Historic Update to Canadian Citizenship Law: The End of the "First Generation Limit"

The Canadian government has implemented a historic update to its citizenship laws, effectively addressing the issue known as "Lost Canadians" and expanding citizenship by descent. Effective December 15, 2025 (formerly Bill C-71, enacted as Bill C-3), these changes fundamentally alter the rights of Canadians born abroad.
Here is the summary of the key changes:

1. Removal of the "First Generation Limit" (FGL) Previously, under rules established in 2009, a Canadian citizen who was born outside Canada (and acquired citizenship by descent) could not pass their citizenship on to their own child if that child was also born outside Canada. This created a "second-generation cutoff." Under the new legislation, this automatic exclusion has been removed.

2. For Those Born Before December 15, 2025 (Retroactive Rights) Citizenship rights have been automatically restored or recognized for individuals born before this date who were previously excluded solely due to the "First Generation Limit." These individuals can now apply for a Proof of Citizenship, regardless of how long their parents lived in Canada.

3. For Those Born After December 15, 2025: The "Substantial Connection" Test For children born abroad after the law came into force, a new criterion applies. A Canadian parent who was born outside Canada can only pass citizenship to their child if they can demonstrate a "substantial connection" to Canada.
To prove this connection:

• The parent must have been physically present in Canada for a cumulative total of at least 1,095 days (3 years) prior to the birth of the child.

4. Adopted Children Similar rules apply to children adopted outside Canada. If the adoptive Canadian parent was born outside Canada, they must meet the 1,095-day physical presence requirement in Canada before they can apply for a direct grant of citizenship for their adopted child.

While Canada aims to prevent citizenship from being passed down indefinitely through generations living entirely abroad, the system has been made more flexible to protect those with genuine ties to the country. If you are a Canadian citizen born abroad and your child is also born abroad, you can now pass on your citizenship, provided you have lived in Canada for at least 3 years.

If you believe you are eligible for Canadian citizenship, you can apply to us to have your eligibility reviewed.

Murat Kandemir 12 January 2026