Explainer
Bill C-3 citizenship by descent
What Bill C-3 changes for citizenship by descent, who can apply, and the processing stories that followed the bill.
Newest update 23 September 2026: Applying for Canadian Citizenship by Descent: A Complex Process Often Requiring Professional Assistance
Who qualifies under Bill C-3?
Bill C-3 is the citizenship-by-descent legislation. The stories below track who can apply, how proof of citizenship is processed, and what IRCC has said since the bill moved. Confirm the current rule on the IRCC page linked from each story before you apply.
What should I read first?
Start with the newest story, then the citizenship guide on the main site.
Stories
23 September 2026
Applying for Canadian Citizenship by Descent: A Complex Process Often Requiring Professional Assistance
Individuals discovering they are Canadian citizens by descent under updated law face a challenging application process.
22 September 2026
New Canadian Law Opens Citizenship Path for Descendants of Buffalo's Canadian-Born Residents
A Canadian law enacted in December 2025 has opened a new pathway to citizenship for descendants of Canadian-born residents who once lived in Buffalo.
21 September 2026
Letter of Explanation Crucial for Canadian Citizenship by Descent Applications Under Bill C-3
Applicants seeking proof of Canadian citizenship by descent under Bill C-3 may need to submit a letter of explanation.
20 September 2026
Navigating Canadian Citizenship by Descent Through Section 3 of the Citizenship Act
Canadian citizenship by descent allows individuals born outside Canada to claim citizenship through their lineage.
20 September 2026
Canadian Citizenship Acquired Under Bill C-3 Deemed Secure
Canada's Bill C-3, an amendment to the Citizenship Act, removed the first-generation limit for Canadians born abroad to pass citizenship to their children.
18 September 2026
Canada EU Relationship Deepens with Associate Member Proposal, Potential Benefits for Americans with Canadian Ancestry
Canada and the European Union are exploring a deeper partnership, with a proposal for Canada to become the EU's first associate member.
17 September 2026
Americans with Canadian Ancestors Who Died Before 1947 May Still Claim Citizenship by Descent
American descendants of Canadian ancestors who died before 1947 may still claim Canadian citizenship by descent.
16 September 2026
Descendants of Canadian Women Who Lost Citizenship Due to Marriage May Now Qualify for Canadian Citizenship
Amendments to Canada's Citizenship Act now allow descendants of Canadian born women who lost their citizenship by marrying foreign nationals before 1947 to
11 September 2026
Seeking Canadian Citizenship by Descent: Five Questions an Immigration Lawyer Will Ask
Discovering you may be a Canadian citizen through a parent, grandparent, or an even earlier ancestor is an exciting prospect.