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Bill C-3 — Citizenship by Descent Reform
Effective: December 15, 2025
TL;DR
Bill C-3 removes the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. People born abroad before December 15, 2025 who would have been citizens but for the limit are now Canadian and may apply for proof. For those born/adopted abroad after December 15, 2025, the Canadian-citizen parent must show 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada (substantial-connection test).
What changed
- First-generation limit removed for those born before December 15, 2025.
- Substantial-connection test (1,095 days) for births abroad after December 15, 2025.
- 'Lost Canadians' may apply for proof of citizenship.
Who is affected
'Lost Canadians' — second-generation-and-beyond children of Canadians born abroad.
Verify on canada.ca
Always confirm policy details, dates, and exact eligibility on the Government of Canada source page before acting:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2025/12/bill-c-3-an-act-to-amend-the-citizenship-act-2025-comes-into-effect.html ↗Related immigration topics
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