New citizenship rules

Canada has officially rewritten a long-contested chapter of its citizenship law. As of December 15, 2025, Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025) is now in force, bringing sweeping changes for Canadians born or adopted abroad and their families. The new rules aim to modernize citizenship, correct historical unfairness, and better reflect how Canadian families live today—often across borders.

At the heart of the change is long-awaited recognition for people who were previously denied citizenship due to outdated provisions, including the first-generation limit. Individuals born before December 15, 2025, who would have been Canadian citizens if not for these rules, are now legally recognized as Canadians and may apply for proof of citizenship.

The law also establishes a clear, forward-looking framework for future generations. Canadians who themselves were born or adopted outside Canada can now pass citizenship to their children born or adopted abroad—as long as they can demonstrate three years of physical presence in Canada prior to the child’s birth or adoption. This new requirement balances fairness with the principle that citizenship by descent should be grounded in real, lived connections to Canada.

For many families, this announcement represents the end of years—sometimes decades—of uncertainty. The changes respond directly to a 2023 Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruling that declared key aspects of the Citizenship Act unconstitutional. The federal government chose not to appeal the decision, acknowledging that the previous law produced unacceptable outcomes for children of Canadians born abroad.

Beyond legal reform, the update carries deep symbolic meaning. It affirms belonging, restores identity, and strengthens ties between Canada and its global citizens. As Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada notes, these reforms reflect a Canada that recognizes global mobility while reaffirming shared national values.