Citizenship Through a Grandparent or Great Grandparent – Why NOW Is the Time to Act

Citizenship Certificate Application

Citizenship Through a Grandparent or Great Grandparent – Why NOW Is the Time to Act

Canada is on the verge of a major change in citizenship law, and for many people with Canadian ancestry this could mean an unprecedented opportunity to obtain Canadian citizenship not just through a parent or grandparent, but potentially through a great-grandparent or even earlier generations.

Bill C-3: A Game-Changer for Descendants of Canadians

Bill C-3, which replaces the former Bill C-71, proposes significant amendments to the Citizenship Act, especially concerning the controversial first-generation limit. This rule currently restricts citizenship by descent to only the first generation born abroad to a Canadian parent. But under Bill C-3, that limitation would be lifted potentially extending eligibility to second, third, fourth, and even fifth-generation descendants of Canadian citizens.

While the bill is not yet passed, it is widely expected to become law. The government has until November 2025 to enact remedial legislation following the Bjorkquist et al. court decision.

Interim Measures and the Invitation to Apply

Until the legislation is officially enacted, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is using interim measures to address urgent cases. We are now seeing applicants being invited to apply for Canadian citizenship via a discretionary grant of citizenship where they can demonstrate urgency or compelling reasons.

At Doherty Fultz Immigration, we are advising clients with ancestral ties to Canada, including those with great-grandparents or other earlier Canadian ancestors, to begin the process now.

Submitting an application during this interim period, especially with well-supported urgency or compassionate reasons, puts you in a better position. IRCC is actively processing these cases and issuing invitations to apply for Canadian citizenship, even before the formal changes to the law are finalized.

Discretionary Citizenship Through a Grandparent: What It Means When You’re Invited to Apply

Discretionary citizenship refers to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship’s power under section 5(4) of the Citizenship Act to grant Canadian citizenship in special cases. It’s not automatic, and it’s not guaranteed, but it can be a powerful option when someone has a compelling connection to Canada, such as being the grandchild or great grandchild of a Canadian citizen, and would not otherwise qualify under the regular rules.

Receiving an invitation to apply for discretionary citizenship is a significant milestone. It means Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reviewed your case and determined that you may have a strong enough connection to Canada, typically through a Canadian grandparent, to be considered for citizenship outside the regular process. However, this is not a final decision. You must still submit a full application, along with supporting documents and a detailed explanation of your connection to Canada, the hardship or unfairness caused by previous laws, and why you should be granted citizenship as an exception.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Once Bill C-3 passes, we anticipate a massive influx of applications. This could overwhelm IRCC and significantly delay processing times. Right now, the government is operating under flexible, discretionary authority. That window may close or become more rigid once the bill becomes law and the volume of applicants explodes.

The key message: Act now.

If you believe you may be eligible for Canadian citizenship through your grandparent, great-grandparent, or even earlier ancestry, this is your opportunity. Start gathering your documents. Speak with a legal representative. Submit your application or prepare to do so under the current interim policy.

What We’re Doing to Help

At Doherty Fultz Immigration, we are actively assisting clients in preparing their files for submission — whether under interim discretionary grounds or in anticipation of Bill C-3. We’re also offering services to help clients obtain the documents they need, including historical Canadian citizenship records.

We believe that generational Canadians abroad deserve a fair path to reclaiming their citizenship. This bill is a step toward that. But timing is critical.

Contact Us

If you have a Canadian ancestor and would like to know if you’re eligible, don’t wait. Reach out to our team for a consultation and get started on your path to Canadian citizenship today.

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