A major change to Canada’s “first-generation limit” rule has opened the door for thousands of descendants born outside the country to claim Canadian citizenship, even if neither of their parents holds its passport. Under legislation that came into force on December 15, 2025, individuals with at least one Canadian grandparent may now be eligible to apply for proof of Canadian citizenship.
The change follows the implementation of Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act, which eliminated the long-standing first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. Previously, this rule prevented Canadian citizens who were themselves born abroad from passing citizenship to their children, cutting off eligibility after just one generation born outside Canada.
Who can apply under the new law
With the first-generation limit abolished, anyone born before December 15, 2025, who can trace their lineage to a Canadian parent or grandparent may now apply to the federal government for proof of Canadian citizenship. The law applies retroactively to those born before it came into force, allowing people who were previously excluded to seek recognition as Canadian citizens.
What is citizenship by descent?
Citizenship by descent differs from Canada’s birthright citizenship system, under which most individuals born in Canada automatically become citizens and use their birth certificates as proof.
Citizenship by descent applies to people born outside Canada who inherit citizenship through a Canadian ancestor. This includes both biological and adopted children, but citizenship must be formally confirmed through an application process.
Applying for Proof of Citizenship
Eligible individuals must apply for proof of citizenship, most often through an online application. Applicants are required to submit documents that establish their family connection to a Canadian parent or grandparent, such as birth certificates and proof of the ancestor’s Canadian citizenship.
Once an application is approved, the applicant receives a citizenship certificate, which serves as official proof of Canadian citizenship and can be used to apply for a Canadian passport. Canadian citizens have the right to enter and live in Canada, as well as the right to vote and to run for public office.
Details regarding processing time
As of now, the estimated processing time for proof of citizenship applications is around ten months. By removing the first-generation limit, the new legislation represents a significant shift in Canada’s citizenship policy, restoring access to citizenship for families whose ties to Canada were previously severed by outdated rules.