New Canadian Citizenship by Descent Legislation Announced!

Today, Immigration Minister Marc Miller introduced Bill C-71, now Bill C-3, a landmark piece of legislation set to reshape how Canadian citizenship is passed down through generations. This new law emphasizes inclusivity while maintaining the core values of Canadian citizenship.

Under the proposed changes, citizenship would automatically be granted to individuals born abroad to a Canadian parent who was also born abroad prior to the bill’s enactment. The legislation also extends citizenship to children born abroad and adopted by Canadian parents beyond the first generation. Moving forward, parents born outside Canada who have (or adopt) children abroad must demonstrate at least 1,095 days (approximately 3 years) of cumulative physical presence in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption to pass on citizenship.

Key Highlights of Bill C-71 now Bill C-3:

• Automatic Citizenship for Second-Generation Abroad:
  Children born outside Canada to Canadian parents who themselves were also born abroad will immediately obtain citizenship once the bill takes effect.
• Expanded Access for Adopted Children:
  Citizenship grants will extend to children born abroad and adopted by Canadian parents, even beyond the first generation.
• Physical Presence Requirement:
  Parents born outside Canada must show at least 1,095 cumulative days in Canada before the birth or adoption of their child to transmit citizenship.
• Reinstatement for Lost Canadians:
  The bill restores citizenship to individuals known as “Lost Canadians” , those who lost or never received citizenship under outdated legislation and extends citizenship to their descendants.

This legislation marks a major step forward in recognizing the diverse experiences of Canadians worldwide. By addressing long-standing gaps in citizenship law, Bill C-71 (Bill C-3) ensures more people can rightfully claim their Canadian identity and heritage.

As these changes progress, it’s important to stay informed about how they may affect you and your family’s citizenship status.

Stay tuned for further updates on Bill C-3 as it advances through the legislative process!