Bill C-3 changes citizenship rules for future generations, i.e., Bill C-3 restored Canadian citizenship to many people with Canadian ancestry. The law has allowed thousands of individuals to reclaim citizenship through descent, even if their Canadian ancestor lived several generations ago. 

However, while the law opened the door for many people born before December 15, 2025, it also introduced a new rule that could affect children born outside Canada in the future. 

For families with Canadian ancestry, understanding this rule is important. While many people may now qualify for Canadian citizenship, future generations may not automatically receive the same benefit unless certain conditions are met.

Understanding The Substantial Connection Test

The reason for this difference is a requirement known as the substantial connection test.

For children born/ adopted outside Canada after December 15, 2025, a Canadian parent who was also born abroad must show a meaningful connection to Canada before citizenship can automatically pass to that child.

To satisfy this requirement, the parent must have spent at least 1,095 cumulative days (approximately three years) physically present in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption.

The days do not have to be consecutive. They can be accumulated over different periods throughout the parent’s life.

For example, time spent studying, working, travelling, or living in Canada at different stages could potentially contribute toward the total requirement.

However, if the parent has never spent significant time in Canada, the substantial connection test will not be met. In that situation, citizenship does not automatically transfer to the child born abroad.

The rule applies permanently to future children born or adopted outside Canada after December 15, 2025.

Importantly, it does not affect anyone born before that date. Existing children born before December 15, 2025, remain protected under the citizenship rules introduced by Bill C-3.

A Practical Option For Future Parents

There is one straightforward option that may help families avoid the substantial connection requirement.

Canada follows the principle of jus soli, often called birthright citizenship. Under this system, most children born on Canadian soil automatically become Canadian citizens at birth.

Canadian citizens have the legal right to enter, live in, and remain in Canada. As a result, many newly recognized Canadians may consider giving birth in Canada so their child receives citizenship automatically from day one.

Effect On U.S. Citizenship

For American families, another common question concerns dual citizenship.

Having a child in Canada does not affect a parent’s U.S. citizenship status.

Likewise, a child born in Canada to an American parent will generally still qualify for U.S. citizenship through descent, provided the parent meets applicable U.S. physical presence requirements.

Most Americans raised in the United States easily satisfy those requirements.

As a result, many children born in Canada to American parents with Canadian citizenship may hold both Canadian and American citizenship from birth.

This allows them to benefit from rights and opportunities in both countries.

Important Considerations For Adoption

The birth-in-Canada option applies only to children born in Canada.

International adoptions follow different rules.

A child adopted outside Canada after December 15, 2025, might still be subject to the substantial connection test because citizenship in that situation is entirely based on adoption.

Moreover, families considering international adoption might wish to seek professional guidance in order to understand how the rules apply to their specific circumstances.

Areas That Remain Unclear

While the legislation is in force, some practical details remain uncertain.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has not yet released complete guidance explaining how the 1,095-day requirement will be documented and verified.

Government officials have confirmed that the days are cumulative and do not need to fall within a specific period.

However, questions remain regarding the types of evidence that may be accepted and whether certain periods spent in Canada, such as childhood visits, will count toward the requirement.

Until further guidance is published, many experts recommend keeping detailed records of time spent in Canada.

Looking Ahead

Bill C-3 has restored Canadian citizenship to many people who previously could not claim it. For families with Canadian ancestry, the law has created new opportunities & reopened connections that may have been lost generations ago.

At the same time, the substantial connection test has created new rules for children born abroad after December 15, 2025.

Understanding these requirements can help families make informed decisions about citizenship planning, future children, and long-term ties to Canada. For many newly recognized Canadians, learning how the new rules affect future generations has become an important part of the citizenship journey.

Palina Immigration Consultancy, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at Palinaimmigration.com.