Source: Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

On May 23, 2024, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, introduced legislation aimed at extending Canadian citizenship by descent beyond the first generation. Currently, under a 2009 amendment to the Citizenship Act, only children born outside Canada to a Canadian parent who was either born in Canada or naturalized before their birth can inherit citizenship.

The new legislation, Bill C-71, will automatically grant citizenship to individuals born abroad to Canadian parents who were also born abroad before the law comes into force. Additionally, it will allow children born abroad and adopted by Canadian parents to receive citizenship beyond the first generation, provided the parents have spent at least 1,095 cumulative days in Canada before the birth or adoption.

This bill also addresses the issue of “Lost Canadians,” restoring citizenship to those who lost or never acquired it due to outdated laws, and extending citizenship to their descendants.

If the bill is passed, detailed information and guidance will be provided to affected individuals on the government’s website.