What Changed Under Bill C-3
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Before Bill C-3, Canadian citizenship could generally only be passed down one generation to children born abroad. Under the new law that took effect on December 15, 2025, the first-generation limit has been amended, allowing citizenship to flow through multiple generations in many cases. Eligible individuals may now be recognized as Canadian citizens retroactively from birth — and as a result may be entitled to apply for a Proof of Citizenship certificate (which is necessary for a Canadian passport and official recognition of status). This law repairs a longstanding statutory barrier that prevented many descendants of Canadian citizens from having their citizenship properly recognized. It also creates clearer rules for future citizenship transmission — such as physical presence requirements for parents born abroad after the law came into force.
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Why This Matters to You
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Many people assume citizenship is automatic—and in a legal sense it often is under C-3, but to secure that status you must successfully apply for proof of citizenship. Errors in forms or documentation can lead to long delays. Proper preparation minimizes these setbacks.
