Exciting news for those interested in Canadian citizenship by descent, but also some changes that may raise eyebrows. The recent amendments to Bill C-3 are set to restrict citizenship for children born or adopted outside Canada, which means there are new rules to keep in mind!
Under the new proposed laws, children born abroad to Canadian parents can only gain citizenship if their parent has lived in Canada for at least three years in the five years leading up to the child’s birth or adoption. This is a change from the previous requirement that didn’t specify the time frame.
Moreover, if you’re a young adult (18 years or older) applying to prove your citizenship, you may need to go through a security assessment. This includes checks on national security, human rights, criminality, and economic sanctions. Kids aged 18-55 will also need to show that they understand English or French, along with Canada’s rights and responsibilities.
For those born before the new laws take effect, you're in the clear and still eligible for citizenship! And while these changes might sound daunting, if you're feeling lost, you can always get legal advice to help navigate the process.
