Bill C-3 (2025): New Citizenship Rules for Families Born Abroad

Canada’s citizenship laws have taken an important step forward. Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), is now in force, bringing long-awaited reforms to the first-generation limit on citizenship for people born or adopted outside Canada.

These changes affect thousands of families with real and lasting connections to Canada—and may open the door to citizenship for people who were previously excluded.

Understanding the First-Generation Limit

Before Bill C-3, Canadian law generally allowed citizenship to be passed on only to the first generation born abroad. If a Canadian citizen was themselves born or adopted outside Canada, they were usually unable to pass citizenship to their children born abroad, regardless of how strong their ties to Canada were. This rigid rule created significant hardship for globally mobile Canadian families.

Bill C-3 changes that framework with new citizenship rules.

What Bill C-3 Changes - New Citizenship Rules

Restoring and Granting Citizenship Retroactively

Bill C-3 restores or provides access to Canadian citizenship to individuals who were:

• Born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, or

• Adopted abroad by a Canadian parent,

• Before December 15, 2025, and

• Previously denied citizenship due to the first-generation limit or related legislative gaps.

For many, this amendment corrects historical unfairness and formally recognizes long-standing Canadian family ties.

Citizenship Beyond the First Generation (Going Forward)

Under the amended Citizenship Act, citizenship may now be passed beyond the first generation born abroad, provided that the Canadian parent meets specific eligibility requirements.

While eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis, the core change is this:

Canadian parents who were themselves born or adopted abroad may now pass on citizenship if they can demonstrate a sufficient connection to Canada.

This represents a shift from an automatic exclusion to a more balanced and realistic approach to citizenship transmission.

No Loss of Citizenship Under the New Law

It is important to note:

• No one will lose Canadian citizenship as a result of Bill C-3.

• Existing citizenship status remains protected.

Citizenship can only be lost through a voluntary renunciation process, should an individual choose to give it up.

Why This Matters for Canadian Families Abroad

These amendments acknowledge the realities of modern Canadian families—many of whom live, work, or raise children outside Canada while maintaining deep ties to the country.

Bill C-3 strengthens the integrity of Canadian citizenship by ensuring it reflects connection, continuity, and fairness, rather than a rigid place-of-birth rule.

How Gateway to Canada Can Help

If you or your family members were born or adopted abroad to a Canadian parent, you may now qualify for Canadian citizenship, even if you were previously told you were ineligible.

At Gateway to Canada, we help individuals and families:

• Assess eligibility under the amended Citizenship Act

• Understand documentation and proof requirements

• Navigate citizenship applications and next steps

Contact Gateway to Canada to learn how Bill C-3 may apply to your situation.

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.