Overview
- Bill C-3 took effect on December 15, 2025, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada applying the amended Citizenship Act immediately.
- People born before December 15, 2025 who were excluded by the first‑generation limit are now recognized as Canadian and can apply for proof of citizenship.
- For children born or adopted abroad on or after December 15 to Canadian parents who were also born or adopted abroad, the parent must show 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada prior to the birth or adoption.
- IRCC will process applications filed under the 2023 interim measures using the new rules, and applicants already in the system do not need to reapply.
- The law passed with NDP support over Conservative objections and faces legal criticism that the ties test burdens intercountry adoptees and could conflict with the Hague Convention.