For decades, Canadian citizenship law contained a quiet but far-reaching restriction: the first-generation limit. Under this rule, Canadian citizens born abroad could not automatically pass their citizenship to children also born outside Canada.
The result was a growing group known as “Lost Canadians”—individuals with undeniable ties to Canada, yet no legal citizenship status.
As of December 15, 2025, that chapter has officially closed.
Understanding the First-Generation Limit
Before Bill C-3, Canadian citizenship by descent stopped after one generation born abroad. Even if a family maintained strong cultural, economic, and emotional ties to Canada, citizenship transmission ended abruptly.
This affected:
- Families working overseas temporarily
- Military and diplomatic families
- Long-term expatriates who still considered Canada home
Over time, the rule created inequities that courts and advocates increasingly challenged.
What Bill C-3 Changes
Bill C-3 removes the automatic cutoff at the first generation.
Canadian parents born abroad can now pass citizenship to children born or adopted outside Canada — as long as they meet a new eligibility standard. This reform aligns citizenship law with modern realities of mobility, work, and global families.
Rather than limiting citizenship by place of birth alone, the law now looks at genuine connection.
The “Substantial Connection” Test Explained
To prevent citizenship from becoming purely symbolic, Bill C-3 introduces a substantial connection requirement.
Under the new rules, a Canadian parent must show they lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) before the child’s birth or adoption.
This ensures that citizenship is passed on by individuals who:
- Built real lives in Canada
- Contributed socially or economically
- Maintained a meaningful relationship with the country
Time spent studying, working, or otherwise residing legally in Canada typically counts toward this requirement.
Who Benefits from Bill C-3?
The reform primarily benefits:
- Children of Canadians born abroad
- Families previously excluded by technical rules
- Canadians living overseas who maintain strong national ties
For many, this change is not about gaining something new; it’s about restoring what was lost.
Who Still Needs to Pay Attention?
While the reform is broad, it is not automatic for everyone. Families should be mindful of:
- Proof of physical residence in Canada
- Record-keeping for time spent in Canada
- Special rules related to adoption processes
Documentation will play a critical role in demonstrating eligibility.
Why This Change Matters
Citizenship is more than a passport. It affects:
- Identity and belonging
- Legal security for children
- Access to education, healthcare, and mobility rights
Bill C-3 recognizes that Canadian identity is not erased by geography — and that fairness in citizenship law requires acknowledging lived connection, not just birthplace.
Citizenship, Reconnected
Bill C-3 does not expand citizenship indiscriminately. Instead, it corrects a long-standing imbalance, ensuring that families with genuine ties to Canada are no longer excluded by outdated rules.
For “Lost Canadians,” this is more than a legal update; it is long-overdue recognition.
Interested in knowing more about this process? We are here to help. You can contact us to confirm if you qualify here.
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