Canada’s New Citizenship Bill is Here! What Does It Means for Indians

The proposed law removes the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent—potentially benefiting thousands in the Indian diaspora and other immigrant families with deep Canadian ties.

June 9, 2025: Canada’s Citizenship Bill C-3: What It Means for Indians and Children Born Abroad

In a significant move that could reshape Canada’s approach to global citizenship, the Canadian government has introduced Bill C-3, aiming to eliminate the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. This legislation, presented in Parliament by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, stands to benefit thousands of families—including a large number from the Indian diaspora.

Also Read: ABC News Suspends Terry Moran Over Controversial Late-Night Post Targeting Stephen Miller

What Is the First-Generation Limit?

Under current rules established in 2009, Canadian citizens born abroad can only pass on their citizenship to their children if the children are born in Canada. If the child is also born abroad, they are not entitled to Canadian citizenship unless special conditions are met. This limit has prevented second-generation Canadians abroad from enjoying the same rights as their parents.

Also Read: Watch Video: Colombian Senator and 2026 Presidential Hopeful Miguel Uribe Shot During Campaign Event in Bogotá

What Will Change Under Bill C-3?

If passed, Bill C-3 will remove this restriction, allowing Canadians born outside Canada to pass on citizenship to children born or adopted abroad—provided the parent can demonstrate a “substantial connection” to Canada.

Substantial connection is defined as a minimum of 1,095 cumulative days (about three years) of physical presence in Canada prior to the child’s birth or adoption.

Why This Matters

This move comes as global mobility and cross-border families become more common. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), “the current first-generation limit no longer reflects how Canadian families live today.”

Also Read: Trump Offers Canada Free Entry Into ‘Golden Dome’ Defence—But Only as 51st US State

It is especially notable for Indian-origin Canadians, many of whom work or settle abroad while maintaining strong roots in Canada. With the United States under Donald Trump ending birthright citizenship for children born to parents on temporary visas like H-1B or F-1, Canada’s more inclusive approach provides a meaningful alternative for Indian families.

What Happens Next?

The bill still requires approval through three readings in Parliament and Royal Assent before becoming law. If passed, the IRCC has assured that implementation will be fast-tracked:
“We will work as quickly as possible to bring the changes into effect,” the agency said in a statement.

Also Read: Mbappe Hits 50 as France Beat Germany to Clinch UEFA Nations League Bronze

---

For now, Indian families with Canadian ties are watching closely, as Bill C-3 could mark a turning point in how Canada defines and preserves its global citizenry.

Tags:
Canada citizenship bill, Bill C-3, citizenship by descent, Indian diaspora, Lena Metlege Diab, Canada immigration, IRCC, children born abroad