Maple News reports that Bill C-3 broadens Canada’s citizenship-by-descent framework by lifting the previous cap for some people born or adopted before December 15, 2025. As a result, certain adopted individuals who previously could not claim citizenship through a Canadian ancestor may now qualify.
Under Bill C-3, many biological children born outside Canada before December 15, 2025 who can trace a Canadian ancestor are granted citizenship automatically. They do not need to take an oath or meet residency requirements; instead, they apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate to prove their status.
Adopted individuals, however, do not receive automatic citizenship when the adoption is finalized. They must pursue citizenship through one of two routes: a direct grant of citizenship under the Citizenship Act’s adoption provisions, or naturalization after first becoming a Canadian permanent resident.
For those adopted abroad, there is no direct path to a citizenship certificate. After a direct grant or naturalization is approved, they can obtain a citizenship certificate as proof of status.
Option 1: Direct grant. An adopted person born outside Canada may qualify for a direct grant of citizenship. Generally, at least one adoptive parent must have been a Canadian citizen at the time of adoption and must have been eligible to pass on citizenship.
Option 2: Naturalization. A Canadian parent may sponsor the adopted child to immigrate as a permanent resident. Once permanent resident status is granted, the child may qualify for citizenship by naturalization, or the parent may later apply on behalf of the child if they meet adult eligibility requirements. IRCC reviews whether the parent could pass on citizenship, whether the adoption meets the citizenship-by-adoption criteria, the child’s age, and the authenticity of the parent-child relationship.
For a child under 18 to qualify for a grant of citizenship, the adoption must be in the child’s best interests, create a genuine parent-child relationship, comply with the adoption laws of both countries, not have been entered into primarily to gain citizenship or immigration status, and not circumvent international adoption rules.
Frequently asked questions: An adopted child does not automatically become a Canadian citizen by descent under Bill C-3. Descendants may have eligibility only after their ancestor obtains citizenship through adoption. A stepchild does not gain citizenship through a stepparent by descent unless there is a legal adoption or another independent basis. Family class sponsorship may be an option if the stepchild qualifies as a dependent.
Because adoption-based citizenship cases are highly case-specific, consult a licensed Canadian immigration lawyer or consultant before applying. Maple News can help point you to trusted professionals.