How will Canada's overhaul of citizenship rules benefit Indians?
24 Nov 2025

Canada is set to overhaul its citizenship laws, making them more inclusive. The changes are expected to benefit thousands of Indian-origin families.

Bill C-3, which amends Canada's Citizenship Act, has received royal assent and awaits implementation by the government.

The bill seeks to provide Canadians a clear way to pass on citizenship to children born or adopted outside Canada.

New rules address 'lost Canadians's issue
Historical context

Canada's first Citizenship Act of 1947 created a class of "lost Canadians," who lost or never received citizenship due to certain provisions.

While the 2009 and 2015 amendments helped some regain or acquire citizenship, many families remained excluded.

However, on December 19, 2023, Ontario's Superior Court found parts of the Citizenship Act unconstitutional concerning the first-generation limit clause.

The Canadian government accepted this ruling without appeal, acknowledging its "unacceptable outcomes."

Bill C-3 aims to provide citizenship by descent
New provisions

Bill C-3 seeks to offer Canadian citizenship to those born before its enactment, who were excluded under previous rules.

A Canadian parent born or adopted abroad can pass on citizenship to their child if they have a substantial connection with Canada, defined as 1,095 days of cumulative presence before birth or adoption.

The amendment aims to make the Citizenship Act more inclusive while upholding the value of Canadian citizenship.

Implementation timeline and expected impact of Bill C-3
Future implications

The implementation of Bill C-3 is yet to be finalized, with a deadline extended to January 2026 by a Canadian court.

Immigration lawyers anticipate an increase in applications once the law is enacted.

Lena Metlege Diab, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said the new legislation will fix long-standing issues in citizenship laws and bring fairness to families with children born or adopted abroad.

Changes align Canadian citizenship rules with global standards
Global alignment

Don Chapman, Founder of the Lost Canadians, praised the changes for making citizenship more fair and reasonable.

The Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA) also endorsed these changes as they align with rules in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.

CILA argued that the previous second-generation cut-off created an unfair citizenship tier based on national origin.