{"id":2956,"date":"2025-12-24T13:22:09","date_gmt":"2025-12-24T13:22:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/?p=2956"},"modified":"2026-04-24T13:23:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T13:23:31","slug":"bill-c-3-canadian-citizenship-now-granted-across-multiple-generations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/bill-c-3-canadian-citizenship-now-granted-across-multiple-generations\/","title":{"rendered":"Bill C-3: Canadian Citizenship Now Granted Across Multiple Generations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"519\" src=\"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/12\/bill-c3-canadian-citizenship-multiple-generations.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2961\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3102513924431733;width:994px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/12\/bill-c3-canadian-citizenship-multiple-generations.jpg.jpg 680w, https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/12\/bill-c3-canadian-citizenship-multiple-generations.jpg-480x366.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 680px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Canada has officially passed&nbsp;<strong>Bill C-3<\/strong>, an important update to the Citizenship Act that restores or grants Canadian citizenship to people known as \u201c<strong>Lost Canadians,<\/strong>\u201d who were excluded under an old rule called the<strong>&nbsp;First-Generation Limit (FGL)<\/strong>.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bill C-3 received&nbsp;<strong>Royal Assent<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>on November 20, 2025,<\/strong>&nbsp;and came into effect on&nbsp;<strong>December 15, 2025.&nbsp;<\/strong>Eligible individuals can now apply for proof of Canadian citizenship if they became citizens automatically under the new law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most important changes under Bill C-3 is that&nbsp;<strong>Canadian citizenship can now be granted across multiple generations<\/strong>, not just one<strong>.&nbsp;<\/strong>This means citizenship may be traced through a&nbsp;<strong>parent, grant parent or even great-grandparent.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you qualify, you are not asking Canada to give you citizenship, instead you are applying for&nbsp;<strong>proof of citizenship<\/strong>&nbsp;to confirm a status the law now recognizes.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who Are \u201cLost Canadians\u201d and What Is The FGL?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLost Canadians\u201d are individuals who were denied or never obtained Canadian citizenship because of rules in earlier versions of the Citizenship Act, even though they had a Canadian parent or Canadian ancestry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A major reason for this exclusion was the&nbsp;<strong>first-generation limit (FGL)<\/strong>, introduced in&nbsp;<strong>2009<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the FGL:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you were born outside Canada, you could only be a Canadian citizen if your parent was born in Canada or later became Canadian.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your parent was also born outside Canada, they could not pass citizenship to you, even if yourgrandparents were Canadian.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, Canadian citizenship stopped after one generation born abroad, cutting off children and grandchildren from obtaining Canadian citizenship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In&nbsp;<strong>2023<\/strong>, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled this unfair and unconstitutional, which led to the creation of Bill C-3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a><strong>How Bill C-3 Changes Citizenship Rules<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bill C-3 removes the strict generational cut-off that affected many families and allows citizenship to be granted through the family line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>1. Citizenship Is Restored for People Born in the Past<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you were born&nbsp;<strong>before<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>December 15, 2025<\/strong>, and were affected by the old rules, Canada may already recognize you as a citizen under the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This applies even where multiple generations in your family were born outside Canada<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will need&nbsp;<strong>official documentation<\/strong>&nbsp;to apply for confirmation of Canadian status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>2. Clear Rules for Future Children Born Outside Canada<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bill C-3 sets clear rules for children born or adoptedoutside Canada<strong>&nbsp;after December 15, 2025.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If the Canadian parent was born in Canada or later became Canadian, their child will automatically be Canadian.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the Canadian parent was also born outside Canada, they must have lived in Canada for a required period before the child\u2019s birth or adoption.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a><strong>What This Means for Families<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For many families, Bill C-3 is a significant shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People who were told that citizenship ended with their parents or grandparents can now apply for proof of citizenship, as Canadian citizenship may extend further through their family history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This change reconnects families across generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a><strong>Can Pilkington Immigration Help?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a><\/a>Working with an immigration lawyer can help ensure your application is prepared correctly from the start, especially when tracing citizenship across multiple generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Citizenship claims involve parents, grandparents or great-grandparents<a><\/a>&nbsp;can be complicated. Family records may be old, missing, or spread across different countries, and even small gaps or errors can lead to delays or refusals.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Pilkington Immigration can help by:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reviewing your family history<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identifying whether citizenship is applicable across generations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helping gather and organize the required documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preparing a clear and complete application for submission<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Our approach is practical, thorough and focused. If you believe Bill C-3 may apply to you or your family, the first step is understanding where you stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contact&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:office@pilkingtonimmigration.com\">Pilkington Immigration<\/a>&nbsp;for a consultation and receive clear guidance on your Canadian citizen options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source:&nbsp;<\/strong>Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).<em>Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025) comes into effect.<\/em>&nbsp;Government of Canada.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/news\/2025\/12\/bill-c-3-an-act-to-amend-the-citizenship-act-2025-comes-into-effect.html?euidtkncn=vjJ97SOrejV0LiQ\">https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/news\/2025\/12\/bill-c-3-an-act-to-amend-the-citizenship-act-2025-comes-into-effect.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/contact-us\/\">Contact us<\/a> today to book a consultation and find out more!<\/strong><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Canada has officially passed&nbsp;Bill C-3, an important update to the Citizenship Act that restores or grants Canadian citizenship to people known as \u201cLost Canadians,\u201d who were excluded under an old rule called the&nbsp;First-Generation Limit (FGL). Bill C-3 received&nbsp;Royal Assent&nbsp;on November 20, 2025,&nbsp;and came into effect on&nbsp;December 15, 2025.