Overview
- Bill C-3 took effect on December 15, 2025, and IRCC is now implementing the updated citizenship rules.
- People born before December 15 who would have been citizens under prior law are now recognized as Canadian and can apply for proof of citizenship.
- For children born or adopted abroad on or after December 15, a Canadian parent born or adopted abroad must show at least 1,095 days of prior physical presence in Canada to transmit citizenship.
- Applications filed under interim measures continue without reapplication, and those automatically recognized who wish to renounce can use a simplified process.
- The legislation passed with NDP support over Conservative objections and faces legal questions about intercountry adoption, with a prior PBO estimate projecting about 115,000 people affected over five years.