Author:BILL C-3 Latest Update: The Interim Period will remain in place – For now!
On November 21, 2025, Canada reached a major milestone in modernizing its citizenship laws. With the approval of Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), the federal government has taken decisive action to ensure families affected by outdated legislation finally have a fair and consistent path to pass on Canadian citizenship.
For many years, Canadians with children born or adopted outside Canada have been impacted by the first-generation limit and other restrictive rules that excluded deserving individuals from accessing citizenship by descent. Bill C-3 directly addresses these long-standing inequities.
Who Will Benefit?
Once the new law comes into force (on a date to be announced by Order in Council), the following groups will be eligible for citizenship:
- Individuals born before the bill comes into force who would have been Canadian citizens if not for the first-generation limit or outdated provisions of previous legislation.
- Children born or adopted outside Canada on or after the new law takes effect, as long as the Canadian parent—who themselves was born or adopted abroad—demonstrates a substantial connection to Canada.
This shift finally provides clarity, fairness, and a modernized framework for families who have waited years — in some cases, generations — to secure citizenship for their children.
Why This Change Matters
Bill C-3 strikes a balance between inclusivity and the integrity of citizenship. It acknowledges that many Canadians living abroad maintain genuine, ongoing ties to Canada, and it ensures those ties are recognized when passing citizenship to their children.
The new approach reinforces a core principle: Canadian citizenship by descent should be based on real, demonstrated connection to the country, not outdated legislative technicalities.
What Happens Next?
The government will announce the official in-force date in the coming months. Until then:
The interim measures for those affected by the first-generation limit remain in place.
Eligible applicants and families should begin preparing supporting documentation to establish their connection to Canada and their eligibility under the new law.
For those impacted, this is an important opportunity to finally secure the citizenship status they should have always had access to.
However, the most important update right now is this:
The Interim Application Period Is Still Open — But Not for Long
IRCC’s interim discretionary process for those affected by the first-generation limit remains available, but based on current timelines, it is likely to close by the end of this year once Bill C-3 formally takes effect.
If you are considering applying as the great or great great grandchild of someone born or naturalized in Canada, or have family members who may qualify, this may be the last opportunity to apply under the interim measures.
You may apply now if:
You were born or adopted before December 19, 2023, and the first-generation limit prevents you from acquiring citizenship; or
You were born or adopted on/after December 19, 2023 and your Canadian parent has 1,095 cumulative days in Canada at any point in their life before your birth.
These interim rules offer flexibility that may tighten under the new legislation.
For Great-Grandchildren and More Distant Descendants
Great-grandchildren may not be automatically eligible under Bill C-3, but they can still apply now through the discretionary process. This pathway may become more restrictive once the new framework is implemented.
If You Are Thinking of Applying
We recommend beginning now. Preparing early ensures your application is filed while the interim measures are still in effect. Discretionary Citizenship is an option even when the interim period has passed so do not delay.
Our team can assess your eligibility and help position your case for the strongest possible outcome, whether under the interim process, Discretionary Grant or the upcoming Bill C-3 rules.
Please contact us if you’d like to start an application or discuss your options.
