Have you heard about Canada’s new Bill C-3? There’s been some talk that it changes who can become a citizen, but what if I told you the biggest news is actually about removing a barrier? This new bill, which came into force on December 15, 2025, officially ended the “first-generation limit.” But before we understand what that means for families today, we need to answer a basic question: what was this limit in the first place?
What do you mean by the first-generation limit?
Before the new law was enacted, Canada had a “first-generation limit” rule. This rule stated that while a person born outside Canada to a Canadian parent was a citizen, they could not automatically pass citizenship to their own children if those children were also born outside Canada. In essence, citizenship was limited to one generation born abroad. This meant that even if the parents or grandparents lived in Canada, they could not pass their Canadian citizenship to the next generation if the children were born outside the country.
What is Bill C-3?
The government has reformed the legal rules of citizenship because many people, often called “Lost Canadians,” were entitled to citizenship but could not access it. Bill C-3 acknowledges these affected families who are in need. It initiates a process to reconnect generations of people who were previously excluded due to the “first-generation limit”.
How is Bill C-3 benefiting the residents of Canada?
The bill’s passing removes the first-generation limit, thereby granting citizenship to people who were previously unable to receive it from their parents or pass it on to the next heir in their family.
The new law allows individuals to be Canadian if at least one parent or grandparent is Canadian. This vital change enables citizenship to continue through more than one generation born outside Canada.
Who are the “Lost Canadians”?
The term “Lost Canadians” refers to people who lost their entitlement to citizenship under the old rules. With Bill C-3, this segment of people is no longer hindered. These individuals—including their descendants and those born or adopted overseas by a Canadian parent in the second or subsequent generation before the new law—are now all eligible for citizenship.
What are the benefits for the future generation with Bill C-3?
For children born abroad, the rule is now straightforward: if you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent—even if that Canadian parent was also born outside Canada—you are automatically a Canadian citizen by descent.
For adoption, the process recognizes families created abroad. A child adopted outside Canada by a Canadian citizen can also become a Canadian citizen. For these cases, there is an important requirement known as the “real connection” strategy.
This strategy requires proving two distinct links. First, the adoption itself must create a genuine parent-child relationship, establishing a legitimate family tie. Second, for adoptions finalized on or after December 15, 2025, if the Canadian adoptive parent was also born or adopted abroad, they must prove a substantial personal connection to Canada. This is typically done by showing they lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days before the adoption.
How to Become a Canadian Citizen: Simple Guide?
You can become a Canadian citizen in three main ways:
- Being born in Canada
- Through a Canadian parent
- By living in Canada and applying (most common for immigrants)
- If You Were Born in Canada
- You are automatically a Canadian citizen at birth.
- Applies even if your parents are not Canadian.
- If You Have a Canadian Parent
- If at least one parent was Canadian when you were born, you may be a citizen.
- You must apply for proof of citizenship.
- Rules vary depending on when you were born.
- Becoming a Citizen by Living in Canada (Naturalization)
Step 1: Be a Permanent Resident
You must already have PR status in Canada.
Step 2: Live in Canada Long Enough
Live in Canada for at least 3 years (1,095 days) out of the last 5 years before applying.
Only the days you are physically in Canada count.
Step 3: File Your Taxes
File taxes for at least 3 years within the past 5 years (if required).
Step 4: Prove Language Skills (Ages 18–54)
Show you can speak and understand English or French at a basic level.
Step 5: Pass the Citizenship Test (Ages 18–54)
Study and pass a test on Canada’s history, values, laws, and symbols.
Step 6: Take the Oath of Citizenship
Attend a ceremony and take the Citizenship Oath to become official.
How can Milkyway help you?
MilkyWay is presented as an ideal choice for individuals navigating immigration processes due to its ability to transform confusion into clarity and alleviate stress, instilling confidence in its clients. The organization guides licensed immigration professionals, ensuring that clients receive expert support throughout their journey. Furthermore, MilkyWay guarantees transparent processing, keeping clients informed about the status of their applications promptly, which mitigates anxiety associated with uncertainty. The company also emphasizes the importance of providing updated information, helping clients avoid rejections due to outdated documents or missed requirements. Lastly, MilkyWay offers consistent support from the very beginning of the immigration process through to post-landing assistance, ensuring a comprehensive service that caters to various client needs.
If you’re planning your move to Canada in 2026, MilkyWay is here to guide you with honesty, transparency, and expertise. Apply Today!
