A major legal change now allows many people born abroad — including in the United States and elsewhere — to claim Canadian citizenship through a Canadian-born parent or grandparent. Discover if you qualify and secure your Proof of Citizenship.
On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3 came into force, effectively removing the "first-generation limit" that had restricted citizenship by descent since 2009. Under the old rule, if you were born abroad to a Canadian parent who was also born abroad (i.e., a second-generation descendant), you generally could not inherit Canadian citizenship automatically.
That limit is now gone. Depending on when you were born, you may now already be a Canadian citizen and simply not know it — or you may need to demonstrate an unbroken family chain and, in some cases, your parent's "substantial connection" to Canada.
While the law has opened doors, proving your claim to IRCC requires exacting documentation. If you apply on your own and fail to provide correct, original-source vital records tracing your lineage, your application can be heavily delayed or outright refused.
Elnaz Imani, RCIC, provides comprehensive management for Proof of Citizenship applications, ensuring your family tree is properly documented and your legal rights are secured.
We map your exact family tree against the complex timelines of the Citizenship Act to confirm your legal status before any fees are paid to the government.
We guide you on sourcing original birth certificates, marriage records, and name-change documents from around the world that meet IRCC's strict translation and formatting standards.
Complete preparation and formal submission of your Proof of Citizenship application, acting as your authorized representative to communicate with IRCC on your behalf.
If you have impending travel, employment, or educational needs in Canada, we can structure requests for urgent processing to expedite your certificate issuance.
Integrated legal services across all federal and provincial immigration programs.
Transition from Permanent Resident to Canadian Citizen via physical presence (1,095 days).
Sponsoring spouses or common-law partners for Canadian Permanent Residence.
Economic Permanent Residence pathways for skilled workers without Canadian parents.
Renewing expiring PR cards, auditing 730-day residency obligations, and urgent travel.
Official document commissioning, certified true copies, and statutory declarations.
Connect with our Newmarket office or book a secure virtual consultation from anywhere in the world.
Regulatory facts compiled by Elnaz Imani, RCIC #R526618.