Question 1

Who is eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with a Canadian parent is eligible. Under Bill C-3, anyone born before December 15, 2025 with a Canadian grandparent, great-grandparent, or further ancestor may also be eligible through an unbroken chain of citizenship.

Question 2

What is the 'unbroken chain' requirement?

Accepted Answer

Every person between your Canadian ancestor and you must have been a Canadian citizen at the time their child was born. If anyone in the chain lost or renounced citizenship before their child's birth, the chain is broken.

Question 3

When did Bill C-3 take effect?

Accepted Answer

Bill C-3 received Royal Assent on November 20, 2025 and came into force on December 15, 2025.

Question 4

Does Bill C-3 apply to me if I was born after December 15, 2025?

Accepted Answer

For births after that date, your parent must demonstrate a 'substantial connection' to Canada (1,095 cumulative days physically in Canada). The generational limit removal only applies to births before the cutoff.

Question 5

How much does it cost to apply?

Accepted Answer

The government fee for Proof of Citizenship is approximately CAD $75. Additional costs include document retrieval ($20-50 per certificate) and optional legal fees ($500-5,000 depending on complexity).

Question 6

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

Processing times vary: parent path (6-12 months), grandparent path (12-18 months), great-grandparent path (18-24+ months). These are estimates based on typical IRCC processing times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Bill C-3

Process & Costs