Canada to Extend Citizenship by Descent Beyond First-Generation

Great news for families with international roots! Canada is proposing legislation to extend citizenship by descent beyond the first generation. This means children and grandchildren born abroad to Canadian parents could be eligible for Canadian citizenship, even if neither parent was born in Canada.

What is Citizenship By Descent?

Citizenship by descent is a legal principle granting citizenship to individuals born abroad based on their parent(s)’ citizenship. It allows children to inherit citizenship if their parent(s) are citizens of a particular country, even if the children are born outside that country’s borders.

Inclusive Citizenship Policy Announced

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, unveiled the proposed changes, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the new legislation. “This decision has been crafted to ensure inclusivity while upholding the value of Canadian citizenship,” Miller stated.

Key Provisions of the New Legislation

Under the proposed bill, Canadian citizenship would automatically be granted to individuals born abroad to a Canadian parent who was also born outside Canada before the legislation takes effect.

Additionally, the bill will facilitate citizenship for children born abroad and adopted by Canadian parents, extending beyond the first generation. The proposed legislation, Bill C-71, introduces several key changes:

1. Extends Citizenship by Descent

Children and grandchildren born outside Canada to a Canadian parent can potentially become citizens, even if neither parent was born in Canada.

2. Requirement for Parents Residing in Canada

To pass on Canadian citizenship, parents born outside the country who have children or adopt children abroad must have spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before the birth or adoption of their child. This requirement ensures a strong connection to Canada for families living overseas.

3. Restores Citizenship for “Lost Canadians”

Bill C-71, known as the Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2024), also seeks to restore citizenship to “Lost Canadians”—individuals who failed to acquire or lost their citizenship due to outdated provisions in previous legislation.

The bill aims to offer citizenship to all those born abroad to Canadian parents in the second or subsequent generations before the new law is enacted.

Must Read: Your Guide to Citizenship by Descent in 31 European Countries

Current Restrictions and Their Impacts

Currently, Canadian citizenship by descent is limited to the first generation born abroad. Minister Miller highlighted the negative consequences of these restrictions, noting that they impact important life decisions such as where families choose to live, work, study, and raise children.

“The current rules have unacceptable consequences for families,” Miller explained. “We are committed to making the citizenship process fairer and more transparent, ensuring that Canadian citizenship remains inclusive.”

Next Steps

If Bill C-71 is passed by Parliament, further details regarding eligibility and application procedures will be released. This will provide clear guidance for those seeking Canadian citizenship under the new system.

Also Read: Canada Reduces Wait Times for Proof of Citizenship Applications

Canada: A Land of Opportunity

This news coincides with Canada’s ambitious immigration targets. The country aims to welcome nearly 500,000 new permanent residents annually by 2025, showcasing its commitment to attracting skilled individuals and fostering a multicultural society.