In 2025, Canada introduced a landmark change to its citizenship laws that could affect millions of families around the world, particularly those with Canadian roots but who were born abroad. Many people have asked: Can grandchildren of Canadians now get a Canadian passport? This extensive guide from sjlawexperts explains everything you need to know about Canadian passport eligibility for grandchildren, third generation Canadian citizenship, and how recent legal changes impact your ability to obtain citizenship and a passport.
What Was the Old Rule? Citizenship by Descent and the First-Generation Limit
Canada has long allowed children born abroad to Canadian parents to become citizens by descent. But for years, the law included a key restriction known as the “first-generation limit”:
- Only the first generation born outside Canada to a Canadian parent could automatically claim citizenship by descent.
- If that child then had children abroad (i.e., the second generation born abroad / grandchildren of the original Canadian), those grandchildren generally could not automatically become Canadian citizens.
This left many families in limbo — people born abroad whose grandparents were Canadian were unable to claim citizenship, even if their parents could have been a citizen but for the rule. This situation created what many called “lost Canadians” — individuals excluded from citizenship because of an outdated rule.
Major Change in 2025: Bill C-3 Alters the Law
In response to a court ruling that the first-generation limit was unconstitutional, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act, which came into force on December 15, 2025. Key Features of Bill C-3
👇 The law introduces two major updates:
1. Retroactive Restoration of Citizenship
People born outside Canada before December 15, 2025 — including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and further descendants — may now be recognized as Canadian citizens by descent if:
- They would have been a citizen if the first-generation limit had not existed.
- Their parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of their birth (even if that citizenship wasn’t formally documented).
This means that individuals who were previously excluded because their Canadian ancestor was also born abroad can now claim citizenship retroactively — and then apply for a Canadian passport.
2. New Rules for Future Generations
Going forward (for those born on or after December 15, 2025), the law allows citizenship by descent beyond the first generation as long as the Canadian parent:
- Can prove a “substantial connection” to Canada — defined as at least 1,095 cumulative days (three years) of physical presence in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption.
This new “substantial connection” requirement ensures that future generations born abroad remain eligible, provided the Canadian parent has meaningful ties to Canada.
Can Grandchildren of Canadians Now Get a Canadian Passport?
Yes — Under the New Law
Under Bill C-3, grandchildren of Canadian citizens may now qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent if they meet the updated criteria. Once citizenship is confirmed (either automatically or by certificate), the individual can:
- Apply for a Canadian passport, and
- Enjoy the full rights of Canadian citizenship, including the right to live, work, and travel with a Canadian passport.
📌 Important Note: Citizenship status must generally be confirmed via a Citizenship Certificate before applying for a passport, unless citizenship was already recognized earlier.
Retroactive Eligibility
If you were born outside Canada and your parent was born outside Canada — but your grandparent was a Canadian citizen — you may now be considered a Canadian citizen as of birth. This retroactive restoration means you can apply for a citizenship certificate and then a passport.Future Eligibility (Born After Dec 15, 2025)
If you were born after the law came into effect:
- Your eligible Canadian parent born abroad must show the three-year physical presence in Canada before your birth to qualify.
Third Generation Canadian Citizenship — What It Means
“Third generation Canadian citizenship” refers to individuals whose:
- Grandparent was a Canadian citizen;
- Parent was born outside Canada (second generation);
- They themselves — the third generation — were born outside Canada.
Prior to Bill C-3, this third generation often could not automatically become citizens. That has changed substantially:
✔ For those born before Dec 15, 2025 — citizenship can now be recognized retroactively.
✔ For those born after the bill’s enactment — eligibility is possible with the “substantial connection” test.
How to Apply and What You Need
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Use the official IRCC guidelines or consult a qualified immigration lawyer to determine whether you already are a Canadian citizen or can claim citizenship by descent.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Typical documents include:
- Birth certificates (yours, your parent’s, and your grandparent’s)
- Proof of your ancestor’s Canadian citizenship (certificate, birth record, etc.)
- Any documentation proving physical presence in Canada (if required under the new connection test)
Step 3: Apply for a Citizenship Certificate
Before getting a passport, many applicants must first secure a Citizenship Certificate confirming their status. Once issued, this certificate is the primary supporting document when applying for a Canadian passport. Step 4: Apply for a Canadian Passport
After citizenship is confirmed, you may apply for a Canadian passport through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a Canadian Visa Office if applying from abroad.
Conclusion
In summary:
- Grandchildren of Canadians can now qualify for Canadian citizenship and a Canadian passport under significant updates from Bill C-3. These changes affect both past applicants (retroactively) and future ones with new “substantial connection” rules.
- Eligibility depends on your exact circumstances — including birth dates and your family’s connection to Canada.
At sjlawexperts, we specialize in guiding individuals and families through these complex changes to Canadian citizenship law — helping you understand your Canadian passport eligibility, prepare your application, and maximize your chances of success.
📌 Need help assessing your eligibility? Contact us for expert guidance tailored to your case!
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Email: SJLawExperts@gmail.com
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Phone: +92 329 411 2288
In 2025, Canada introduced a landmark change to its citizenship laws that could affect millions of families around the world, particularly those with Canadian roots but who were born abroad. Many people have asked: Can grandchildren of Canadians now get a Canadian passport? This extensive guide from sjlawexperts explains everything you need to know about Canadian passport eligibility for grandchildren, third generation Canadian citizenship, and how recent legal changes impact your ability to obtain citizenship and a passport.
