“My grandmother was born in Canada – what does that mean for me?” you may ask?
Since Canada has introduced as of last December important changes to its Citizenship Act through Bill C-3, the eligibility of who can obtain Canadian citizenship by descent has expanded significantly. These rules which are currently in effect could allow many individuals around the world to qualify for Canadian citizenship based on their family lineage.
Previously, Canada applied a “first-generation limit,” which meant that citizenship could only be passed to the first generation of children born outside Canada. As a result, many people with Canadian parents or grandparents were unable to claim citizenship, even with strong family ties to the country.
With the passing of Bill C-3, this restriction has been removed. For individuals born before December 15, 2025, citizenship may now be automatically recognized if they can demonstrate a direct lineage from a Canadian-born ancestor. The new legislation restores citizenship rights to many of these individuals who were excluded under the previous rules and allows citizenship to extend to multiple generations to persons born abroad, provided one can prove their descent and other eligibility requirements are met.
For those born after that date, a Canadian parent may need to show a substantial connection to Canada through their physical presence Canada before the child’s birth or adoption.
These changes mean that thousands of people with Canadian ancestry may now qualify for Canadian citizenship, including individuals whose parents or grandparents were previously unable to pass on their status.
If you have a Canadian parent or grandparent (or, beyond), you may now be eligible under the new rules.
Our immigration team can help assess your eligibility and guide you through the Proof of Citizenship process and guide you through the steps to help avoid excessive delays or refusals. We would love to be of service to you in this.
Contact our office today to book a consultation and find out if you may be a Canadian!
