Citizenship Isn’t Just Paper — It’s Identity. Why Bill C-3 Matters

Introduction

To many, Canada citizenship might look like a passport, a certificate, or simply a travel document. But for millions of people around the world, it represents much more than legal status — it’s identity, it’s home, it’s belonging.

That’s why Bill C-3, a new legislative update to Canadian citizenship law, is making waves globally. The bill proposes to lift the longstanding first-generation limit, granting second-generation children born abroad the right to claim citizenship — provided their Canadian parent has lived in Canada for at least three years.

This is not just a policy adjustment. It’s a heartfelt correction to a law that, for over a decade, excluded children from claiming their rightful Canadian identity — all because they were born outside the country.

What Is Bill C-3?

Enacted in 2009, Canada’s first-generation citizenship limit prevented Canadian citizens born outside Canada from passing citizenship to their own children — if those children were also born outside the country.

Bill C-3 now proposes to remove that restriction, allowing a Canadian parent to pass on citizenship to a foreign-born child if they’ve spent at least 1,095 days (about 3 years) living in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption.

It introduces the concept of a “substantial connection” to Canada, which shifts the focus away from borders and toward real, lived ties to the country.

Why Citizenship Is More Than Paper

Canadian citizenship is not just about convenience or travel. For many, it is deeply tied to their identity, cultural roots, and sense of belonging.

Without citizenship:

• Families have been separated by borders.

• Children have been excluded from education, health, and legal protections.

• Second-generation Canadians have been forced to feel like outsiders in their ancestral country.

By passing Bill C-3, Canada is sending a clear message:

“Canadian identity is not defined by geography, but by connection and commitment.”

Canada Citizenship Statistics:

The number of Canadian citizenship grants has been steadily increasing, especially following the COVID-19 dip in 2020. A significant portion of applicants includes those born abroad, many of whom are impacted by the outdated first-generation rule.

Here’s a table showcasing the trend:

These numbers show that more families are actively trying to claim their rightful connection to Canada — and the urgency for legal reform is only growing.

Who Benefits From Bill C-3?

Bill C-3 is especially important for:

• Canadian citizens living abroad for work, education, or family reasons.

• Children of diplomats, military personnel, aid workers, and global employees.

• Dual citizens trying to maintain their Canadian heritage.

• Immigrant families that have integrated into Canada and want to maintain ties with their children born overseas.

It recognizes that Canadians live global lives — and our laws should reflect that.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Citizenship

1. How to become a Canadian citizen?

You must:

• Be a permanent resident of Canada

• Have lived in Canada for 1,095 days in the last 5 years

• File your taxes (if required)

• Pass a citizenship test (ages 18–54)

• Prove your language skills (English or French)

With Bill C-3, if your child is born abroad and you (as the parent) lived in Canada for 3 years before their birth, they may now qualify without needing to apply for PR first.

2. Can a US citizen travel to Canada?

Yes. US citizens can enter Canada without a visa for stays up to 180 days for tourism, business, or family visits.
Just make sure to carry a valid U.S. passport.

3. Does Canada need a visa for USA?

No. Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter the United States for tourism, study, or business. However, depending on your purpose, you may need an ESTA or I-94 form.

4. Can you travel to Canada without a passport?

If you’re a US citizen over the age of 16, you need a valid passport, NEXUS card, or enhanced driver’s license. Other nationalities typically require a passport and a visa or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).

5. Can I enter the US with a Canadian visa?

No. A Canadian visa only permits entry into Canada.
To enter the US, you’ll need to apply separately for a US visa unless you’re a Canadian citizen.

What Does “Substantial Connection” Mean?

The phrase “substantial connection” in Bill C-3 is key. It doesn’t mean a vacation or a quick visit. It refers to 3 full years (1,095 days) of living in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption. This ensures the parent is meaningfully tied to the country and is not using citizenship purely as a convenience.

A Human Rights Perspective

Canada has often been seen as a global leader in human rights and equality. But this first-generation limit has, for years, quietly excluded thousands. It disproportionately affected immigrants, diplomats, and global workers — people whose careers or family needs took them abroad.

Bill C-3 finally aligns our laws with our values — inclusion, fairness, and recognition of family heritage.

Final Thoughts: A Homecoming in Law

Canada citizenship is more than a formality. It’s a celebration of identity, a recognition of belonging, and a protection for future generations.

With Bill C-3, we’re not just correcting a law — we’re righting a wrong. Families who once lived in fear that their children would be stateless or unwelcome can now breathe a sigh of relief.

Canada is saying to the world:

“You matter. Your family matters. Your connection matters.”

This bill, once passed, will symbolize a homecoming — not just for families, but for the values Canada proudly upholds.

Learn More

Visit the official Government of Canada website to stay updated on Bill C-3 and find tools to check your child’s eligibility under the new rule.