Canada has changed its citizenship-by-descent rules following the passage of Bill C-3 on December 15, 2025.

The changes removed the previous first-generation limit for certain people born abroad before that date, potentially allowing more people with Canadian ancestry to claim Canadian citizenship.

However, the changes do not mean everyone with a Canadian connection automatically becomes a citizen.

Here are five things to know about the new rules.

1. The First-Generation Limit Has Been Removed