On December 15, 2025, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-3 to change the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. This new law allows a Canadian parent born or adopted outside Canada to pass on Canadian citizenship to their children born or adopted outside Canada, provided they have spent 3 years (or 1,095 days) cumulative in Canada before their child’s birth or adoption.
Author(s):
Katie Leung
published 12/22/2025
On December 15, 2025, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-3 to change the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent.
This new law allows a Canadian parent born or adopted outside Canada to pass on Canadian citizenship to their children born or adopted outside Canada, subject to a physical presence requirement in certain cases.
For individuals born after December 15, 2025, a substantial connection requirement applies. For those born before that date, the first-generation limit is removed.
One of the challenges for proof of Canadian citizenship is obtaining the correct supporting documents. At TDS, we can assist with sourcing birth and death certificates across Canadian provinces, as well as alternative historical records where required.
If you or someone you know has a Canadian ancestor, it may be worth exploring eligibility for citizenship. Applications for proof of citizenship must be submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
For more information, please contact Katie Leung at khl@tdslaw.com.
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