Maple News reports that Bill C-3, a landmark amendment to the Citizenship Act, officially came into effect on December 15, 2025. The legislation corrects longstanding issues that left thousands of individuals, often referred to as ‘lost Canadians,’ without the citizenship they should have rightfully inherited.
This reform addresses the first-generation limit (FGL), a rule that restricted citizenship by descent to only the children of Canadian-born parents. Individuals born abroad to Canadian parents—who themselves were born outside Canada—were previously ineligible to pass on their Canadian citizenship. Under the new law, many of these individuals now qualify and can apply for proof of citizenship.
Those born before December 15, 2025, who would have been Canadian citizens if not for the FGL or other outdated legal provisions, are now automatically considered citizens and eligible to obtain documented proof. Furthermore, individuals born on or after December 15, 2025, outside Canada to a Canadian parent (also born abroad) are eligible for citizenship if their parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of their birth and meets the new ‘substantial connection to Canada’ criteria—defined as having resided in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days).
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will now evaluate all pending and future applications under these updated criteria, including applications submitted under interim measures in 2023. Those who already submitted their proof of citizenship applications do not need to reapply.
Bill C-3 may also restore or grant citizenship to other individuals in specific situations. This includes people born outside of Canada to a citizen parent, those whose parent gains citizenship through the new law, and individuals who previously lost their Canadian citizenship under earlier legislation.
This legislative change follows a December 2023 ruling by the Ontario Superior Court, which found the FGL provisions unconstitutional for creating two unequal classes of citizens. Rather than appeal the decision, the federal government opted to amend the law. After multiple deadline extensions and political delays, the bill finally received Royal Assent on November 20, 2025.
Speaking on the bill’s impact, Minister of Immigration Lena Metlege Diab stated, “This new legislation strengthens the bond between Canadians at home and around the world and reaffirms the values we hold as a nation.”
Canadian citizenship grants unique benefits not available to permanent residents, including the right to vote, run for public office, greater mobility rights, stronger family sponsorship opportunities, and access to a Canadian passport—one of the most powerful in the world.
With the changes now in force, Canada takes a meaningful step towards justice and inclusion for families long excluded from citizenship rights by inflexible laws.