Canada's federal government introduced Bill C-3 on Thursday, aiming to expand citizenship by descent beyond the current first-generation limit. The bill would automatically grant Canadian citizenship to anyone previously excluded by that limit and establish a framework for future generations based on a Canadian parent's 'substantial connection' to Canada (demonstrated by three years physical presence). This legislative effort follows an Ontario Superior Court ruling that deemed the first-generation limit unconstitutional.
What is citizenship by descent? A look at Canada’s new proposal
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Canada's federal government introduced Bill C-3 on Thursday, aiming to expand citizenship by descent beyond the current first-generation limit. The bill would automatically grant Canadian citizenship to anyone previously excluded by that limit and establish a framework for future generations based on a Canadian parent's 'substantial connection' to Canada (demonstrated by three years physical presence). This legislative effort follows an Ontario Superior Court ruling that deemed the first-generation limit unconstitutional.
Trending- 1 Earlier this year (2025): Canadian government announced an expanded interim measure for those impacted by the first-generation limit.
- 2 Thursday (June 5, 2025): Federal government introduced Bill C-3.
- 3 November 20, 2025: Suspension of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice's declaration that the first-generation limit was unconstitutional is set to expire.
- Potential expansion of Canadian citizenship eligibility
- Resolution of constitutional issues related to the first-generation limit
- Streamlining of citizenship application processes for certain individuals
What: Canada's federal government introduced Bill C-3 to expand citizenship by descent beyond the first generation, automatically granting citizenship to those previously excluded and establishing a framework for future generations based on a Canadian parent's substantial connection to Canada.
When: Introduced on Thursday (June 5, 2025, given the article date); Ontario Superior Court ruling suspended until November 20, 2025; interim measure announced earlier this year (2025); former Bill C-71 died on the order paper previously.
Where: Canada (federal government, Ontario Superior Court of Justice), Italy, Spain, Poland, Ireland (countries offering similar citizenship by descent).
Why: To address the unconstitutionality of the current first-generation limit as ruled by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and to align citizenship with a 'profound connection to the values, history, and spirit of Canada.'
How: Through the introduction of Bill C-3, which proposes changes to the Citizenship Act, including automatic grants for those previously impacted and a new framework requiring a Canadian parent's substantial connection (1,095 cumulative days physically in Canada) for citizenship beyond the first generation.