Canadian Citizenship by Descent 2026 — Bill C-3 Complete Guide

Bill C-3 is the most significant change to Canadian citizenship law in decades. If you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent or grandparent, you may now be eligible for Canadian citizenship — even if you were previously excluded by the first-generation limit. This guide explains everything you need to know about claiming citizenship by descent under the new law.

Bill C-3, formally known as An Act to amend the Citizenship Act, is a landmark piece of Canadian legislation that removes the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. Before Bill C-3, only the first generation of children born outside Canada to a Canadian parent could claim Canadian citizenship. Grandchildren and subsequent generations born abroad were excluded entirely.

Under the new law, anyone born outside Canada to a Canadian citizen — regardless of how many generations have passed — may be eligible for citizenship, provided they can demonstrate a substantial connection to Canada. This change affects an estimated 2-3 million people worldwide who have Canadian ancestry but were previously denied citizenship.

The bill received Royal Assent on June 19, 2024, and its provisions are being implemented in phases throughout 2025 and 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is processing applications under the new rules.

First Generation Born Abroad (Unchanged)

If you were born outside Canada and one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth, you are automatically a Canadian citizen. This has always been the case and remains unchanged under Bill C-3. You simply need to apply for a citizenship certificate to confirm your status.

Second Generation and Beyond (New Under Bill C-3)

This is the major change. If you were born outside Canada and your grandparent, great-grandparent, or earlier ancestor was Canadian, you may now qualify for citizenship by descent. However, you must meet the substantial connection requirement.

The Substantial Connection Test

For applicants beyond the first generation born abroad, Bill C-3 requires proof of a substantial connection to Canada. IRCC considers factors such as:

• Physical presence in Canada — Have you ever lived in or visited Canada?
• Family ties — Do you have close relatives currently living in Canada?
• Language — Do you speak English or French?
• Cultural connection — Have you maintained ties to Canadian culture, institutions, or communities?
• Economic ties — Do you have property, investments, or business interests in Canada?
• Intent to reside — Do you plan to live in Canada?

No single factor is determinative. IRCC assesses the totality of your connection to Canada. The requirement is designed to ensure that citizenship by descent is granted to people with genuine ties to the country, not merely a distant ancestral link.

Lost Canadians are people who lost their Canadian citizenship — or never received it — due to outdated provisions in previous citizenship laws. Bill C-3 specifically addresses several groups of Lost Canadians:

People Who Lost Citizenship Through Marriage

Under the Canadian Citizenship Act of 1947, Canadian women who married non-Canadian men automatically lost their citizenship. Their children born abroad were also denied citizenship. Bill C-3 restores citizenship to these individuals and their descendants.

People Born Abroad Before 1977

Before the 1977 Citizenship Act, Canadians born abroad had to take specific steps to retain their citizenship by age 28. Many people were unaware of this requirement and lost their citizenship without knowing it. Bill C-3 restores their status.

Second-Generation Born Abroad (Pre-2009)

The first-generation limit was introduced in 2009. People born abroad to Canadian parents before 2009 may have had their citizenship status affected by subsequent legislative changes. Bill C-3 clarifies and restores their rights.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

You will need:

• Proof of your Canadian ancestor's citizenship (birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or passport)
• Your own birth certificate showing your parents' names
• Documentation of the chain of descent (birth certificates for each generation)
• Proof of your substantial connection to Canada (for second generation and beyond)
• Two passport-style photos
• Government-issued ID

Step 2: Complete the Application

Download and complete the Application for a Citizenship Certificate (CIT 0001) from the IRCC website. If you are applying under the new Bill C-3 provisions, indicate this on your application and include a cover letter explaining your eligibility.

Step 3: Submit and Pay

Submit your application to IRCC along with the processing fee. As of 2026, the fee for a citizenship certificate is $75 CAD. Processing times vary but typically range from 5 to 12 months.

Step 4: Receive Your Citizenship Certificate

Once approved, you will receive a Canadian citizenship certificate confirming your status. You can then apply for a Canadian passport.

If you are applying through naturalization rather than descent, you will need to pass the Canadian citizenship test. CitizenPass is the most comprehensive preparation platform with 600+ practice questions, AI coaching, and all 12 Discover Canada chapters.

Can I pass Canadian citizenship to my children if I got it through Bill C-3?

Yes. Once you are confirmed as a Canadian citizen, your children born abroad are automatically Canadian citizens (first generation born abroad). There is no additional requirement for them.

Do I need a lawyer to apply under Bill C-3?

No, but complex cases — especially those involving Lost Canadians or multiple generations — may benefit from legal advice. Immigration lawyers and citizenship consultants can help navigate the documentation requirements.

How long does it take to process a Bill C-3 application?

Processing times vary depending on the complexity of your case. Simple first-generation cases may be processed in 5-6 months. More complex multi-generational cases may take 8-12 months. Check the IRCC website for current processing times.

Can I apply for a Canadian passport while my citizenship application is being processed?

No. You must first receive your citizenship certificate before applying for a passport. The citizenship certificate is your proof of Canadian citizenship.

What if I was previously denied citizenship under the old rules?

You can reapply under Bill C-3. Your previous denial does not affect your eligibility under the new law. Include your previous application reference number in your new application.

Whether you are claiming citizenship by descent or applying through naturalization, CitizenPass is here to help. If you need to take the citizenship test, our platform offers:

• 600+ Practice Questions — Same format as the real IRCC test
• AI-Powered Coach — Personalized study plans targeting your weak areas
• 80+ Lessons — All 12 Discover Canada chapters in bite-sized sessions
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For official information about Bill C-3 and citizenship by descent, visit canada.ca.