New Bill Expands Canadian Citizenship Rights

Introduction to Bill C-3 and Its Implications

Canada is on the verge of a significant change in its citizenship laws with the introduction of Bill C-3, which promises to offer citizenship to many who were previously excluded. As of November 19, 2025, this bill has successfully passed its third reading in the Senate and awaits royal assent. This legislative development is a pivotal moment for thousands of individuals who stand to gain Canadian citizenship. The bill primarily addresses the limitations imposed by the first-generation limit (FGL) on citizenship by descent. This limit has been a source of contention since its implementation in 2009, preventing many children of Canadian citizens from inheriting citizenship if born outside Canada. With Bill C-3 set to become law, there is a renewed hope for those affected by these restrictions.

Under the current Citizenship Act, citizenship by descent is limited to the first generation, which means that children born to Canadian citizens who themselves acquired citizenship by descent are not eligible for citizenship. Bill C-3 seeks to rectify this by restoring citizenship to those who have been disenfranchised by the FGL. It also introduces provisions to ensure that future generations will not be subject to the same limitations. This change is particularly significant for Canadian families living abroad, as it offers a pathway for their children to maintain a connection to Canada.

Understanding the First-Generation Limit

The first-generation limit (FGL) was introduced to manage the complexities of citizenship by descent. Under this rule, only the first generation of children born abroad to Canadian citizens could automatically acquire Canadian citizenship. This limitation aimed to prevent an indefinite extension of citizenship to successive generations living outside Canada. However, the FGL has been criticized for its restrictive nature and the way it has affected families. Many children of Canadian citizens found themselves unable to claim citizenship despite their familial ties to the country, leading to calls for reform.

Bill C-3 addresses these concerns by proposing significant amendments to the Citizenship Act. It seeks to restore citizenship to individuals who lost their status due to the FGL and introduces a new exception for future cases. This exception allows children of Canadian citizens by descent to inherit citizenship if their Canadian parent meets a substantial connection to Canada test. This test requires the parent to have spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before the birth or adoption of the child. This change acknowledges the global nature of modern families and the need for a more inclusive approach to citizenship.

The Substantial Connection to Canada Test

One of the key elements of Bill C-3 is the substantial connection to Canada test, which determines eligibility for citizenship under the new provisions. This test is designed to ensure that there is a meaningful link between the child and Canada, even if they are born outside the country. The requirement of 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada ensures that the parent has a genuine connection to the country, thereby justifying the extension of citizenship to their children.

During the bill's third reading in the Senate, there was a proposal to make this test more stringent by requiring that the 1,095 days of presence be accumulated within a five-year period. However, this amendment was rejected, maintaining a more flexible approach that accommodates various family circumstances. This decision reflects a balance between maintaining a connection to Canada and acknowledging the diverse situations of Canadian citizens living abroad. The substantial connection to Canada test is a critical component of the bill, reinforcing the importance of a tangible link to the country while expanding the reach of Canadian citizenship.

Conclusion: A New Era for Canadian Citizenship

As Bill C-3 awaits royal assent, its potential impact on Canadian citizenship laws is profound. The bill represents a shift towards a more inclusive and equitable approach to citizenship, addressing long-standing issues with the first-generation limit. By restoring citizenship to those who lost it under the previous regime and introducing a fairer system for future generations, Canada is reaffirming its commitment to its citizens, regardless of where they reside.

For many families, this legislation is a long-awaited change that acknowledges the realities of globalization and the diverse ways in which Canadians live and work around the world. The introduction of the substantial connection to Canada test ensures that citizenship remains meaningful while offering a lifeline to those who have been excluded. As the bill becomes law, it is expected to strengthen the ties between Canada and its diaspora, fostering a sense of belonging and identity among Canadians globally.

In summary, Bill C-3 is a landmark piece of legislation that modernizes Canada's approach to citizenship. It addresses historical injustices, provides a clearer path to citizenship for future generations, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection to Canada. As the country moves forward with this new framework, it sets a precedent for how nations can adapt their citizenship laws to reflect the changing dynamics of the world.