Canada tightens citizenship-by-descent rules. Here’s who could be affected - The Indian Express

Canada has announced new rules regarding citizenship by descent, which will take effect on August 1, 2026. The changes, outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aim to tighten the criteria for individuals seeking Canadian citizenship through their parents or grandparents.

This policy shift is significant as it alters the previous framework that allowed individuals born outside Canada to claim citizenship if at least one parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of their birth. Historically, the citizenship-by-descent pathway has been relatively open, enabling many individuals with Canadian heritage to obtain citizenship regardless of their place of birth or the citizenship status of their parents at the time of their birth.

Under the new rules, only those individuals whose Canadian parent was born in Canada or naturalized as a Canadian citizen will be eligible for citizenship by descent. This marks a departure from the previous policy that permitted individuals to claim citizenship if their Canadian parent was a citizen at the time of their birth, regardless of where they were born. The new regulations will also require applicants to provide additional documentation to prove their lineage, including birth certificates and proof of citizenship of the Canadian parent.

An IRCC spokesperson stated, “These changes will ensure that citizenship is passed down to those who have a genuine connection to Canada.” This statement underscores the government's intent to reinforce the link between citizenship and residency in Canada.

The tightened rules will primarily affect individuals born outside Canada, especially those with Canadian grandparents who previously could claim citizenship through their Canadian parent. Countries that may see a significant impact include India, the United Kingdom, and the United States, where many Canadians have settled and raised families.

Individuals who believe they may be affected by these changes should review their eligibility and prepare necessary documentation ahead of the August 1 deadline. It is advisable for potential applicants to check their IRCC online account for updates and to ensure they have all required documents ready for submission. For further details, applicants can visit the official IRCC website.