Canadian citizenship rules changed: 5 things to know

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Canada has changed its citizenship-by-descent rules following the passage of Bill C-3 on December 15, 2025.

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The changes removed the previous first-generation limit for certain people born abroad before that date, potentially allowing more people with Canadian ancestry to claim Canadian citizenship.

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However, the changes do not mean everyone with a Canadian connection automatically becomes a citizen.

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Here are five things to know about the new rules.

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1. The First-Generation Limit Has Been Removed

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Bill C-3 removed Canada’s previous first-generation limit on citizenship by descent for people born before December 15, 2025.

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This means some individuals born outside Canada may now be recognised as Canadian citizens through a parent or more distant Canadian ancestor.

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The change could affect people who were previously unable to claim Canadian citizenship because their connection to Canada extended beyond the first generation born abroad.

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2. You Still Have to Prove Your Canadian Citizenship

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Being eligible for Canadian citizenship and proving that citizenship are two different things.

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People who believe they are Canadian under the new rules may need to apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate, which serves as official proof of their citizenship.

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The certificate can then be used when applying for a Canadian passport and accessing other rights and benefits associated with Canadian citizenship.

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3. You Need Documents Linking Each Generation

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Applicants cannot necessarily rely on a single document showing that an ancestor was Canadian.

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires evidence establishing the family connection through the relevant generations.

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For example, an applicant may need birth certificates, marriage certificates and other official records showing how they are related to their Canadian ancestor.

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IRCC has emphasised the importance of providing “proof of parentage and Canadian citizenship for your Canadian parent, grandparent and parental ancestor as applicable.”

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The aim is to establish a clear documentary chain between the applicant and the Canadian citizen in their family history.

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4. Certain Circumstances Can Affect Eligibility

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Having a Canadian ancestor does not automatically guarantee citizenship.

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The citizenship chain can be affected by circumstances such as a parent renouncing Canadian citizenship before a child was born.

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Another issue can arise where a parent became a Canadian citizen only after their child was born. In such cases, the child may not have acquired Canadian citizenship through that parent at birth.

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Because citizenship histories can be complicated, applicants with unusual circumstances may need professional advice before submitting an application.

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5. Check Your Family History Before Applying

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Anyone who believes they may qualify should first establish their family’s citizenship history.

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This includes finding out where each relevant family member was born, when they acquired Canadian citizenship, whether anyone changed their name and whether anyone renounced their citizenship.

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Applicants should then gather official documents that establish the connection between the generations.

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The new rules could open the door to Canadian citizenship for people who were previously excluded by the first-generation limit, but eligibility still depends on the details of each individual case.

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Before applying for proof of citizenship, it is therefore important to understand your family history and ensure that the necessary documentation is available.

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