Canada has once again secured its place among the world’s most powerful passports for 2026. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, Canada ranks 8th globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 181 countries and territories. This strong mobility score places the Canadian passport ahead of the United States, reinforcing its status as a prized asset in global travel.
However, this year’s story goes beyond travel privileges. A significant change in Canada’s citizenship law is reshaping who qualifies for that coveted passport. As Maple News reports, Bill C-3, which came into effect on December 15, 2025, is expected to dramatically expand the number of people eligible for Canadian citizenship.
For decades, Canadian citizenship by descent was restricted by the so-called “first-generation limit,” which barred many Canadian-born citizens from passing citizenship to their children born abroad. Bill C-3 removes this limitation for many families. The government now estimates that between 150,000 and 300,000 individuals — often referred to as “Lost Canadians” — may newly qualify for citizenship under this reform. Some experts believe the number may be even higher as more family connections are documented.
The new law outlines two different pathways to citizenship. For those born abroad before December 15, 2025, citizenship may be retroactively reinstated if they can trace an unbroken line of descent from a Canadian citizen. No test of substantial connection to Canada is required for this group. Meanwhile, for children born abroad on or after December 15, 2025 and beyond the first generation, the Canadian parent must demonstrate a strong connection to Canada—defined by a minimum of 1,095 days of physical presence before the child’s birth or adoption.
These changes are not only extending Canadian citizenship to more people across generations but also increasing demand for Canadian passports. With its benefits extending far beyond travel, the Canadian passport has become a powerful emblem of security, opportunity, and global belonging. It offers access to Canada’s education system, full work and residency rights, and comprehensive consular protection abroad.
Proof of eligibility remains essential. Applicants seeking citizenship by descent must provide clear documentation, such as long-form birth certificates, marriage records, adoption papers, and residence history to meet legal requirements.
Canada’s passport power remains competitive in global rankings. While Singapore leads the list for 2026 with access to 192 destinations, Canada ties with Iceland and Lithuania in 8th place, ahead of the United States, which now ranks 10th with visa-free access to 179 destinations.
As immigration policies evolve and global interest in Canadian citizenship grows, these changes signal not just improved access, but also Canada’s continued role as a destination of choice for stability, opportunity, and international mobility.