Canadian Citizenship by Descent
Canadian citizenship by descent has changed significantly following the enactment of Bill C-3, which came into force on December 15, 2025. The legislation removes the former first-generation limit for many individuals born abroad, restoring citizenship to thousands of people who were previously excluded under Canada's citizenship laws. Depending on your family's history, you may already be a Canadian citizen by operation of law, even if neither you nor your parent was born in Canada or has ever lived there.
Eligibility depends on your date of birth and your family's citizenship history. Individuals born or adopted outside Canada before December 15, 2025, who would have been Canadian citizens but for the former first-generation limit are now recognized as citizens automatically under the law. Different rules apply to children born or adopted on or after December 15, 2025, including a requirement that the Canadian parent demonstrate a substantial connection to Canada through at least 1,095 days of physical presence before the child's birth or adoption.
Although citizenship may arise automatically, obtaining official proof of status requires a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship. Many applications involve tracing family lineage across multiple generations, obtaining historical civil records from different jurisdictions, and resolving discrepancies in names, dates, or other documents.
Cohen Visa assists individuals and families with eligibility assessments, genealogical document review, legal analysis, and the preparation of comprehensive citizenship by descent applications to establish and document Canadian citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Canadian citizenship by descent
Possibly. If you were born outside Canada before December 15, 2025, and your claim was previously prevented by the first-generation limit, Bill C-3 may now recognize you as a Canadian citizen. Eligibility depends on your family’s citizenship history, the applicable law, and the available supporting documentation.
Not necessarily. Individuals who qualify under the retroactive provisions of Bill C-3 are generally not required to have lived in Canada. However, children born or adopted outside Canada on or after December 15, 2025, may be subject to the new substantial connection requirement, which requires the Canadian parent to have accumulated at least three years of physical presence in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption.
Most applications require a complete documentary chain linking you to your Canadian ancestor, including long-form birth certificates, marriage records, adoption records where applicable, and other civil documents for each generation. Missing records, name changes, or inconsistencies often require additional supporting evidence and legal explanation.
Yes. While eligible individuals may become Canadian citizens automatically under Bill C-3, you must still apply for a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship to obtain official proof of your status. This certificate is generally required before applying for a Canadian passport or exercising the rights and privileges of Canadian citizenship.