On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3 received royal assent, marking a historic reform to Canada’s citizenship laws by eliminating discriminatory provisions in citizenship by descent. This change restores the ability for first-generation Canadians born or adopted abroad to pass citizenship to their children born outside Canada, addressing long-standing inequities that affected thousands of families.

Previously, the “first-generation limit” (introduced in 2009 and tightened in 2015) prevented Canadians born abroad from transmitting citizenship to children born outside the country creating “lost Canadians” despite strong family ties. The new rules fix this, ensuring equal treatment regardless of birthplace.

At Worldbridge, we’re celebrating this milestone and assisting affected families with applications. Here’s what the reform means and how to benefit.

Key Changes Under Bill C-3

• Restored Transmission: First-generation Canadians born/adopted abroad before December 15, 2025, can now pass citizenship to children born abroad on or after this date.
• Retroactive Fairness: Addresses cases where parents lost citizenship due to outdated rules, allowing reclamation and transmission.
• No Second-Generation Cut-Off: Children of first-generation Canadians can inherit citizenship, aligning with pre-2009 laws.
• Inclusive Scope: Applies to biological and adopted children, with provisions for surrogacy and assisted reproduction.

This fulfills a 2023 Quebec Superior Court ruling declaring the limit unconstitutional, plus commitments to end discrimination.

Who Benefits and How to Apply

• Eligible Groups: Canadians born abroad to a Canadian parent, or their children denied citizenship under old rules.
• Application Process: IRCC will open dedicated streams in early 2026 expect proof of parentage, birth records, and citizenship evidence. Processing: 6-12 months initially.
• No Automatic Grant: Must apply for a citizenship certificate free or low-cost for most.

Families separated by these rules estimated in the thousands now have a path to reunification and full rights, including PR sponsorship ease.

Broader Impact

This reform reinforces Canada’s inclusive identity, joining recent changes like the new doctors’ Express Entry category. It aligns with the 2026-2028 plan’s family focus (83,000 spots/year) and public support for equitable immigration.

Minister Lena Metlege Diab called it “a step toward justice for lost Canadians.”

Let Worldbridge Immigration Services be your guide to a successful future in Canada
Contact us:

Website: www.theworldbridge.ca
Email: info@theworldbridge.ca
Phone/WhatsApp: +1-416-727-7766
Social media: @worldbridgeHQ