In a landmark move, Canada has officially implemented sweeping changes to its citizenship legislation, directly impacting families with Canadian roots living overseas. The enactment of Bill C-3, the Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025), marks a pivotal shift in how citizenship is passed down through generations abroad, offering new hope to thousands previously excluded—a group that includes a significant number of individuals with connections to India.
What Are the Key Changes in the New Law?
The reform centers on dismantling restrictive, decades-old rules that created barriers to acquiring or retaining Canadian citizenship. A major provision addresses the controversial first-generation limit introduced in 2009. This rule had prevented Canadian parents who were themselves born or adopted outside Canada from passing citizenship to their children born abroad.
Under the new law, individuals born before December 15, 2025, who would have been citizens if not for the first-generation limit or other historical restrictions, are now automatically considered Canadian citizens. They can apply for official proof of citizenship without submitting a brand new application.
Looking forward, the law also establishes a clear pathway for the future. Canadian parents born or adopted abroad can now transmit citizenship to their children born or adopted outside Canada on or after the law's effective date. A crucial requirement is that the parent must demonstrate a "substantial connection" to Canada, which can be shown through factors like prior residence, education, or employment in the country.
Why This Reform Was Long Overdue
The push for change gained immense momentum after a December 2023 ruling by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, which declared key parts of the first-generation limit unconstitutional. The federal government, acknowledging the law created unfair situations for children of expatriate Canadians, chose not to appeal the decision.
This legislative update also continues the work of addressing the status of "Lost Canadians"—a term for those who lost or were denied citizenship due to gaps in previous laws, starting with the 1947 Citizenship Act. While reforms in 2009 and 2015 helped about 20,000 people, Bill C-3 aims to close the remaining loopholes and provide clarity for multi-generational families.
Significant Impact for the Indian Diaspora
As one of the largest source countries for migrants, students, and professionals in Canada, the Indian community stands to be profoundly affected. Countless Canadian citizens of Indian origin live, work, and raise families outside Canada, including in India itself.
For these families, the updated rules can be life-altering. Children born abroad to Canadian parents of Indian origin, who were previously blocked by the first-generation limit, may now qualify for citizenship. This is especially relevant where parents can prove meaningful ties to Canada. Furthermore, those born before the cut-off date who were excluded under older rules may now finally receive official recognition as citizens.
Canadian Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab stated that the changes reflect modern family life and global mobility. "Many Canadians choose to study abroad, travel to experience another culture, or relocate for family or personal reasons and still have a meaningful connection to our country," she said.
Advocacy groups have welcomed the move. Don Chapman, founder of the Lost Canadians, noted to PTI that the government has made access to citizenship "more fair and reasonable" by aligning the law with the reality of globally mobile families.
Next Steps for Potential Applicants
With the law now in force, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will process applications for citizenship certificates under these new provisions. Individuals who had already applied under interim measures announced earlier do not need to reapply.
Those seeking more detailed information or application guidance are advised to consult the official Citizenship section of the IRCC website for the latest operational updates and procedures.
