On 10th June 2025, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship introduced Bill C-3, a legislative proposal aimed at reforming Canada’s citizenship framework, particularly concerning children born abroad to Canadian parents.

Under the current legislation, Canadian citizenship can only be passed to a child born outside Canada if the Canadian parent was either born in Canada or became a naturalised citizen before the child's birth. Bill C-3 proposes to automatically confer Canadian citizenship on individuals born abroad to Canadian parents, even if the parent was also born outside of Canada, thereby removing the generational restriction currently in place.

In addition, the Bill introduces a new mechanism for citizenship by descent beyond the first generation. It would allow individuals born abroad to acquire Canadian citizenship if their Canadian parent can demonstrate a substantial connection to Canada. This would be defined as a minimum of 1,095 cumulative days (approximately three years) of physical presence in Canada prior to the child's birth or legal adoption.

While Parliament reviews the proposed legislation, interim measures that expand eligibility for citizenship remain in effect. Should the Bill be passed and receive royal assent, further guidance and implementation details will follow.

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Should you have any queries regarding the above information or if you require assistance with your corporate, employment or immigration matter, please get in touch with a legal professional at Hudson McKenzie via email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone +44(0) 20 3318 5794.

The information provided does not amount to legal advice.

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