&nbsp;Eligible individuals can now apply for proof of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:image {\"lightbox\":{\"enabled\":false},\"id\":2706,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/02\/feb2.jpg\" alt=\"Three Canadian Flags flying outside a tall office building.\" class=\"wp-image-2706\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Registration Requirement for Foreign Nationals \u2013 Effective April 11, 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Starting April 11, 2025, all foreign nationals who meet certain criteria must register with the U.S. government. This would apply to many of the snowbird travelers to the U.S. who typically spend time in southern United States in the winter months. Failure to comply may result in fines and\/or imprisonment. If registration is required, individuals must carry proof of registration at all times and present it to law enforcement if requested. Below provides general information to help determine if registration is necessary and how to register. General information can be found on the USCIS website:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/alienregistration\">https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/alienregistration<\/a>. For specific questions, we recommend consulting an attorney, we are happy to help!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>You may wish to book a consultation with our Pilkington Immigration expert by clicking below.<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/meetings.hubspot.com\/margaret-wilson\/paid-zoom-meeting-margaret-wilson\"><strong>Book a Consultation<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Am I Required to Register?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Q: Will you be in the U.S. for 30 days or more?<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Yes:<\/strong>\u00a0You must register. Continue to the next question.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>No:<\/strong>\u00a0You do not need to register. Consult an attorney if you have further questions.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Q: Are you 14 years of age or older?<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Yes:<\/strong>\u00a0You must register.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>No:<\/strong>\u00a0Your parent or legal guardian is responsible for registering you.<br>You must re-register within 30 days of turning 14.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Do I Register?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Q: Do you have any of the following valid documents after entering the U.S.?<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":1} -->\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>I-94 (<a href=\"https:\/\/i94.cbp.dhs.gov\/home\">https:\/\/i94.cbp.dhs.gov\/home<\/a>)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Border Crossing Card<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Notice to Appear in Immigration Court (NTA)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>I-551 Stamp or Green Card (LPR card)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>I-765 EAD<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Admission or parole stamp in your passport<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Yes:<\/strong>\u00a0You are already registered.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>No:<\/strong>\u00a0You must complete Form G-325R via your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/my.uscis.gov\/\">https:\/\/my.uscis.gov\/<\/a>\u00a0account.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Biometrics Appointment<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you register by submitting Form G-325R, you will be scheduled for a Biometrics Appointment. You are not considered fully registered until you complete this appointment. Watch for your Biometrics Appointment Notice, which should be sent to your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/my.uscis.gov\/\">https:\/\/my.uscis.gov\/<\/a>&nbsp;account.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Canadian citizens entering as visitors under the visa exemption rule do not need to attend a biometrics appointment. Registration will be considered complete once Form G-325R is submitted.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Individuals who entered the U.S. under the Jay Treaty are exempt from the registration requirement.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is Considered Proof of Registration?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Proof of registration may include, but is not limited to, the following:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":1} -->\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>I-94<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Border Crossing Card<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Notice to Appear in Immigration Court<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>I-551 Stamp or Green Card<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>I-765 EAD<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Admission or parole stamp<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Certificate of Registration or Alien Registration Receipt Card (available through your myUSCIS account after completing Form G-325R)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you are over 18, you must carry proof of registration at all times. You should consult an attorney to ensure that you are properly registered and have the correct proof of registration.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Penalties for Non-Compliance<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Failure to carry proof of registration:<\/strong>\u00a0A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, up to 30 days in prison, or both.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Failure to register:<\/strong>\u00a0A fine of up to $5,000, up to 6 months in prison, or both.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Fraudulent statements on a registration:<\/strong>\u00a0Criminal prosecution and possible deportation upon conviction.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Parents:<\/strong>\u00a0Responsible for registering children under 14 and may face penalties for non-compliance.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The registration requirement and proof of registration may vary depending on individual circumstances. It is important for snowbirds and visitors alike to properly understand the requirements of this new policy. If your questions are not addressed in this guide, consult an immigration attorney. While we assist clients with the registration process, please note that USCIS does not allow attorneys to access Form G-325R.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Are you a snowbird looking for assistance with this new registration process?&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pilkington Immigration<\/a>&nbsp;can ease the stress of registration. Schedule a consult today to discuss our fees and services!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/meetings.hubspot.com\/margaret-wilson\/paid-zoom-meeting-margaret-wilson\"><strong>Book a Consultation<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2956","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news-events"],"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"author_info":{"display_name":"Staff","author_link":"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/author\/brian\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2956","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2956"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2956\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2964,"href":"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2956\/revisions\/2964"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2956"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2956"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilkingtonimmigration.com\/fredericton-nb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2956"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}