Bill C-3 · December 15, 2025

Citizenship by DescentBill C-3 & The “Lost Canadians”

On December 15, 2025, Canada eliminated the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. If you were born abroad to a Canadian parent — or are a descendant of Canadians going back generations — you may now have a right to Canadian citizenship.

Bill C-3

Legislation

Dec 2025

In Effect

Removed

First-Gen Limit

Retroactive

For Pre-Dec 15 Births

What Changed Under Bill C-3?

For decades, Canada applied a “first-generation limit” to citizenship by descent. If you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent who was also born outside Canada, you were cut off — regardless of your family's deep Canadian roots. Bill C-3 corrects this historical wrong.

Before Bill C-3

First-Generation Limit

Only the first generation born abroad to a Canadian parent could inherit citizenship. Second-generation and beyond descendants were excluded entirely — even if the family had been Canadian for centuries.

After Bill C-3

Limit Removed

The first-generation cut-off has been eliminated for persons born before December 15, 2025. Multi-generational descendants born abroad can now claim Canadian citizenship retroactively, restoring rights to thousands of “Lost Canadians.”

Who Are the “Lost Canadians”?

“Lost Canadians” is the term used for people who should have been recognized as Canadian citizens but were excluded due to outdated or restrictive descent rules. This includes descendants of Acadian families and others separated from their Canadian identity across generations.

Eligibility: Two Categories

Retroactive

Born Before Dec 15, 2025

EligibilitySecond-generation and beyond descendants born abroad to a Canadian parent may qualify for retroactive recognition of citizenship, regardless of how many generations were born outside Canada.

RequirementYou must establish a documented chain of proof connecting your lineage back to a Canadian citizen or person born / naturalized in Canada.

No Presence TestThere is no physical presence or “substantial connection” requirement for this category. Proof of lineage is sufficient.

Going Forward

Born On/After Dec 15, 2025

EligibilityCanadian parents born abroad can transmit citizenship to children born outside Canada, but only if the parent meets the “Substantial Connection” test.

The TestThe Canadian parent must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) at any point before the child's birth.

PurposeThis ensures a genuine connection to Canada for future generations while still being far more inclusive than the old first-generation limit.

Think You May Be a “Lost Canadian”?

Our licensed immigration consultant can assess your eligibility, help you locate decades-old documentation, and guide you through the Proof of Citizenship application process from start to finish.

Book a Consultation Citizenship by Naturalization