Citizenship by descent concerns Canadian citizenship through a parent. The current changes under Bill C-3 took effect on December 15, 2025.

Birth outside Canada before December 15, 2025

In most cases, someone born outside Canada before December 15, 2025 to a Canadian parent is now a citizen, including where that parent became Canadian through these changes. The family history and applicable exceptions still need to be assessed.

Birth outside Canada on or after December 15, 2025

For a second or later generation born abroad, the Canadian parent who was also born or adopted abroad generally must have spent at least 1,095 cumulative days physically in Canada before the child’s birth. This is different from the rules for someone whose Canadian parent was born in Canada or became a citizen through naturalization.

Adoption has a separate process

People adopted abroad may be eligible to apply for a direct grant of citizenship. Do not assume adoption automatically confers citizenship. The date of adoption and, in relevant cases, the Canadian parent’s 1,095-day connection before the adoption matter.

Confirming citizenship

A citizenship certificate is proof of citizenship; it does not itself grant citizenship to everyone who applies. IRCC assesses the family records and applicable law. If an application submitted under the interim measure is still pending, IRCC says it will assess it under the new rules without requiring another certificate application.

VGIS can review your family history and assist with proof-of-citizenship documentation. Eligibility is fact-specific and cannot be established from a grandparent’s nationality alone.

Official sources: Bill C-3 changes; Who is already Canadian.

Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and IRCC policies change frequently. For advice specific to your case, please book a paid consultation with our licensed RCIC-IRB. VG Immigration Services Inc. — Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308.