Overview
- Bill C-3 took effect on December 15, 2025, after receiving royal assent on November 20, 2025.
- People born before December 15, 2025 who were excluded by the first-generation limit, including remaining “Lost Canadians” and their descendants, are now considered Canadian and can apply for proof of citizenship.
- IRCC will process proof-of-citizenship applications submitted under the 2023 interim measures using the new rules, and applicants do not need to reapply.
- For children born or adopted abroad on or after December 15, 2025 to a Canadian parent who was also born or adopted abroad, citizenship by descent requires the parent to show at least 1,095 days of prior physical presence in Canada.
- Individuals who automatically acquired citizenship under the amendment may use a simplified process to renounce Canadian citizenship.