Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Canada Expands Citizenship by Descent Rules
Canada has changed its rules about who can become a citizen.
Before, if your parents were born outside Canada, you couldn't get citizenship even if your grandparents were Canadian.
Now, if you have at least one Canadian grandparent, you can apply to be a citizen.
This change helps people who were left out before.
You need to fill out an application and show documents like birth certificates.
It takes about ten months to get approved.
Once you get your citizenship certificate, you can live in Canada, vote, and even run for office.
Canada's new law allows individuals with a Canadian grandparent to apply for citizenship, effective December 15, 2025.
The change eliminates the first-generation limit, which previously prevented citizenship for children born abroad to Canadian parents.
Eligible individuals must apply online and submit documents proving their family connection to a Canadian ancestor.
Processing time for citizenship applications is approximately ten months.
Approved applicants receive a citizenship certificate, granting rights to live in Canada, vote, and run for public office.
- Who
- Individuals born before December 15, 2025, with a Canadian parent or grandparent
- What
- Expansion of citizenship by descent rules
- When
- Effective December 15, 2025
- Where
- Canada
- Why
- To restore citizenship access for families previously excluded by the first-generation limit
- Legislation
- Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act
- Effective Date
- December 15, 2025
- Eligibility
- Individuals with at least one Canadian grandparent
- Application Process
- Online application with required documents
- Processing Time
- Approximately ten months
- Benefits
- Right to enter, live in Canada, vote, and run for public office