Canada amends Citizenship rules; Here is everything you need to know.

In an attempt to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), the Government of Canada, on December 15, 2025, introduced Bill C-3. With the introduction of Bill C-3, children born or adopted outside Canada are also eligible for its citizenship. Putting an end to the longstanding criticism and demands to modernise the law to accommodate global families, this all-new Bill C-3 has brought a significant and much-awaited reform to the citizenship rules of the Canadian government.  

Why was this reform needed?

For several years, the first generation limit rule had been stopping several families from getting Canadian citizenship. According to the old rule, those who were born or adopted abroad could pass their citizenship up to the first generation born outside.

To put it simply, a Canadian parent who was born/adopted outside the country could only pass citizenship to his/her own child. However, the first-generation limit did not allow the child to further pass on the citizenship to their own kids born outside Canada.

It was due to this rule that several families residing outside of Canada suffered for years. In some extreme situations, it was due to this law that some people could not qualify for citizenship in any country. They were often referred to as ‘Lost Canadians.’

However, it was in December 2023 that a Canadian court observed that some sections of the first-generation limit were unconstitutional and required immediate amendment. It was because of this ruling that Bill C-3 was introduced.

What Bill C-3 will change

To begin with, Bill C-3 has done away with the rigid first-generation limit. With this new bill, people who were born or adopted outside Canada before December 15, 2015 & were denied citizenship due to the first-generation limit can now be considered Canadian nationals. All you need to do is apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate.

It is due to this landmark overhaul of Canadian citizenship norms that so many people who were earlier rejected can now be called Canadian nationals legally.

What does the new rule say

If you were denied Canadian citizenship earlier due to the first-generation limit, you are now eligible for the same. But you will need a substantial connection test. This test required individuals born or adopted outside Canada to prove that they have spent 3 years (1,095 days) in Canada.

Impact of Bill C-3 on families across the globe

• Several people will now get Canadian citizenship.

Many people who were denied Canadian citizenship due to the first-generation limit can now easily apply for the same. This new law gives them the right to Canadian citizenship legally.

• Stronger ties with Canada

With this new change, the process of getting Canadian citizenship has not only become easier but will also encourage people to stay connected to their roots.

• Benefits of Canadian citizenship

Canadian citizenship is known to offer a wide range of benefits, such as free education for children, voting rights, more job opportunities, and so much more.

• You have the right to live, work & study in Canada.

With Canadian citizenship, an individual will be legally allowed to stay, work, and study anywhere in Canada. This will further ensure long-term stability and financial security.

• Politics rights

Once you become a Canadian citizen, you will be allowed to vote in all types of elections held in Canada. Not only this, but if you want, you are also eligible to run for a post in public office.

• Countless healthcare & social benefits

Canada is known for its publicly funded healthcare system across the world. Therefore, once you become a Canadian citizen, you will have access to all forms of essential medical services. Apart from this, you will also be eligible for government welfare schemes like unemployment support, pension, etc.

• Access to world-class education

The fact that Canada is a hub for lakhs of foreign students from different parts of the world is enough for you to realise the world-class education opportunities in the country.

• You will own a powerful Canadian passport.

Becoming a Canadian citizen will mean that you will own one of the world’s most powerful passports. A Canadian passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 183-185 countries. A Canadian passport is counted among the world’s top 10 most powerful passports.

• Endless job opportunities

Once you are an official citizen of Canada, you will be eligible to work in globally recognised companies.

To know your eligibility for Canadian Immigration or permanent residency, contact the best Immigration consultant, Aptech Visa. 

Call our well-versed team of the best immigration experts at 750 383 2132 / 91310 59075, or you can also write us at info@aptechvisa.com.

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