Restoring Citizenship: Understanding Bill C‑3’s Descent Changes

Canada’s immigration laws are evolving once again—this time, to acknowledge the rights of Canadians born abroad and their children. On June 5, 2025, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C‑3, a major step toward restoring fairness in how citizenship is passed down. If you've ever wondered what happens when Canadian parents have children overseas, this new bill could change everything.

Let’s take a closer look at what Bill C‑3 means, who it impacts, and why it matters.

What Is Bill C‑3?

Bill C‑3 amends the Citizenship Act, specifically addressing citizenship by descent. Until now, Canadian citizenship could only be passed on to the first generation born abroad. This meant that a Canadian born outside the country couldn’t automatically pass on their citizenship to their own child if that child was also born abroad. This rule created a class of people known as “Lost Canadians”—those who had legitimate ties to Canada but were denied citizenship.

Bill C‑3 aims to fix that by removing the first-generation limit and recognizing citizenship for more people born outside of Canada.

Who Is Now Eligible For Citizenship?

Bill C‑3 broadens the definition of who can claim citizenship by descent. These groups are now eligible:

• Children born abroad to Canadian parents, even if the parent was also born abroad
  
• Descendants of Lost Canadians, giving families their rightful status back
  
• Children adopted outside Canada by Canadian parents, under specific conditions
  

The best part? Citizenship will be granted retroactively. That means people who would have qualified under these new rules, had they been in place earlier, will be recognized as Canadian citizens from birth.

What About Future Generations?

To ensure citizenship remains connected to Canada in a meaningful way, Bill C‑3 also introduces a “substantial connection” rule. Moving forward, Canadians born outside the country who want to pass on citizenship to their children (also born abroad) must meet one key condition:

The parent must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) before the child’s birth or adoption.

This ensures that the future of Canadian citizenship remains tied to active, lived experience in the country—not just ancestry.

Real-Life Example

Take the case of a Canadian woman born in the UK to a Canadian parent who was also born abroad. Under the old rules, if she had a child while living in Europe, that child wouldn’t qualify for Canadian citizenship. Under Bill C‑3, not only would her child qualify, but so would she—retroactively. If she’s lived in Canada for three or more years before her child’s birth, her child is Canadian too.

It’s a game-changer for many Canadian families abroad who’ve felt stuck in a legal grey area.

Why This Change Matters

This isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about identity, rights, and fairness.

Bill C‑3:

• Restores dignity to families unfairly excluded from citizenship
  
• Reinforces Canadian values of equality and inclusion
  
• Acknowledges global realities, where Canadian families live, work, and grow abroad
  
• Ends years of uncertainty for children of Canadians born outside the country
  

By retroactively granting citizenship and providing a clear path forward, the bill rights past wrongs and brings Canada’s immigration policies more in line with its values.

What's Next?

Now that Bill C‑3 is introduced, here’s what to expect:

1. It will go through parliamentary readings and receive Royal Assent.
   
2. The government will publish clear guidelines and procedures for those now eligible.
   
3. Families affected by past exclusions will be notified or can inquire about their status.
   

Citizenship won’t need to be “reapplied for” if granted retroactively—it will be automatic in many cases.

Key Points To Remember

• Citizenship by descent no longer ends with the first generation
  
• A three-year Canadian residency by the parent is needed for future descent claims
  
• Children adopted abroad by Canadians are also included
  
• These changes are retroactive, meaning citizenship may be granted from birth
  

Final Thoughts

Bill C‑3 is more than a legal reform—it’s a recognition of Canada’s diverse, global citizenry. It says to Canadians living abroad: your children matter, your history matters, and your identity is valued.

Whether you’re a family who’s waited years for recognition, or someone navigating what citizenship means for your children, Bill C‑3 marks a turning point in Canadian law.

If you think you or someone in your family might now be eligible for Canadian citizenship because of this bill, stay tuned for updates and reach out to immigration professionals for guidance.

The future of Canadian identity just got a little more inclusive—and a lot more fair.