New citizenship rules for Canadians born or adopted abroad now in effect

Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025), came into effect on December 15, 2025.

As a result, people born before December 15, 2025, who would have been citizens but for the first-generation limit or other outdated rules, will be considered Canadian and can now apply for proof of Canadian citizenship.

IRCC now recognizes new eligible citizens, which means: 

• People who automatically became Canadian citizens under the new law can apply to get proof of Canadian citizenship.

• People adopted abroad before December 15, 2025, by a Canadian parent born or adopted abroad can apply for Canadian citizenship for an adopted child.
• People born or adopted abroad on or after December 15, 2025, to a Canadian parent also born or adopted abroad must demonstrate that their Canadian parent has spent three years in Canada when applying for proof of Canadian citizenship, or applying for Canadian citizenship for an adopted child
• People born before December 15, 2025, who automatically became Canadian citizens under the new law and were not previously granted citizenship, and who now want to give up (renounce) Canadian citizenship may apply through a simplified renunciation process.

Before Bill C-3 came into effect, Canada’s Citizenship Act limited the passing on of citizenship to the first-generation for people born or adopted abroad.

“These changes to our citizenship law reflect how Canadian families live today. Many Canadians choose to study abroad, travel to experience another culture, or relocate for family or personal reasons and still have a meaningful connection to our country,” said the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “This new legislation strengthens the bond between Canadians at home and around the world, and reaffirms the values we hold as a nation.”

The federal government stated that this approach supports fairness and clarity for Canadian families abroad while also reinforcing the principle that real, demonstrated ties to Canada guide citizenship by descent.  For more information, consult the Citizenship section of IRCC’s official website.

Fillmore Riley’s Immigration & Global Mobility Practice

If you or a family member is affected by these changes or if you have any questions regarding the impact of the amendments, we encourage you to contact a member of Fillmore Riley LLP's Immigration & Global Mobility practice for more information and guidance.