Lost Canadians Finally Come Home: Bill C-3's Big Win for Families
Picture a Canadian family in sunny Greece, hearts broken over a refused proof of citizenship application for their grandchildren.
Old rules branded them "Lost Canadians", ripping families apart across borders. Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025) came into force on December 15, 2025. This reform ends the unfair first-generation limit (FGL) on citizenship by descent, allowing the Lost Canadians to finally come home.
The Old Heartbreak: Decades of Family Pain
The FGL, added to the Citizenship Act in 2009, blocked Canadians born abroad from passing citizenship to their own children born overseas. If your Canadian parent was the first generation outside Canada, you stayed "lost"—no passport, no voting rights, no easy family visits. This hit expats hard: diplomats, military families, snowbirds in the USA or Mexico, even workers chasing careers abroad. The Court struck it down as unconstitutional in 2023, calling it a violation of mobility and equality rights under the Charter.
Temporary fixes emerged, like discretionary grants of citizenship under the interim measure. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) received approximately 4,200 applications by July 2025. Similar past reforms helped 20,000 people obtain proofs of citizenship. Yet families waited, split by bureaucracy. Bill C-3 answers their call.
Bill C-3: The Homecoming Rules Explained
As it is in force, retroactive magic happens: Anyone born abroad before the effective date who would have been a citizen without the FGL or pre-2009 rules becomes Canadian automatically. In December 2024, the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer estimated that approximately 115,000 people could claim Canadian citizenship within five years, costing about $21 million.
Forward-looking, Canadian parents born abroad can pass on citizenship to their children born overseas if they meet the "substantial connection" test. The Canadian parents must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (i.e., three years) before the child's birth or adoption. This test balances openness with ties to Canada, unlike the old cutoff.
- Grandkids of Canadian retirees in Arizona? Covered retroactively.
- You, born abroad to Canadians, log three years in Vancouver working or studying, then have a baby in London? Instant citizenship.
- Adoptions qualify too, closing gaps for international families.
Real Family Stories: Hope in Action
Vicki's Joy in Japan: A Canadian teacher abroad fought years for her Japan-born children, refused under the FGL.
Mike's Pride in Thailand: A Canadian contractor fathered a child in Thailand. The mother was absent when Mike’s baby nearly became a ward of the Thai government.
Win for the Burgess: A Baby was born stateless, in Hong Kong, to a Canadian father and a Russian mother.
These stories aren't hypotheticals; they are drawn from real advocacy like Don Chapman's decades-long fight.
Don't Trip Up: Risks and Timelines
Avoid common pitfalls:
- Insufficient proof of residency: Miscalculating 1,095 days, missing stamps, etc.
- Incomplete forms: Inconsistent dates delays processing or triggers refusals.
- Misrepresentation: Wrong details risk bans for 5 years.
Processing times already stretch to nine months for proofs of citizenship with about 39,000 applications in queue; expect backlogs in the future.
The passage of Bill C-3 marks a significant victory for families separated by outdated citizenship laws. With this amendment, descendants of Canadians who were previously excluded due to the FGL can now claim their rightful citizenship. This change not only reunites families but also restores a sense of identity and belonging for many who felt lost within the legal system. Advocacy groups and immigration consultants alike have hailed this reform as a compassionate and necessary update reflecting Canada's evolving values. As the law awaits official enactment, many affected families eagerly anticipate the moment they will be able to reconnect fully as Canadian citizens, closing a painful chapter in their history.
Secure Your Path with MyConsultant.ca
The Lost Canadians are coming home—will your family join them? Don't gamble on free advice or guesswork. Book a citizenship assessment from a RCIC at myconsultant.ca. We've guided many through FGL fights, interim grants, and reforms like 2009/2015. Reclaim your maple leaf legacy—professional guidance delivers peace of mind.
Disclaimer
Information provided in this article does not constitute citizenship advice. Only authorised representatives are allowed to assist applicants with citizenship services for a fee. In addition, citizenship laws, regulations, and policies are changing frequently.
If you need help with the assessment of your case, then obtain sound advice from Mrs. Katharina Kontaxis, RCIC-IRB. Only with a proper case strategy can you reach your goal of Canadian citizenship.
KIS Migration offers a full range of Canadian Immigration and Citizenship Consulting Services in English, French and German. Its business model of Keeping It Simple is key to success. Everyone’s path to Canada is unique! KIS Migration assists you on your journey to Canada while making the process easy for you. Let KIS Migration help you realize your Canadian Dream!
New citizenship rules for Canadians born or adopted abroad are now in effect - Canada.ca
Changes to citizenship rules 2009 to 2015 - Canada.ca
Bill C-3: An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025)
Bill C-3: An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025) - Canada.ca
Evidence - CIMM (45-1) - No. 5 - House of Commons of Canada
Legislative Summary of Bill C-3: An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025)
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