Canada to extend Citizenship by Descent beyond first generation

Canada has introduced a new legislation that will make citizenship easier. The new legislation will automatically confer Canadian citizenship to individuals born abroad to a Canadian parent who was also born abroad before the enactment of this legislation. It also extends the ability to apply for a direct grant of citizenship to children born outside Canada and adopted by a Canadian parent beyond the first generation.

For parents born abroad and wishing to pass on citizenship to their children born or adopted outside Canada after the legislation comes into force, they will need to have spent at least 1,095 cumulative days physically present in Canada before the birth or adoption.

"The current rules generally restrict citizenship by descent to the first generation, excluding some people who have a genuine connection to Canada. This has unacceptable consequences for families and impacts life choices, such as where individuals may choose to live, work, study, or even where to have children and raise a family. These changes aim to be inclusive and protect the value of Canadian citizenship, as we are committed to making the citizenship process as fair and transparent as possible," Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said.


This new bill, known as Bill C-71, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2024), seeks to address limitations imposed by the 2009 legislative changes which restricted the transmission of citizenship to children born outside Canada only if their Canadian parent was either born in Canada or naturalized before their birth.

Bill C-71 also aims to restore citizenship to "Lost Canadians"—individuals who lost or never acquired citizenship due to outdated provisions in previous citizenship laws. It will also grant citizenship to their descendants and anyone born abroad to a Canadian parent in the second or subsequent generations prior to the legislation's enforcement.

Minister Miller emphasized the importance of these changes, stating they are crucial for integration and fostering a sense of belonging in Canada, a country built on the principles of democracy, equality, and multiculturalism.

"Canadian citizenship is a cornerstone of integration for many immigrants. It embodies our democratic values, equality, and multicultural ethos," Miller said.

The introduction of Bill C-71 reflects Canada's commitment to ensuring its citizenship laws are inclusive and representative of its diverse population. As the legislation progresses through Parliament, individuals potentially affected by these changes are encouraged to stay informed through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for updates and further details on eligibility.

This proposed legislative change underscores the Canadian government's dedication to maintaining the value of Canadian citizenship while adapting to the evolving needs of its citizens worldwide. If passed, these amendments will mark a significant step towards a more inclusive and equitable approach to Canadian citizenship by descent.