A new law allows thousands to gain Canadian citizenship, i.e., people born outside Canada who have a Canadian grandparent may now be able to apply for proof of Canadian citizenship under new rules, even if neither parent holds a Canadian passport.
On December 15, 2025, a new law came into effect that removed the first-generation limit (FGL) for citizenship by descent.
With the passing of Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act, people who have at least one Canadian grandparent are now eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent, as long as they were born before December 15, 2025.
Before this change, the FGL stopped children of Canadians by descent from passing on citizenship to their own children.
The new law removes this limit for anyone born before it came into force. These individuals can now apply to the federal government for proof of Canadian citizenship.
What Does Citizenship By Descent Mean?
In most cases, children born in Canada become Canadian citizens at birth. This is because Canada follows birthright citizenship. These citizens use their birth certificates to prove their status and apply for passports.
Citizenship by descent applies to people born outside Canada.
Under this rule, children of Canadian citizens can receive citizenship. This includes children by birth and by adoption.
Canadians who gain citizenship by descent must apply for proof of citizenship first.
What Happens After Applying?
If the application is approved, the person will receive a citizenship certificate. This certificate can be used to apply for a Canadian passport.
As Canadian citizens, individuals have the right to live and enter Canada. They also have the right to vote and run for public office.
Most people must apply for proof of citizenship online.
Applicants must include documents that show their connection to at least one Canadian parent or grandparent.
At the time of writing, the processing time for proof of citizenship applications is 10 months.
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