Bill C-3 restored citizenship rights to many descendants of Canadians who were previously excluded by the first-generation limit. Eligibility depends on your specific ancestral circumstances — the generational paths below are a general guide, and individual cases should be assessed by a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or an immigration lawyer.
Your parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth or adoption (before December 15, 2025); or obtained proof of Canadian citizenship as a result of Bill C3. The fastest path: typically a Proof of Citizenship application with the parent's citizenship documentation and your birth or adoption record simplifies the process.
Your grandparent was a Canadian citizen, and the parental link to you is documentable. Bill C-3 removed the first-generation limit that previously blocked this path for many descendants.
Your great-grandparent was Canadian and you can document an unbroken line of descent to the present. Not all great-grandparent connections automatically qualify — a case assessment is strongly recommended before applying. Substantial documentary work is typically required, especially for older Quebec records.
The Citizenship Act came into force on 1 January 1947. A Canadian-born or naturalised ancestor living in Canada on that date generally became automatically a Canadian citizen. Ancestors born before 1947 — including 1800s lines — who did not receive canadian citizenship on that date are considered 'Lost Canadians' and can still anchor a claim through the retroactive provisions. These cases require extensive genealogical research and documention as well as the expertise of a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or an immigration lawyer.
Know your path?
A free 10-minute call with an RCIC confirms which Bill C-3 path applies to your line — and outlines the documents you’ll need.
Mercan's Canadian immigration team will review your known family history and conduct a preliminary assessment of your eligibility to apply for proof of Canadian citizenship. We will provide a general overview of the genealogical research work your case requires. No cost, no obligation.
Mercan's genealogist documents the family history and confirms the unbroken line of descent.
Collect official certified birth, marriage, naturalisation, and citizenship records for every generation in the line of descent and other supporting evidence to IRCC standards. Mercan's network handles Quebec parish records, anglicised-surname matching, and certified translations.
The full journey, end to end
Bill C-3 (in force since December 15, 2025) removed Canada's first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. Before the reform, you generally could not inherit citizenship from a Canadian grandparent or great-grandparent if you were the second or third generation born abroad. Bill C-3 opens that door.
Likely yes, under Bill C-3 — provided your grandparent's Canadian status is established under the Citizenship Act (including the retroactive 1947 deeming and 'Lost Canadians' provisions for pre-1947 lines) and you can document the link from grandparent to parent to you. Mercan's free initial consultation confirms whether the path applies in your case.
Under Bill C-3, yes — but you must document an unbroken line of descent through every generation, with official records (not just genealogy-website results). Great-grandparent and great-great-grandparent cases are the most documentation-heavy. Mercan's network includes genealogists who specialise in Quebec parish records and pre-1947 naturalisation files.
The total cost incurred to apply for proof of canadian citizenship has different components: 1) The fee required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to submit your application once completed. At this time, thee fee is set at $75 CAD per applicant 2) Gathering all the required documents, having them translated as required and getting all original certifications and apostilles involves fees that can total anywhere from $500 to a few thousands depending on the complexity of your case. 3) Fees charged by consultants and solicitors who specialise in and are accredited for Canadian immigration matters.
No. Both Canada and the US permits dual and multiple citizenship. Note that the U.S. position on dual citizenship is also permissive in practice, but consult a tax adviser about U.S. tax-on-worldwide-income obligations.
Whether Canadian citizenship passes to a child born or adopted outside Canada depends on the Canadian parent's own situation. As a general rule: If the child was born (or adopted) outside Canada to a canadian parent before December 15, 2025, they are automatically considered canadian citizen and can apply for their certificate. If a child was born outside Canada to a canadian parent on or after December 15, 2025, the parent must have accumalated at least 1095 days of physical presence in Canada prior to the birth in order to pass citizenship eligibility to the child. Adoptions have a diffferent set of provisions and processes. This means that in most cases you’re automatically a Canadian citizen if you were born before December 15, 2025 outside Canada to a Canadian parent. This rule also applies to you if you were born to someone who became Canadian because of these rule changes (Bill C-3).
Read this far? A free 10-minute call with an RCIC will confirm if Bill C-3 opens a path for you.
Request a free consultation