Canada Bill C-3 to Ease Citizenship Rights for Canadians Born Abroad
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On June 5, 2025 the Canadian government introduced Bill C3, a transformative piece of legislation aiming to ease restrictions on citizenship by descent. As stated by Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the bill is set to eliminate long standing barriers preventing Canadians born abroad from passing their citizenship to their children.
A step Towards Fairer Citizenship Laws
Under the current Canada Citizenship Act, citizenship by descent is limited to the first generation born abroad. This provision was introduced in 2009, which means that Canadian citizens born outside the country cannot transmit citizenship to their own children also born abroad. As a result many families have experienced disconnect from their Canadian identity.
In response to a 2023 Ontario Superior Court ruling that found parts of this limit unconstitutional, Bill C-3 aims to modernize the citizenship framework and make it more inclusive for Canadians worldwide.
Key Highlights of Bill C-3 (2025)
Automatic Citizenship Restoration
Bill C - 3 grants automatic Canadian citizenship to individuals who would currently qualify if not for the first generation limit or outdated legal provisions. This includes:
- Children born abroad in the second or later generation.
- Those impacted by historical rules like section 8, which revoked citizenship if not retained by age 28
Thousands are expected to benefit from this provision.
Revised Citizenship by Descent Framework
Canadians parents, born abroad will be able to pass on citizenship to children born or adopted abroad if they meet a 鈥渟ubstantial connection鈥� requirement - defined as 1,095 cumulative days (approx 3 years) of physical presence in Canada before the child鈥檚 birth or adoption. This strikes a balance between global family realities and meaningful ties in Canada.
Inclusive of Adopted Children
For Canadians citizens born abroad who meet the connection requirements, the bill allows direct citizenship grants for internationally adopted children, closing a significant gap in current adoption related citizenship pathways.
Restoring Citizenship to 鈥淟ost Canadians鈥�
The bill also seeks to restore citizenship to Lost Canadians - individuals who lost or were denied citizenship under outdated laws, particularly before the 2009 and 2015 amendments. This includes:
- Descendants of those affected by former retention rules
- Individuals unaware of technical requirements to maintain their citizenship
Read Next: Canada Eases Job Transition for Foreign Workers in New Policy
Why is Bill C-3 Important?
The elimination of the first generation limit reflects Canada鈥檚 evolving values of fairness, family unity, and inclusion. Minister Diab emphasized, 鈥淐anadian citizenship is at the heart of our identity. This legislation ensures it reflects the realities of a globalised world and supports families wherever they choose to live.鈥�
This C-3 bill represents more than compliance with the court ruling, it is a progressive step towards ensuring citizenship is inclusive and accessible for all Canadians.
Background to 鈥淟ost Canadians鈥� Issue?
Before 2009, provisions in the Citizenship Act led to many individuals inadvertently losing their Canadian status. For instance, those born abroad before 1977 needed to apply to retain citizenship by age 28 - a requirement many were unaware of, resulting in the loss of their citizenship.
Although previous amendments (2009, 2015) addressed several cases, gaps persisted, especially for second generation children born abroad. Bill C-3 seeks to finally close these gaps.
Implementation Timelines for Bill C-3
Once Bill C - 3 passes both Houses and receives Royal Assent Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin implementing the changes. Eligible individuals will be able to:
- Apply for or confirm citizenship under the new rules
- Access detailed guidance, application forms and FAQs visa IRCC鈥檚 website
In meantime, IRCC continues to provide resources for individuals affected by the first generation limit.
Also Read: Canada Approves 834,310 New Temporary Resident Visas in 2025
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Bill C - 3 marks a transformative movement in Canada鈥檚 approach to citizenship, by eliminating discriminatory limits and restoring status to those unjustly excluded, the government is reinforcing Canada鈥檚 image as a welcoming and inclusive nation.
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