Canada has taken a significant step toward making citizenship more inclusive with the introduction of Bill C-3, which came into force on December 15, 2025. This new law removes a long-standing restriction that prevented many families from passing on their Canadian citizenship. Rather than creating new privileges, Bill C-3 removes an outdated barrier—opening the door for thousands of eligible individuals worldwide, including residents of Qatar.

To understand its impact today, it is important to first understand what changed.

 

Understanding the First-Generation Limit

Under Canada’s previous citizenship rules, a first-generation limit applied to children born outside Canada. While a child born abroad to a Canadian parent could obtain citizenship, that child could not automatically pass citizenship to their own children if those children were also born outside Canada.

In simple terms, citizenship could only be passed down one generation outside Canada, even if the family had strong ties to the country. This rule affected many families who had lived, worked, or studied abroad for generations.

 

What Is Bill C-3?

Bill C-3 is a reform of Canada’s Citizenship Act designed to correct historical gaps that left many eligible individuals without access to citizenship. These individuals are commonly referred to as “Lost Canadians.”

The bill formally removes the first-generation limit and introduces a more inclusive framework that recognizes family ties extending beyond a single generation born abroad. Its purpose is to reconnect families who were previously excluded due to technical or outdated legal rules.

 

How Bill C-3 Benefits Canadian Families

With the removal of the first-generation limit:

• Individuals who were previously unable to obtain citizenship by descent may now qualify
• Canadian citizenship can now be passed down through multiple generations born outside Canada
• Children may qualify for citizenship if at least one parent or grandparent is Canadian, subject to applicable conditions
  

 

This change ensures continuity of citizenship for families living internationally while maintaining meaningful ties to Canada.

 

Who Are the “Lost Canadians”?

“Lost Canadians” refers to individuals who lost or were denied citizenship due to earlier legislative restrictions. This includes:

• People born abroad in the second or later generation to Canadian parents
• Children adopted overseas by Canadian citizens under previous restrictive rules
• Descendants who were excluded despite clear family connections to Canada

 

Bill C-3 restores eligibility for many of these individuals and their descendants.

 

What This Means for Future Generations

Children Born Outside Canada

Under the new law, a child born outside Canada is considered a Canadian citizen by descent if their parent is Canadian—even if that parent was also born outside Canada.

Adoption Outside Canada

Children adopted abroad by Canadian citizens may also qualify for citizenship. For adoptions finalized on or after December 15, 2025, an additional requirement applies if the Canadian parent was born or adopted outside Canada.

This requirement, known as the “real connection” test, involves:

• Proving the adoption creates a genuine parent-child relationship
• Demonstrating that the Canadian parent lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days before the adoption

 

This ensures citizenship remains rooted in a meaningful connection to Canada.

 

How to Become a Canadian Citizen: A Simple Overview

There are three primary pathways to Canadian citizenship:

1. By Birth in Canada

Anyone born in Canada is automatically a Canadian citizen, regardless of their parents’ nationality.

2. Through a Canadian Parent

Individuals born outside Canada to a Canadian parent may qualify for citizenship by descent. An application for proof of citizenship is required, and eligibility depends on the rules in place at the time of birth.

3. Through Naturalization (Most Common for Immigrants)

• Hold permanent resident status
• Live in Canada for at least 1,095 days within the last 5 years
• File required income taxes
• Prove basic English or French language skills (ages 18–54)
• Pass the citizenship test
• Take the Oath of Citizenship

 

How MilkyWay Can Help You

MilkyWay Qatar supports individuals and families at every stage of the Canadian immigration and citizenship process. Our role is to simplify complex regulations and provide clear, reliable guidance.

We work alongside licensed immigration professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance, offer transparent application tracking, and keep clients informed with the latest regulatory updates—helping avoid delays or rejections. From initial consultation to post-landing support, MilkyWay provides end-to-end assistance tailored to your goals.

 

Planning Your Move to Canada in 2026?

MilkyWay Qatar is here to guide you with honesty, transparency, and professional expertise.
Apply today and take the next confident step toward your Canadian future.