This update is part of the Bill C-3 citizenship by descent hub, with the Citizenship guide. Thousands of individuals born outside Canada between February 15, 1977, and April 16, 1981, whose Canadian parent was also born abroad, may have had their Canadian citizenship restored without their prior knowledge. This change is a result of Bill C-3, a new Canadian law that took effect on December 15, 2025.

These individuals had previously lost their citizenship on their 28th birthday due to a 1977 change in Canadian citizenship law. That old rule imposed an expiry date on citizenship for those born abroad to a Canadian parent who was also born abroad. Bill C-3 retroactively treats the period during which they had lost citizenship as if it never occurred, meaning they are considered to have been citizens continuously.

The specific birth period affected is from February 15, 1977, to April 16, 1981. The rule that caused this citizenship loss was initially scrapped on April 17, 2009. However, that earlier change did not help those who had already passed their 28th birthday, specifically the group now covered by Bill C-3. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, IRCC, is the organization involved in implementing this new law.

IRCC's instruction guide for proof of citizenship applications confirms that this group of individuals are citizens effective from the date they lost their citizenship. Internal IRCC training materials, released through an access to information request, show that officers were briefed on this group before the new law took effect.

The restoration of citizenship means affected individuals are now recognized as Canadian citizens. This fix also extends to the next generation, as children born before December 15, 2025, to these individuals may also qualify for Canadian citizenship. This can allow families to be recognized as dual citizens, providing them with a wide array of options.

Individuals who believe this rule applies to them are already citizens under the law and need a citizenship certificate to prove it. They should look for old papers, such as a childhood citizenship certificate or a parent's Registration of Birth Abroad. Necessary documents include their birth certificate naming their Canadian parent, and proof of their parent's and grandparent's Canadian citizenship. A letter of explanation can account for missing records. They should also check their children's details, as children born abroad before December 15, 2025, may qualify through them. Once a new certificate arrives, they can apply for a Canadian passport.