Current limit no longer reflects today's realities: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada minister
Lena Metlege Diab – Canada’s minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship – has announced newly introduced legislation that would extend citizenship by descent beyond the first generation in a manner seeking to be inclusive and protective of the value of Canadian citizenship.
Under bill C-3, Canadian citizenship would automatically vest in anyone who would be a citizen at present if not for the first-generation limit or outdated provisions of prior citizenship legislation, according to a news release from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), would create a framework for citizenship by descent. This new framework would vest citizenship beyond the first generation based on a Canadian parent’s substantial connection to Canada, shown by at least 1,095 cumulative days or three years of physical presence in the country before their child’s birth or adoption.
“Citizenship is more than a legal status—it’s a profound connection to the values, history, and spirit of Canada,” Diab said in the news release. “By requiring those who pass citizenship to their children born abroad beyond the first generation to have a substantial connection to our country we are honouring that bond.”
Presently, the first-generation limit to citizenship by descent for individuals born abroad prevents most Canadian citizens who gained their status by descent from passing their citizenship to their children born or adopted abroad. IRCC said this restriction fails to reflect the values defining Canada and the current realities of its families residing in this country or abroad.
The proposed amendments seek to reflect the “belief that being Canadian means more than just a place of birth; it’s about belonging, shared experiences, and a commitment to the inclusive and diverse community we all call home,” Diab said in the IRCC’s news release.
IRCC noted its plans to take swift steps to implement the proposed amendments if the bill passes both parliamentary houses and obtains royal assent, and to share more information regarding the changes on its website, given that those affected will undoubtedly have questions or concerns about the implications for themselves and their families.
In its news release, IRCC stressed that Canadian citizenship lies at the heart of the Canadian identity, helps newcomers integrate into the culture, and fosters a sense of belonging and connection to a diverse, inclusive, and democratic country. IRCC reinforced its commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency in the citizenship process.
