OTTAWA – Canada has implemented the new rules for Canadians born or adopted aboard, making its citizenship law fair and clear.
Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025), is in effect as of December 15.
“Moving forward, people born before December 15, 2025, who would have been citizens if not for the first-generation limit or other outdated rules, will be Canadian and can now apply for proof of citizenship,” read the official news release.
As previously announced, the new law also creates a modern, consistent path going forward. A Canadian parent born or adopted abroad can now pass on citizenship to their child born or adopted outside Canada today or in the future, provided they can demonstrate at the time of application that they spent three years in Canada prior to their child’s birth or adoption.
This approach supports fairness and clarity for Canadian families abroad while reinforcing the principle that real, demonstrated ties to Canada guide citizenship by descent.
“For many, this moment has been long awaited. Today’s changes affirm their place in the Canadian family and strengthen the sense of belonging that citizenship represents.”
Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab said, “These changes to our citizenship law reflect how Canadian families live today. Many Canadians choose to study abroad, travel to experience another culture, or relocate for family or personal reasons and still have a meaningful connection to our country. This new legislation strengthens the bond between Canadians at home and around the world, and reaffirms the values we hold as a nation.”
