Canada’s New Citizenship Rules Now in Effect: What Families Born or Adopted Abroad Need to Know
On December 15, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) brought into force Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025) — a significant reform to Canada’s citizenship-by-descent rules.
For many families, this change is long overdue.
If you were born or adopted outside Canada — or have children born abroad — these new rules could directly affect your citizenship status or your child’s eligibility for Canadian citizenship.
At Ayodele Law, we are already assisting families in understanding how these amendments apply to their specific circumstances.
What Changed on December 15, 2025?
People Previously Blocked by the “First-Generation Limit” May Now Be Citizens
Under prior law (introduced in 2009), Canadian citizenship by descent was limited to only the first generation born outside Canada.
That meant:
If a Canadian citizen was born abroad,
And later had a child outside Canada,
That child was not automatically Canadian.
This rule affected thousands of families and led to complex, sometimes unfair outcomes.
Now, under Bill C-3:
Individuals born before December 15, 2025, who would have been citizens but for the first-generation limit or outdated provisions, are now considered Canadian citizens and can apply for proof of citizenship.
This is particularly important for families who previously relied on temporary status or were told their children were not eligible.
A New Rule Going Forward: The 3-Year Physical Presence Requirement
For children born or adopted abroad after December 15, 2025, a Canadian parent who was also born or adopted abroad can now pass on citizenship — but only if they meet a residency threshold.
The Canadian parent must demonstrate:
At least three years (1,095 days) of physical presence in Canada
Before the child’s birth or adoption
At the time of applying for citizenship proof
This introduces a clear, consistent standard based on meaningful ties to Canada.
Why This Happened
In December 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that key parts of the first-generation limit were unconstitutional.
The federal government chose not to appeal the decision, acknowledging that the previous law produced unacceptable results for Canadian families abroad.
Bill C-3 is Parliament’s response — modernizing the Citizenship Act to reflect how Canadian families live today.
Who Should Pay Attention to This Change?
You may benefit from the new law if:
You were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent and were previously denied citizenship
You were adopted abroad by a Canadian parent
You are a Canadian citizen born abroad and planning to have children outside Canada
You were waiting under IRCC’s interim measures announced in 2023
If you already applied for a citizenship certificate under the interim policy, IRCC has confirmed you do not need to submit a new application.
What About “Lost Canadians”?
Canada has addressed citizenship gaps before.
The original 1947 Citizenship Act created categories of individuals who either lost or never acquired citizenship due to outdated technical rules. Reforms in 2009 and 2015 restored citizenship to many of these individuals — commonly referred to as “Lost Canadians.” Approximately 20,000 people applied for proof of citizenship following those earlier reforms.
Bill C-3 continues this effort toward fairness and clarity.
Practical Considerations Before Applying
While the legislation creates opportunities, the application process still requires:
Proof of parentage
Evidence of physical presence in Canada (where required)
Documentary proof of adoption (where applicable)
Properly completed citizenship certificate applications
Mistakes in documentation can delay processing significantly. For families living abroad, gathering acceptable evidence of physical presence can be especially complex.
How Ayodele Law Can Help
Citizenship by descent cases often involve:
Cross-border family histories
Adoption documentation
Historical citizenship status issues
Interpretation of past legislative amendments
Our firm assists families across Canada and internationally with:
Legal analysis of eligibility under the new rules
Resolving complex “Lost Canadian” cases
Strategic advice before submitting applications
If you believe you or your child may now qualify for Canadian citizenship under Bill C-3, it is important to assess eligibility carefully before applying.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s new citizenship rules represent an important shift toward fairness, clarity, and recognition of modern global families.
By linking citizenship transmission to demonstrated ties to Canada — rather than rigid generational limits — the law reflects the reality that many Canadians live internationally while maintaining strong connections to home.
If you would like to understand how these changes apply to your family, Ayodele Law is here to guide you through the process with clarity and care.
Book a consultation today to discuss your citizenship eligibility under the new rules.