Bill C-3 Explained: A Fairer Future for Canadian Citizenship
- Kanwarjit Singh Lall
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
Canada is taking an important step towards fairness and inclusivity in its citizenship laws. On June 5, 2025, the government introduced Bill C-3, a proposal amendment to the Citizenship Act aimed at correcting long-standing issues that have impacted families for generations.
This law focuses on fixing unfair rules about how Canadian citizenship is passes to children born outside Canada. If you or your child was born outside of Canada, and you’ve faced confusion or disappointment regarding your child’s eligibility for Canadian citizenship, this bill could change everything.
Understanding the “First Generation Limit”
Under the current law, Canadian citizens born outside Canada (also called citizens by descent) cannot pass citizenship to their children if they are also born outside Canada. This is known as the “first-generation limit.”
What this meant until now:
· ✅ If you were born or naturalized in Canada, your foreign-born child could get Canadian citizenship.
· ❌ If you were born outside Canada to Canadian parents, and your child is also born abroad, your child couldn’t become a Canadian citizen.
This rule caused major problems for many Canadian families-especially those living or working abroad.
What Bill C-3 Changes
Automatic Citizenship for Those Affected in the Past: If you or your child lost out on Canadian citizenship because of outdated laws, your status may now be automatically resorted under Bill C-3.
New Pathways for Citizenship by Descent: Going forward, if you are a Canadian born outside Canada and have a “substantial connection” to Canada, you can pass citizenship to your child born abroad. Substantial connection means, you must have lived in Canada for 1095 days (about 3 years) before your child was born or adopted. This bill come in support of “Lost Canadians”, as it will help restore citizenship to individuals who have lost their status due to outdated laws (even before 2009 or 2015), those who were born abroad to Canadian parents in the second or later generation and were affected by old sections of the Citizenship Act (like former section 8).
Let’s understand with the help of a situation: Example A: Parents Born outside Canada with strong Ties
· ABC was born in Dubai to Canadian parents.
· They later lived in Canada for 4 years (1,460 days)
· They have a baby born in Dubai.
Under Bill C-3, his child gets Canadian Citizenship – ABC lived in Canada long enough.
Example B: Parents Born Outside Canada, No Strong Ties
· XYZ was born in the U.K. to Canadian parents but never lived in Canada.
· XYZ has a child in the U.K.
Her Child won’t get citizenship unless she meets the 1,095 days in Canada requirement.
How Admire Immigration Can Help You
At Admire Immigration, we specialize in navigating complex citizenship and immigration laws. Here’s how we can assist you with Bill C-3.
· Free eligibility assessment: We'll determine if you, your child, or your family members qualify for automatic restoration or the new descent rules.
· Application support: Whether it's proof of your 1,095 days in Canada or documentation for your child’s case, we'll prepare and submit everything for you.
· Lost Canadian advocacy: If you fall into the “Lost Canadian” category, we’ll help reclaim your rightful citizenship.
· Adoption cases: If you adopted a child abroad, we’ll guide you through the new rules under Bill C-3 for direct citizenship grants.
Let’s talk If you have ever faced confusion, frustration, or injustice related to Canadian citizenship – this is your chance to set things right.
For personal guidance and support, Contact us
ADMIRE IMMIGRATION SERVICES INC
Vancouver: #200, 223 W Broadway, BC, V5Y 1P5. Phone: 778-925-3008
Surrey: #385-8148, 128 Street, BC, V3W 1R1. Phone: 778-683-3008
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