Bill C-3 Has Passed the Senate: What Happens Now, and What It Means for Descendants of Canadians

Bill C-3 Has Passed the Senate: What Happens Now, and What It Means for Descendants of Canadians

After months of anticipation, Bill C-3 has officially passed Third Reading in the Senate. This is one of the final steps in the legislative process. The bill now moves to Royal Assent, the last formal stage before becoming law.

Once Royal Assent is granted, the changes to the Citizenship Act, including the expansion of citizenship by descent, will take effect on the date specified in the legislation.

This development is significant for individuals and families around the world with Canadian ancestry.

IMPORTANT: Until Bill C-3 is formally enacted, IRCC’s interim discretionary citizenship grant process remains available.

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What This Means for Grandchildren of Canadians

Under Bill C-3, citizenship by descent will be extended one generation further, meaning:

✔ Children of Canadians (first generation born abroad)

✔ and now Grandchildren of Canadians (second generation born abroad)

…are eligible to apply for citizenship once the legislation is officially in force.

This change corrects a long-standing limitation in the law and opens new opportunities for many individuals who previously had no direct pathway to citizenship.

IMPORTANT: The 1,095-Day “Substantial Connection” Requirement

A Canadian parent who was themselves born abroad must demonstrate they were physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 cumulative days (three years) at any point before the child’s birth or adoption.

Key points:

• The days can be accumulated at any time in the parent’s life prior to the child’s birth—there is no requirement that the time be recent.
• The Senate rejected a proposal that would have required these three years to be within a strict five-year window.
  • This means parents can rely on lifetime accumulation, ensuring a more flexible and equitable path to transmitting citizenship.

This standard ensures that, while Canada restores citizenship to those unfairly restricted by the first generation limit, future generations born abroad continue to maintain a real and demonstrable connection to Canada, reinforcing the value of Canadian citizenship.

What About Great-Grandchildren and More Distant Generations?

This is one of the most important questions clients are asking.

Will great-grandchildren of Canadians automatically qualify under Bill C-3?

No. Not automatically.

However, this does not mean the door is closed for great-grandchildren or more distant descendants.

✔ You can still apply

✔ You are not excluded from consideration

✔ Your pathway would be through the Discretionary Grant of Citizenship, a ministerial mechanism that allows for citizenship to be granted in exceptional circumstances.

The Discretionary Grant of Citizenship (Section 5(4))

A Discretionary Grant of Citizenship allows the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to grant citizenship when:

• There are compelling humanitarian or public policy grounds, and
• The applicant does not meet the regular legislative requirements

This provision has been used for cases where:

• A historical injustice or legislative gap prevented citizenship
• A person has strong cultural, familial, or historical ties to Canada
• There is a compelling reason why strict application of the law would be unfair

What’s Important Right Now

The government has signaled that great-grandchildren may still be considered under this mechanism, but we are waiting for further updates and possible accompanying policy instructions that will clarify:

• How discretionary applications will be evaluated
• Whether special considerations will be given to multi-generational descendants
• What evidence will strengthen these applications

We will share updates as soon as the government releases more details.

Why This Matters for Great-Grandchildren Right Now

While waiting for Bill C-3’s official enactment, IRCC’s interim discretionary citizenship grant process remains available.

You may apply under the interim measures if:

1. 1. You were born or adopted before December 19, 2023, and

you are currently restricted by the First-Generation Limit.

1. 1. You were born or adopted on or after December 19, 2023, and

your Canadian parent meets the proposed Substantial Connection Test (1,095 days in Canada).

Why Choose Doherty Fultz Immigration

Navigating Canada’s changing citizenship laws, especially during a transition period like the Bill C-3 reforms, requires precision, strategy, and experience. At Doherty Fultz Immigration, we specialize in complex citizenship and ancestry-based cases, including discretionary grants and applications involving multiple generations.

Our team offers:

• Expert guidance on Bill C-3 and interim measures
• Strategic preparation to position your case before new criteria take effect
• Tailored submissions that clearly demonstrate connection, hardship, and eligibility
• Transparent fees and a streamlined process designed for clients living overseas

We have a proven track record of strong, well-prepared applications including those involving grandparents, great-grandparents, and earlier Canadian ancestors. If you want clarity, confidence, and professional representation during this pivotal moment in Canadian citizenship law, our team is here to help.

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