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\n\n \nOn March 13, 2025<\/strong>, Immigration Minister Marc Miller<\/strong> announced that the government is introducing temporary solutions for these \u201clost Canadians<\/strong>\u201d while working on a long-term fix<\/strong>. Canada has also requested a 12-month extension<\/strong> on the current rules to allow time for new legislation to pass.<\/p>\n So, what does this mean for you and your family? Let\u2019s break it down in simple terms.<\/p>\n\n Since 2009<\/strong>, Canada has had a rule that limits who can pass on citizenship<\/strong>. Here\u2019s how it works:<\/p>\n\n If you were born in Canada<\/strong>, your child (even if born abroad) gets Canadian citizenship automatically.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n \t But if you were born outside Canada<\/strong> and later became a citizen, your child\u2014if also born abroad\u2014does not<\/strong> get automatic citizenship.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Audrey was born in Vancouver but moved to Cambridge, UK, for work. She had a son, Jason, who automatically became Canadian. Later, Jason had a daughter, Lisa, in UK. But Lisa cannot<\/strong> inherit Canadian citizenship under the current law because her father was born outside Canada.<\/p>\n This rule has separated families<\/strong>, preventing children from claiming their parents\u2019 Canadian identity.<\/p>\n\n In December 2023<\/strong>, the Ontario Superior Court<\/strong> ruled that the first-generation limit was unconstitutional. The court stated that it creates two types of Canadians<\/strong>\u2014those who can pass on citizenship freely and those who cannot.<\/p>\n The government agreed that the rule is unfair. In May 2024<\/strong>, they introduced Bill C-71<\/strong>, which aims to fix the problem. But due to political delays, the bill has not been passed yet.<\/p>\n\n Once passed, Bill C-71<\/strong> will:<\/p>\n \u2705 Remove the first-generation limit<\/strong> \u2013 Canadians born abroad will be able to pass on citizenship to their children.<\/p>\n \u2705 Require a real connection to Canada<\/strong> \u2013 The parent must have lived in Canada for 3 years (1,095 days)<\/strong> before their child\u2019s birth or adoption.<\/p>\n \u2705 Restore lost citizenship<\/strong> \u2013 People who were previously denied or stripped of citizenship due to old laws may be eligible again.<\/p>\n\n Donald, a Canadian born in Calgary moved to New Jersey. He had a daughter, Emily, who automatically got Canadian citizenship. Under Bill C-71<\/strong>, if Emily has a Daughter, Nancy, she could also be Canadian\u2014if Emily spends at least 3 years living in Canada before his birth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This rule ensures that citizenship has a real connection<\/strong> to Canada while allowing families to keep their Canadian identity.<\/p>\n\n The government has asked the court for more time (until March 2026)<\/strong> to pass Bill C-71. Why? Because creating a new law takes time\u2014it requires debates, votes, and approvals from Parliament and the Senate.<\/p>\n If the extension is granted, the current rules will stay in place<\/strong> while the government finalizes the new law.<\/p>\n If the extension is denied<\/strong>, the first-generation limit could be removed immediately<\/strong>, which might cause confusion in the immigration system.<\/p>\n\n Until a permanent solution is in place, Canada is offering temporary grants of citizenship<\/strong> under a special program.<\/p>\n Who qualifies?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Children born before December 19, 2023<\/strong>, who were previously denied due to the first-generation limit.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n \t Children born after December 19, 2023<\/strong>, if their Canadian parent lived in Canada for at least 3 years before their birth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n \t Some cases involving individuals born before April 1, 1949<\/strong> or those affected by old citizenship laws<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n How does it work?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Families must apply for a special grant<\/strong> and provide proof of residency<\/strong> in Canada.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n \t These cases will be processed on a priority basis<\/strong>, especially if citizenship is needed for urgent reasons (like school or healthcare).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Michelle was born in Canada but moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she had her son, Lucas, in 2021. Under the first-generation limit, Lucas was \u4e0d<\/strong> eligible for Canadian citizenship. But thanks to these interim measures, Michelle can now apply for Lucas to receive citizenship.<\/p>\n\n
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<\/figure>\n \nWhat Is the First-Generation Limit?<\/h3>\n
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Example:<\/h3>\n
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<\/figure>\nWhy Is This Rule Being Challenged?<\/h3>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/h3>\n
What Will Bill C-71 Change?<\/h3>\n
Example:<\/h3>\n
Why the 12-Month Extension?<\/h3>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/h3>\n
Temporary Measures While We Wait<\/h3>\n
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\n \t
Example:<\/h3>\n
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