Bill C-3 takes effect, opening a clear path to citizenship, i.e., thousands of people known as “lost Canadians” are now able to claim Canadian citizenship. These are individuals who were earlier blocked because of the first-generation limit (FGL) on citizenship by descent.
On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3, officially called An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act, came into force and became law.
Speaking on the change, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said the new law strengthens Canada’s connection with Canadians living both inside and outside the country and confirms the values Canada stands for.
Who Can Now Qualify For Canadian Citizenship?
Under the new rules, anyone born before December 15, 2025, who would have been a Canadian citizen but was blocked because of the FGL or older citizenship rules, will now be recognized as Canadian. These individuals can apply for proof of Canadian citizenship.
For people born outside Canada on or after December 15, 2025, citizenship may still be possible if:
- At least one parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of birth
- That Canadian parent meets the “substantial connection to Canada” test.
To pass this test, the Canadian parent must show they lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) before the child was born.
What Happens To Existing Applications?
With the Citizenship Act now updated, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will continue processing applications that were submitted under the interim measures introduced in 2023, but they will now apply the new rules.
People who already submitted a proof of citizenship application under those interim rules do not need to apply again.
Others Who May Gain Or Regain Citizenship
Depending on personal circumstances, the updated Citizenship Act may also grant or restore Canadian citizenship to:
- People born outside Canada whose parent was already a citizen before their birth
- People born outside Canada whose parent becomes a citizen because of the new law
- People who lost their Canadian citizenship under previous rules
Why Was Bill C-3 Introduced?
Bill C-3 follows two years of legal and political delays.
In December 2023, the Ontario Superior Court ruled that the second-generation limit in the old Citizenship Act was unconstitutional. The court said the law created two classes of Canadian citizens, where some had fewer rights than others.
The federal government chose not to appeal the decision and instead promised to change the law. Although given a deadline in 2024, the government missed it and asked for several extensions. The final extension was granted on November 18, 2025.
After Bill C-3 received Royal Assent on November 20, 2025, no further extension was needed.
Why Does Canadian Citizenship Matters?
Canadian citizens enjoy rights that permanent residents do not, including:
- The right to vote in Canadian elections
- The guaranteed right to enter Canada and not be ruled inadmissible
- Greater ability to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner from abroad
- Eligibility for certain government and political roles that require security clearance
- The right to hold a Canadian passport
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