Altec Global 公司创始人兼首席执行官 Susan Gong（注册会计师、CA、RCIC）的独到见解。.
On December 15, 2025, the Canadian federal government officially brought Bill C-3 into force, amending the Citizenship Act and resolving one of the most controversial issues in Canadian citizenship law: the long-standing first-generation limit.
For many families, this legislative change is more than a technical update—it is a long-overdue correction that restores citizenship rights to thousands who were previously excluded, often referred to as “Lost Canadians.”
What Problem Does Bill C-3 Fix?
Under the previous rules, the First-Generation Limit (FGL) meant that:
A Canadian citizen could pass citizenship to a child born outside Canada;
But that child generally could not pass citizenship to their own children if those children were also born abroad.
As a result, many individuals with deep and genuine ties to Canada were denied citizenship due to outdated technical rules—effectively creating two classes of citizens.
Bill C-3 was introduced specifically to correct this inequity.
Who Is Now Recognized as a Canadian Citizen?
Under the new law, individuals born before December 15, 2025 who would have been Canadian citizens but for the first-generation limit or other obsolete provisions are now recognized as Canadian citizens and may apply for Proof of Citizenship.
Depending on individual circumstances, this includes people who:
Were born outside Canada to parents who were already Canadian citizens at the time of birth;
Were born outside Canada to parents who themselves gain citizenship under Bill C-3;
Previously lost or were denied citizenship due to outdated legislative rules and now qualify for restoration.
For many families once labelled “Lost Canadians,” this represents a meaningful restoration of rights—not merely a policy adjustment.
How Will Citizenship Work for Children Born Abroad Going Forward?
For children born outside Canada on or after December 15, 2025, citizenship will no longer be automatic in every case.
If:
At least one parent is a Canadian citizen, 以及
That parent was also born outside Canada (a typical second-generation-abroad situation),
Citizenship may still be passed on, provided the Canadian parent has lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) before the child’s birth.
As Susan Gong ， explains, this change places new emphasis on real, lived connection to Canada, rather than purely legal status.
What If You Already Applied Under the Interim Measures?
Applicants who submitted Proof of Citizenship applications under the 2023 interim measures do 不 need to reapply.
IRCC will:
Continue processing these applications, and
Apply the new Bill C-3 rules to existing files.
The key action for these applicants is to monitor IRCC requests and respond to any document or information requests promptly.
Why Canadian Citizenship Matters
The impact of Bill C-3 goes beyond increasing the number of eligible citizens. Canadian citizenship offers rights and stability that permanent residence alone does not, including:
The right to vote in federal and most provincial elections
Guaranteed entry to Canada without residency concerns
Easier sponsorship of spouses or common-law partners
Eligibility for certain public service or security-sensitive roles
Access to a Canadian passport and greater international mobility
For families living abroad, Bill C-3 restores not just legal status, but long-held opportunities.
Altec’s Insight
According to Susan Gong 女士（CPA、CA、RCIC）, Bill C-3 represents one of the most important citizenship reforms in recent years.
If you:
Have family members who are Canadian citizens,
Were previously told you were ineligible due to second-generation-abroad rules, or
Plan to live abroad but wish to preserve citizenship options for your children,
Now is the right time to reassess your citizenship eligibility.
At 欢迎访问顺达集团, we help families interpret how Bill C-3 applies to their specific circumstances and assist with Proof of Citizenship and related applications—so legislative change translates into real, practical benefits.
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