On December 15, 2025, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-3, a landmark piece of legislation that reforms how citizenship by descent works. For decades, the "first-generation limit" rule meant that Canadians born abroad to Canadian parents could not pass on their citizenship to their own children born outside Canada. Bill C-3 changes this.
What Was the Problem?
Under the old rules, if you were a Canadian citizen born abroad (or became a citizen through parents who were born abroad), your children born outside Canada were not automatically Canadian citizens. This created a class of people often called "Lost Canadians" — individuals with deep ties to Canada who were denied citizenship due to outdated bureaucratic rules.
What Bill C-3 Changes
- Removes the first-generation limit — The strict cutoff that prevented citizenship from passing beyond one generation born abroad has been eliminated.
- Emphasizes genuine connections — The new framework introduces a "substantial connection to Canada" test rather than a rigid generational cutoff.
- Resolves historical cases — Many "Lost Canadians" who were previously denied can now apply for recognition of their citizenship.
Who Does This Affect?
This primarily affects:
- Canadians living abroad whose children were born in other countries
- Military families stationed overseas
- Individuals who discovered they were "Lost Canadians" due to the old rules
- Families with multi-generational ties to Canada who have lived abroad
What About the Citizenship Test?
Bill C-3 deals with citizenship by descent (citizenship passed from parent to child). If you're applying for citizenship through naturalization (the standard process for permanent residents), the test requirements remain the same:
- 20 questions, 45 minutes, 75% to pass
- Based on the Discover Canada study guide
- Required for applicants aged 18 to 54
Whether you're a new immigrant preparing for naturalization or someone affected by the Bill C-3 changes, understanding Canadian history, government, and values is essential. Start studying by chapter or take a practice test to see where you stand.
Source: Bill C-3 received Royal Assent on December 15, 2025. Official information at canada.ca.