Canada enacted long-awaited reforms to its citizenship law that changed the way citizenship by descent applies to families living abroad. With Bill C-3 now in place, thousands who were previously excluded may finally be recognized as Canadian citizens – including many with ties to India.
The Canadian citizenship framework has entered a new chapter Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025) formally entered into force. The reforms aim to modernize citizenship by descent, address constitutional concerns and reflect the reality of globally mobile Canadian families. For communities with deep migratory ties to Canada, including Indians and people of Indian descent, the changes could have significant implications.
What has changed in the Canadian Citizenship Act?
At the heart of the reform is a decisive move away from the rigid, outdated rules that have prevented many people from obtaining or maintaining Canadian citizenship. Under the new law, people born before December 15, 2025 who would have been citizens if there were no first-generation or other historical restrictions are now considered Canadian citizens.
They can apply for official proof of citizenship without having to submit a new application.
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At the same time, the law creates a future-oriented path. Canadian parents who themselves were born or adopted abroad can now pass citizenship to their children born or adopted outside of Canada on or after the law comes into effect, provided they demonstrate a “substantial connection” to Canada.
Why was Canadian citizenship reform necessary?
The reforms follow years of legal and political pressure over the so-called first-generation limit, which was introduced in 2009. The rule barred the granting of citizenship by descent to children born abroad to Canadian parents who were also born or adopted outside of Canada.
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In December 2023, the Ontario Supreme Court ruled that key elements of the cap were unconstitutional. The federal government decided not to appeal, acknowledging that the law produced unfair results for the children of Canadians living abroad. Interim measures were put in place, but Bill C-3 now puts these changes into law permanently.
Who are the “Lost Canadians”?
Canada’s first citizenship act of 1947 contained provisions that inadvertently stripped some individuals of citizenship or prevented others from obtaining it altogether. Subsequent amendments in 2009 and 2015 restored citizenship to the majority of those affected, commonly referred to as “lost Canadians”. After these reforms, about 20,000 people applied to apply for proof of citizenship.
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Bill C-3 builds on that legacy by addressing remaining gaps and clarifying citizenship status for families across generations.
Will Indians and people of Indian origin benefit?
India is among the largest source countries of Canadian migrants, students and foreign professionals. Thousands of Canadians of Indian origin live, work and raise families outside of Canada, including India itself. For such families, the new rules can be transformative.
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Children born abroad to Canadian parents who were previously blocked by the first-generation limit may now qualify for citizenship – particularly where the parents can demonstrate meaningful ties to Canada through residence, education, employment or other ties. Those born before the cut-off date who were excluded under the earlier rules may now be recognized as citizens and may require formal documentation.
What does the Canadian government say?
The Canadian government proposed the reforms as a reflection of modern family life and global mobility. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Lena Metlege Diab said:
“These changes to our citizenship law reflect how Canadian families live today. Many Canadians have chosen to study abroad, travel to see another culture or relocate for family or personal reasons and still have a meaningful connection to our country. This new legislation strengthens the bond between Canadians at home and around the world and reaffirms the values we hold as a nation.”
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Advocate groups also welcomed the changes. Don Chapman, founder of Lost Canadians, told PTI:
“By updating the Citizenship Act to reflect the global mobility of modern Canadian families, the federal government has made access to citizenship fairer and more reasonable.”
What happens to the applicants next?
With the changes now in effect, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will process citizenship certificate applications under the new rules. Importantly, individuals who have applied for interim measures do not need to apply again.
Those seeking further clarity or guidance are advised to refer to the Citizenship section of the IRCC official website, which will continue to post operational updates.
