Canadian Citizenship by Descent

Recent changes to Canada's citizenship laws, brought about by Bill C-3, have expanded citizenship by descent for many individuals who were previously excluded under the former "first-generation limit." As a result, thousands of people around the world may now have a claim to Canadian citizenship through their family history. 

If you have Canadian roots, it may be worth exploring whether you or your children qualify.

Citizenship by descent refers to Canadian citizenship acquired through a Canadian parent rather than through birth in Canada or naturalization. 

Under the previous rules, citizenship generally could not be passed indefinitely to future generations born outside Canada. Bill C-3 significantly expanded the ability of Canadian citizens living abroad to transmit citizenship to their children and restored citizenship rights for many individuals who had previously been excluded. 

Depending on your family history, you may already be a Canadian citizen and eligible to apply for proof of Canadian citizenship.

You may have a claim to Canadian citizenship if: 

• You were born outside Canada and have a Canadian parent. 

• You were born outside Canada and have a Canadian grandparent or great-grandparent. 

• Even if you were previously told that citizenship could not be passed down in your family because the Canadian parent was also born abroad. 

• Your family was affected by historical citizenship rules that caused Canadian citizenship to be lost or not transmitted. 

• You have children born outside Canada and want to determine whether they may now qualify for Canadian citizenship. 

Every case depends on the specific facts, dates, family relationships, and citizenship history involved.