Canada implements Bill C-3 citizenship changes for 'Lost Canadians'

Key facts

• Bill C-3 became law last month and the new rules took effect on Monday, Dec. 15.
• Citizenship can now be passed down to children born or adopted abroad beyond the first generation if the Canadian parent spent at least three cumulative years in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption.
• Children born outside Canada before Dec. 15 who are second generation or later will be granted automatic Canadian citizenship.
• Those adopted before Dec. 15 can now apply for citizenship under the new rules.
• The 2009 first-generation limit was deemed unconstitutional by the Ontario Superior Court in December 2023; the Liberal government did not appeal.
• Intercountry adoptees remain subject to the three-year 'substantial connection' test, a point critics argue violates the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.