Canada is once again delaying its big update to the Citizenship Act, and many people are wondering what this means for families, especially those living abroad. The government was supposed to complete the new law, Bill C-3, by November 20, 2025.
But the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has now given a new deadline: January 20, 2026. This delay is important because the changes are meant to fix rules that courts have declared unfair and unconstitutional.
This easy-to-understand article explains why the deadline changed, what Bill C-3 actually does, who will benefit, and what temporary rules are active right now.
What Is Bill C-3 and Why Does It Matter?
Bill C-3 is the Canadian government’s latest attempt to fix a long-standing problem in citizenship rules. The issue is something called the First-Generation Limit (FGL).
Under the old rule, only one generation of children born outside Canada could automatically get Canadian citizenship from their Canadian parent.
This meant:
- A Canadian citizen born in Canada could pass citizenship to their child born abroad.
- But if that child grew up outside Canada and had a child abroad, the grandchild would not get citizenship automatically.
In 2023, the court said this rule created two unequal types of Canadian citizens, which violated rights. Because of this, the government was ordered to change the law.
Bill C-3 plans to remove the First-Generation Limit completely. This means Canadians born outside Canada will finally be able to pass their citizenship to their children born abroad, even if the family has been living overseas for more than one generation.
Why Did the Deadline Change?
The government asked for more time to complete Bill C-3. The court agreed and gave a two-month extension, shifting the deadline from November 20, 2025 to January 20, 2026.
The judge explained that the government is making strong progress, and that there is a real chance the new law may still take effect before the end of 2025. This shows the government is finally moving faster than before.
Bill C-3 has already passed:
- Three readings in the House of Commons
- Two readings in the Senate
Right now, it is being reviewed by the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (SOCI). After the committee is done, the bill will go back for approval and will then receive Royal Assent, becoming official law.
What Interim Measures Are Active Right Now?
While Canada works on Bill C-3, temporary rules are in place. These interim measures were introduced in March 2025 and will stay active until Bill C-3 becomes law.
These temporary rules help people affected by the First-Generation Limit and allow them to apply for a discretionary grant of citizenship.
Here is a simple table explaining who can apply under the interim rules:
Simple Eligibility Table
| Category | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|
| People born or adopted before Dec 19, 2023 | Individuals affected by the First-Generation Limit |
| Children of Canadian parents who meet the “substantial connection test” | Families living abroad with strong Canadian ties |
| Individuals born before April 1, 1949 | Older applicants with special citizenship histories |
| People who lost citizenship due to old retention requirements | Those forced to give up citizenship under previous laws |
People using the interim rules can also request urgent processing, but these temporary rules will end the moment Bill C-3 becomes law.
Why the Government Wants to Move Faster
Although this is the fourth extension, this time the government actually shortened its own request. It first asked for a delay until April 22, 2026. But after discussions with the court, it changed the request to January 20, 2026 — a sign that real progress is happening.
Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller (or current minister referenced), also told SOCI that applications under Bill C-3 will likely be in the tens of thousands, mostly from families with children who were previously blocked from getting citizenship.
Bill C-3 was introduced in June 2025 after the earlier version, Bill C-71, expired when Parliament was prorogued.
Canada’s decision to delay the Citizenship Act changes one more time may feel frustrating, but the new deadline shows that the government is working toward a real solution.
Removing the First-Generation Limit will help thousands of families, fix past unfairness, and give many children a chance to receive the citizenship they deserve. With progress already strong, Canadians at home and abroad can expect clearer, fairer citizenship rules soon.
FAQs
What is the First-Generation Limit?
It is a rule that allowed only one generation of children born abroad to get citizenship from a Canadian parent.
When will Bill C-3 become law?
The new deadline is January 20, 2026, but it may become law earlier.
Are temporary citizenship measures still active?
Yes, the interim rules from March 2025 remain active until Bill C-3 becomes law.