and recognition of global mobility.

Here are the major benefits.

6.1 Fairness Restored for Tens of Thousands of Families

Families who lived in uncertainty for years finally have a path to secure citizenship.

6.2 Protection for Modern Canadian Families Who Live Abroad

Today’s Canadians may:

• Work internationally
• Travel frequently
• Study abroad
• Serve in global organizations
• Move for family, business, or personal reasons

Canada’s laws now reflect this reality.

6.3 Removing Outdated, Discriminatory Provisions

Bill C-3 eliminates several historical injustices affecting “Lost Canadians.”

6.4 Clear Rules for the Future

The new “connection-based” framework provides a consistent and understandable path for future generations.

6.5 Strengthening Canadian Citizenship

The bill reinforces that citizenship is rooted in:

• Identity
• Responsibility
• Genuine ties to Canada
• National pride

7. Statements From Key Leaders

**Hon. Lena Metlege Diab

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship**

“Bill C-3 will fix long-standing issues in our citizenship laws and bring fairness to families with children born or adopted abroad.”

**Don Chapman

Founder, Lost Canadians**

“By updating the Citizenship Act to reflect the global mobility of modern Canadian families, the federal government has made access to citizenship more fair and reasonable.”

Their statements reflect the significance of this reform for thousands of Canadians worldwide.

8. Historical Context: How the Citizenship Act Has Evolved

Understanding the evolution highlights why this reform was necessary.

8.1 1947 – The First Citizenship Act

Many restrictive rules led to unintended loss of citizenship.

8.2 1977 – Modernization but Gaps Remained

Some gender-based inequalities still existed.

8.3 2009 – Restoration but Introduction of the First-Generation Limit

This helped many but created new problems.

8.4 2015 – Additional Fixes

More “Lost Canadians” regained citizenship.

8.5 2023 Court Ruling

Declared parts of the Act unconstitutional.

8.6 2025 – Bill C-3

The first major overhaul in a decade.

9. What Families Should Do Now

If you believe you or your child may be impacted by Bill C-3, here are practical steps to take.

9.1 Gather Documents

Collect:

• Birth certificates
• Parent’s proof of Canadian citizenship
• Adoption records (if applicable)
• Past IRCC correspondence

9.2 Assess Substantial Connection

If you are a Canadian parent born abroad:

• List your ties to Canada
• Keep proof of residency, work, or studies

9.3 Prepare for Application Updates

IRCC will soon release instructions on:

• Eligibility
• Required documents
• Forms
• Processing steps

9.4 Consult a Regulated Consultant

Because each case is unique, professional guidance can:

• Save time
• Avoid unnecessary refusals
• Provide clarity for complex family histories

Skylam Immigration can assist.

10. What to Expect Next From IRCC

IRCC will publish:

• The official Order in Council activation date
• Finalized definition of substantial connection
• Updated application procedures
• A new dedicated webpage for citizenship by descent
• Detailed guidance for families affected by older rules

We will update this article as soon as new information is released.

11. Final Thoughts: A Major Step for Canadian Families Worldwide

Bill C-3 marks one of the most significant updates to the Citizenship Act in modern times.
For many families, it represents:

• Recognition
• Inclusion
• Fairness
• Restoration of rights
• A long-awaited sense of belonging

Canada is reaffirming that citizenship is not just a legal status—it is a connection grounded in identity, values, and community.

This reform ensures that Canadian families, no matter where life takes them, remain connected to the country they call home.

Need Help Understanding Your Citizenship Options?

Skylam Immigration Services is here to guide you through:

• Citizenship by descent
• Proof of citizenship applications
• Restoring citizenship
• Family-based applications
• Understanding the impact of Bill C-3 on your situation

Get professional support, clear answers, and step-by-step guidance.