How to Claim Canadian Citizenship by Descent Under Canada’s New Citizenship Act Bill C-3
May 6, 2026|3 min read
Written by
Mariam Baher
Immigration Journalist
Many people around the world may now qualify for Canadian citizenship because of recent changes to Canadian law. Bill C-3 corrects past citizenship rules and allows many individuals to reclaim citizenship that was previously lost or denied.
Am I eligible for Canadian citizenship by decent?
You may be eligible for Canadian citizenship under Bill C-3 if:
If one parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth
You lost or never received citizenship because of the old Canadian citizenship laws
Some individuals born after December 15, 2025, may also need to meet something called a “substantial connection to Canada” requirement. This can include time lived in Canada or other meaningful ties.
Required Citizenship Documents
As with all government documentation, complete and accurate documentation is essential for a successful citizenship application.
Common documents include (but are not limited to):
Your birth certificate
Proof of Canadian citizenship for your parent or grandparent
Marriage certificates or name-change records (if applicable)
Proof of residence or connection to Canada (if required)
Incomplete or incorrect documents can cause delays or refusals, so contact us at Canadim as we will inform you of all necessary documentation pertaining to your situation.
To formally confirm your status, you will need to apply for a Proof of Canadian Citizenship Certificate through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This certificate serves as the official legal confirmation of your Canadian citizenship and is a required step before you can apply for a Canadian passport.
Applying for a Canadian Passport
Once your citizenship certificate is approved, you can apply for a Canadian passport. Evidently, a passport is an important document that proves that you are a Canadian citizen. It allows you to live and work in Canada and to travel to other countries as a Canadian citizen. A Canadian passport also gives you access to the full rights and benefits that Canadian citizenship has to offer.
Reclaim your Canadian Citizenship
Canadian citizenship can be hard to understand on your own especially with changes like Bill C-3. Many people are unsure if they qualify, what documents they need, or where to begin. At Canadim, we help you understand if you are eligible and guide you in throughout the process ensuring that you include the right documents so that nothing is missing. We also communicate with IRCC and respond to any requests on your behalf. Our job is to make the process simple for you and help improve your chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bill C-3 is a Canadian law that fixes old citizenship rules that caused some people to lose or never receive Canadian citizenship. Many people born outside Canada can now reclaim citizenship through their parents or grandparents if those relatives were Canadian citizens.
Yes, in many cases. If one of your parents was a Canadian citizen when you were born, you may already be a Canadian citizen or now qualify under Bill C-3. You usually need proof of your parent’s citizenship and your birth certificate.
Bill C-3 may help in this situation. Some people can now claim Canadian citizenship through a Canadian grandparent, especially if citizenship was lost due to outdated laws. Each case depends on dates of birth and family history.
No. Most people do not need to live in Canada to reclaim citizenship by descent. However, some people born after December 15, 2025, may need to show a “substantial connection” to Canada.
A substantial connection usually means having real ties to Canada, such as living in Canada for a period of time, studying there, or having strong family or social connections. The exact requirements depend on future regulations.
You must apply for a Proof of Canadian Citizenship Certificate from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This document officially confirms your citizenship status.
No. A citizenship certificate proves you are a Canadian citizen. A passport is a travel document. You must receive your citizenship certificate before you can apply for a Canadian passport.
Processing times vary. Simple cases may take several months, while complex cases involving grandparents or missing documents can take longer. Complete applications are usually processed faster.
Common documents include:
Your birth certificate
Proof of Canadian citizenship for your parent or grandparent
Marriage or name-change documents if names differ
Proof of residence in Canada (only if required)
This is very common. In many cases, alternative documents can be used, or records can be requested from Canadian authorities. Missing documents do not always mean you are ineligible. If you are unsure about what documentation to include, our team can guide you through the process and support you at every stage of your citizenship journey.
Canada allows dual citizenship, but some countries do not. You should check the laws of your current country of citizenship before applying.
It is not required, but many people choose professional help because citizenship law is complex and mistakes can cause long delays or refusals. Professional review is especially helpful for grandparents-based claims.
Yes, absolutely! Canadian citizenship gives you the right to live and work in Canada, access to healthcare and social benefits, and one of the world’s most sought-after passports.
Canadim helps by reviewing eligibility, identifying the correct documents, preparing applications properly, and communicating with IRCC if issues arise. This improves your chance of approval.
Start by reviewing your family history and gathering basic documents. You can also fill out our free assessment and let us help confirm whether Bill C-3 applies to your situation.
Contact us and let us assist you in your immigration journey to Canada in 2026
Mariam holds a Bachelor of Journalism with a minor in English from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). Her early interest in the intersection of law and marketing has grown into nearly seven years of experience in legal marketing, where her journalism background brings a storyteller's perspective to strategic, engaging marketing initiatives within the legal industry.
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