Guide
Canadian citizenship by descent after Bill C-3
Updated
For years the first-generation limit ended a Canadian claim at the first child born abroad. Bill C-3 changed that, and the test that replaced it is a day count.
Question 1
Which country is your ancestor from?
Pick the strongest line if you have several: a closer generation almost always beats a more distant one.
Email me this result
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What the limit was, and what replaced it
Canadian citizenship by descent passed to children born abroad to a Canadian, and stopped there. A child of a parent also born abroad was excluded, however Canadian the family. Canada.ca says Bill C-3 passed on 15 December 2025, removing that limit in some situations from the same day.
The 1,095 day substantial connection test
The second generation born abroad may now qualify where the Canadian parent was also born abroad and spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before the birth. That is roughly three years, not necessarily continuous. The whole claim turns on it, so answer it first.
Evidencing the days is the real work
A day count is only as good as the records behind it. School enrolment, employment and payroll records, tax filings and travel history are the ordinary evidence, and they are easier to gather while the people who lived them can still help. Start there rather than with the application form.
How this came about
Canada.ca records an interim measure announced in March 2025, following a December 2023 Ontario court ruling that found the first-generation limit unconstitutional for many applicants. That measure supported affected people while the law was amended. With Bill C-3 now in force, canada.ca states that pending applications are processed under the new rules.
What you actually apply for
Not a grant, but proof of citizenship you hold: a citizenship certificate. Canada.ca calls it a document proving your citizenship, used for services and benefits such as a pension, or a passport. The fee is $75 CAD. Applying from outside Canada and the United States can add several months.
Check before you apply
This area of law moved in December 2025 and the implementing guidance is still settling. Everything above is read from canada.ca on 15 August 2026, and it is worth re-reading the current page before you file anything.