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As global uncertainty grows and travel rules shift, more people are looking at second citizenship as a way to secure their future. Canada’s latest legislative update has made that dream a little more attainable.
Why Second Passports Are in High Demand
In recent years, the allure of holding multiple citizenships has gone mainstream. Even celebrities are exploring this option: George Clooney sought French citizenship, and Rosie O’Donnell pursued Irish citizenship. Beyond fame, people are drawn to dual citizenship for practical reasons, access to more travel options, economic stability, and a safety net in uncertain times.
What Canada’s Bill C-3 Means
On December 15, 2025, Canada passed Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act, significantly expanding eligibility for Canadian citizenship by descent. This change mainly affects people previously blocked by the “first-generation limit” (FGL).
What Was the First-Generation Limit?
The FGL, introduced in 2009, restricted citizenship by descent to only the first generation born outside Canada. Simply put, if your parent was born abroad to a Canadian parent, you couldn’t automatically inherit Canadian citizenship. Bill C-3 changes that.
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Who Can Benefit from Bill C-3?
Bill C-3 removes the FGL for individuals born or adopted abroad before December 15, 2025. If your grandparent was born in Canada or became a Canadian citizen through naturalization, you might now qualify even if neither you nor your parents were born in Canada. This reform restores citizenship to thousands of “Lost Canadians.”
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, online tools like CanadaVisa’s free eligibility checker can help you quickly determine if you might be eligible.
How to Apply for Proof of Citizenship
If Bill C-3 makes you eligible, the next step is applying for a proof of citizenship certificate through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Most applications are submitted online, though paper applications are available in special cases.
Once approved, you’ll receive a citizenship certificate, which you can use to apply for a Canadian passport.
For those applying in Canada, passports can sometimes be issued in as little as 10 business days at a Service Canada centre.
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Dual Citizenship: What You Need to Know
Canada allows dual and multiple citizenships, so you don’t have to give up your original nationality. However, this depends on your other country’s rules.
United States: Allows dual citizenship with Canada.
India & China: Do not recognize dual citizenship, so you may need to renounce your original nationality.
Always check your home country’s laws before applying for Canadian citizenship to avoid complications.
Benefits of a Canadian Passport
A Canadian passport is consistently ranked among the world’s strongest travel documents. According to the Henley Passport Index, Canadian citizens can travel visa-free to 181 countries, surpassing the U.S., which covers 179 destinations.
Beyond travel, citizenship grants the right to vote, run for office, and live and work freely in Canada.
Holding a Canadian passport can be a powerful tool for global mobility, personal security, and long-term planning.
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Key Takeaways
Canada’s Bill C-3 represents a major opportunity for those who lost the chance at citizenship due to old rules. If you have Canadian roots, especially through a grandparent, now is the time to check your eligibility. A Canadian passport not only opens doors for travel but also provides valuable rights and protections as a citizen.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with official Canadian immigration authorities or a licensed immigration professional before applying for citizenship.