Huge news for Canadians abroad

Canada just proposed a game-changing bill (Bill C-3) that could end the “first-generation limit” for citizenship by descent. For years, many Canadians born outside the country were unable to pass on their citizenship to their children born abroad, creating a generation of “Lost Canadians.”

This new legislation aims to:

1. Automatically grant Canadian citizenship to those who would have been citizens today if not for the old, restrictive rules.
2. Create a new framework allowing Canadian parents born abroad to pass on citizenship, provided they demonstrate a “substantial connection” to Canada (defined by 1,095 cumulative days of physical presence).
3. Restore citizenship to remaining “Lost Canadians” and their descendants.

This proposes to recognise the deep connection many Canadian families have to their roots, regardless of where they live in the world.

If you’re a Canadian born abroad, or have family members who might be impacted, this is the news you’ve been waiting for. Stay tuned for more details as this bill progresses through Parliament.