US EditionLiberals introduce ‘citizenship by descent’ legislation
- On June 5, 2025, the Canadian government introduced Bill C-3 to amend the Citizenship Act by allowing citizenship to be passed down to subsequent generations beyond the current first-generation restriction.
- The bill addresses a December 2023 court decision that ruled the first-generation limit unconstitutional, though the enforcement of this ruling is postponed until November 20, 2025.
- Bill C-3 introduces a system that allows Canadian citizenship to be passed down to descendants born outside Canada past the first generation, provided their Canadian parent has maintained a significant connection to the country by living there for at least three years before the child’s birth.
- Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab highlighted that citizenship represents more than just legal recognition; it embodies a deep bond with Canada's principles, heritage, and identity, underscoring the intent behind the bill.
- If passed, Bill C-3 could grant citizenship to thousands currently excluded, while requiring legislative amendment before the November 20, 2025 court deadline to maintain constitutional compliance.
20 Articles
20 Articles
What is citizenship by descent? Canada offers new way for some to become citizens
A new bill introduced in the House of Commons is offering a way for some to obtain Canadian citizenship. Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act , was tabled by Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada (IRCC) Lena Metlege Diab on Thursday. The bill would automatically grant Canadian citizenship to anyone who would be a citizen today if it weren’t for the first-generation limit or “outdated provisions,” the federal gover…
Liberal Government Revives ‘Citizenship by Descent’ Bill
The Liberal government has introduced a bill that would provide citizenship to individuals born abroad to Canadian parents who themselves were born in a foreign country, following the unsuccessful attempt of a similar bill in Parliament last year. New Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab presented Bill C-3 in the House of Commons June 5. The proposed legislation seeks to overturn a change made by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2009 th…
The current Canadian legislation prevents citizens who have acquired citizenship by birth can pass it on to their children born abroad if they belong to the second generation.
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