New Citizenship Law Grants Canadian Citizenship to Thousands: Are You Eligible in 2026?

A major change to Canadian citizenship law came into effect on December 15, 2025, and it may mean that thousands of people are now Canadian citizens — automatically.

The change follows the passage of Bill C-3, which amended the Citizenship Act by removing the long-standing first-generation limit to citizenship by descent in certain situations.

What Changed?

Before this law, Canadian citizenship by descent was generally limited to one generation born outside Canada. This meant that if your Canadian parent was also born outside Canada, you were usually not eligible for citizenship.

Bill C-3 changed that.

Under the new rules, people born outside Canada in the second generation (or later) may now be Canadian — depending on their family history and timing.

Who May Now Be Canadian Automatically?

You may already be a Canadian citizen without having applied, if you were:

• Born outside Canada

• Born before December 15, 2025

• Born to a Canadian parent — including a parent who became Canadian as a result of these new rules

In many of these cases, citizenship is automatically restored or granted by law.

If this applies to you, you do not need to apply for citizenship — but you must apply for proof.

What If You Were Born On or After December 15, 2025?

If you were born (or adopted) on or after December 15, 2025, you may still qualify for citizenship if:

• Your parent was also born outside Canada to a Canadian citizen (meaning you have a Canadian grandparent), and

• Your Canadian parent spent at least 1,095 days (3 years) physically in Canada before your birth or adoption

Adopted children in similar situations may also qualify through a direct grant of citizenship.

What Is Citizenship by Descent?

Citizenship by descent applies to people born outside Canada to a Canadian parent or, under the new rules, in some cases, a Canadian grandparent.

Unlike people born in Canada, citizens by descent must apply for proof of citizenship before they can:

• Apply for a Canadian passport

• Travel to Canada as a Canadian citizen

• Access full citizenship rights

How Do You Prove Your Canadian Citizenship?

If you think this law change applies to you, the next step is to apply for a citizenship certificate from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

This certificate is official proof that you are a Canadian citizen and is required to:

• Apply for a Canadian passport

• Avoid travel delays or border issues

Current processing times for citizenship certificates are approximately 10 months.

Important Travel Reminder

If you may be Canadian, do not travel to Canada using a foreign passport without first confirming your status.

IRCC recommends:

1. Applying for a citizenship certificate

2. Applying for a Canadian passport

3. Entering Canada using your Canadian passport

Why This Change Matters

This is one of the most significant citizenship reforms in decades. It restores fairness for families affected by outdated rules and opens the door for many people with Canadian parents or grandparents to finally claim their citizenship.

However, eligibility can be complex, especially where:

• Multiple generations are involved

• Parents lived abroad for long periods

• Adoption is part of the family history

Need Help Determining Your Citizenship Status?

If you were born outside Canada and have a Canadian parent or grandparent, professional guidance can help confirm whether you are already Canadian — or what steps you need to take next.

Contact Rema Immigration Consulting for personalized citizenship guidance. Contact Rema Immigration Consulting for expert guidance. Call us at (587) 317-1533 or email info@remaimmigration.com to schedule your consultation and take the first step.