Eligibility Quiz
Was at least one of your parents a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth?
Overview
Canadian citizenship-by-descent is the legal process by which individuals born outside of Canada acquire citizenship through a Canadian parent. Historically, this was limited to the first generation born abroad, but as of December 15, 2025, the law has fundamentally changed.
Under the new framework established by Bill C-3, the "First-Generation Limit" (FGL) has been abolished. This means that even if you are the second, third, or subsequent generation born outside of Canada, you may now be eligible for citizenship, provided your Canadian parent can demonstrate a "substantial connection" to the country. This pathway does not grant you a visa; it recognizes you as a citizen from birth, allowing you to claim a Canadian passport.
Legal Framework and Recent Changes
The removal of the First-Generation Limit is the result of the Bjorkquist et al. v. Attorney General of Canada court ruling, which found that treating Canadians born abroad differently than those born in Canada was unconstitutional.
The resulting legislation, Bill C-3, ensures that citizenship can be passed down through multiple generations born abroad, provided the "substantial connection" to Canada is maintained. This change is retroactive, meaning individuals who are already adults but were excluded under the old 2009 rules can now claim their citizenship for the first time.
Rights as a Canadian Citizen
Once your application for a Citizenship Certificate is approved, you hold the same status as any person born in Toronto or Vancouver. Your rights include:
- Right of Abode: The absolute right to enter, live, and work in Canada indefinitely without a visa or work permit.
- Consular Protection: Access to Canadian consular services and protection when traveling abroad.
- Passport Eligibility: The right to apply for a Canadian passport, one of the most powerful travel documents in the world.
- Voting Rights: The right to vote in federal elections, even if you reside outside of Canada (subject to current electoral laws).
- Social Services: Access to Canada’s social safety net, including universal healthcare and public education, provided you meet the residency requirements of your specific province.
- Passing Citizenship: The right to pass Canadian citizenship to your own children born abroad, provided you meet the 1,095-day physical presence requirement.