Applying for Canadian Citizenship by Descent: New Interim Measures for Canadians Born Abroad
For decades, Canadian families living abroad faced the challenge of the first-generation limit for citizenship by descent. Recent interim measures from IRCC bring new hope for individuals with Canadian grandparents, expanding the possibility for discretionary grants of Canadian citizenship if you were born outside Canada. If you are uncertain about your eligibility or the documentation needed, an immigration consultant in Toronto can walk you through the evolving requirements.
This development is especially important for families seeking expert advice from an immigration consultant in Toronto. If you believe your family’s Canadian links entitle you to citizenship but have faced barriers in the past, the new expanded measures may finally help you unlock your rightful status.
Understanding the First-Generation Limit and Interim Changes
Historically, the Canadian government restricted citizenship by descent to only the first generation, leaving many with deep Canadian roots unable to inherit citizenship from a parent born abroad. The current interim rules now allow more families to apply for a discretionary grant. If your family falls into this category, partnering with an immigration consultant in Mississauga ensures your case aligns with the latest policy.
On March 13, 2025, IRCC enhanced interim measures that allow eligible individuals—those affected by the first-generation limit—to apply for a discretionary grant of Canadian citizenship before Parliament passes new amendments. Sayal Immigration’s immigration consultant in Mississauga stays up to date on these changes and can guide you through both interim and permanent options.canada
Who Is Eligible Under These New Interim Measures?
Now, under the official changes, you may be eligible if you were born or adopted before December 19, 2023, and were impacted by the first-generation limit, or if your Canadian parent can show at least three years (1,095 days) of physical presence in Canada before your birth or adoption. Those who lost citizenship due to earlier retention provisions or were born before April 1, 1949, may also qualify. To confirm your options, work with an immigration consultant in Brampton who understands both interim and future legislative changes.Defining “Substantial Connection” for Canadian Parents
Under these measures, IRCC defines “substantial connection” as your Canadian parent having physically resided in Canada for at least three years before your birth or adoption. You will need to collect evidence such as school records and travel history to prove this. Turn to an immigration consultant in Scarborough for expertise in assembling and organizing the essential documentation for your family.
Discretionary Grants: What Are They?
If you qualify but don’t meet every standard criterion under the Citizenship Act, you can request a discretionary grant of citizenship from the government. These are awarded by the Minister of IRCC in cases where public or humanitarian interests are clear. The discretionary grant is a vital remedy for families facing hardship due to the previous limits. Applicants can get guidance for this process from an immigration consultant in Kitchener, who can also help draft the compelling narrative and documentation needed for approval.
Documents and Evidence: What You Need
Applicants must provide strong documentation, including proof of your parent or grandparent’s Canadian citizenship, evidence of residency, certified birth certificates showing lineage, and justification for any exceptional or humanitarian claims. If your case involves adoption or family complexity, consult an immigration consultant in London Ontario to ensure all evidence is complete and properly reviewed.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
-
Determine your eligibility: Visit the IRCC’s official citizenship guide to check if you fall under the interim measures.
-
Gather documents: Collect proof of citizenship for your parent/grandparent, your own birth certificate, and records showing physical presence in Canada.canada+1
-
Complete the application: Use IRCC’s application for discretionary grant, following all instructions for interim cases. Paper and online submissions are possible—see the IRCC online application guide.
-
Submit your application: Include all supporting documents and any additional explanations required by IRCC. You may be asked for DNA evidence in rare cases to establish parentage.canada
-
Track and respond: Monitor your application status through your IRCC account and promptly reply to any requests for additional information.
-
Consult Sayal Immigration: As an immigration consultant in Canada, we offer tailored checklists, ongoing updates, and personal review so your application is as strong as possible.
Future Changes: Awaiting Permanent Legislative Reform
Bill C-3, tabled in June 2025, aims to permanently resolve the first-generation limit by allowing citizenship to pass beyond a single generation, based on a parent’s substantial connection to Canada rather than place of birth. Until it passes, interim measures remain the main solution for affected families.canada+1
Stay informed through the IRCC’s citizenship news page for updates and new guidance, or connect directly with Sayal Immigration’s local experts.
Why Choose Sayal Immigration?
Navigating Canada’s citizenship law updates and discretionary grants can be complex and stressful—especially for families spread between countries. Working with Sayal Immigration ensures you have support at every step, with up-to-date expertise from our consultants in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough, Kitchener, and London Ontario.
As your immigration consultant in Canada, we offer:
-
Assessment of eligibility for interim and permanent measures
-
Strategic guidance on document collection and evidence
-
Personalized review and correction of all applications
-
Direct insight into IRCC updates and legislative changes
-
Support with complex family lineage or exceptional hardship cases
If your dream is to reconnect with Canada through citizenship by descent, contact Sayal Immigration today to book a confidential assessment with our experienced immigration consultants throughout Ontario and Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Canadian citizenship by descent? Canadian citizenship by descent means you acquire citizenship automatically if you were born outside Canada to at least one Canadian parent who was a citizen at your birth or adoption. This is distinct from birthright citizenship, which applies to those born within Canada’s territory. Learn more.
Q2: What is the “first-generation limit” on citizenship? The first-generation limit restricts citizenship by descent to only one generation born outside Canada. So, if your Canadian parent was also born abroad (and acquired citizenship by descent), you may not automatically be a citizen. This has caused many “lost Canadians” issues. More details.
Q3: What are the new interim measures for citizenship by descent? Introduced in March 2025, interim measures allow people affected by the first-generation limit to apply for a discretionary grant of citizenship. Eligible applicants include those born before December 19, 2023, or born later but whose Canadian parent has a substantial connection—at least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada before their birth. These rules aim to address gaps while permanent legislation is finalized. IRCC interim rules.
Q4: Who qualifies to apply under these interim measures? You may qualify if you were born or adopted outside Canada and were impacted by the first-generation rule, or if your Canadian parent demonstrates a substantial connection to Canada. Also included are individuals who lost citizenship due to retention rules or were born before 1949 under earlier laws. Consult an immigration consultant to assess your specific case. Overview.
Q5: What documents do I need to apply? You need to provide proof of your Canadian parent or grandparent’s citizenship status, evidence of their physical presence in Canada (like passport stamps, school records, leases), your own birth or adoption certificate, and any documents supporting exceptional claims. An experienced immigration consultant can help you organize these. Document guidance.
Q6: What is a discretionary grant of citizenship? It is a special type of citizenship awarded by the Minister of IRCC in exceptional cases where applicants do not meet all standard requirements but have compelling humanitarian or public interest circumstances, such as challenges imposed by the first-generation limit. More info.
Q7: How can I apply for Canadian citizenship under these interim measures? You begin by confirming eligibility, then preparing your application and supporting documents. You must submit your application through the IRCC online portal or by paper, following specific instructions for discretionary grants and first-generation limit cases. Working with an immigration consultant ensures accuracy and completeness. Application steps.
Q8: What is “substantial connection” and why does it matter? Substantial connection means your Canadian parent must have lived physically in Canada for at least 1,095 cumulative days (three years) before your birth or adoption, establishing a meaningful link to Canada sufficient to pass citizenship beyond the first generation. Official explanation.
Q9: When will the permanent changes to the Citizenship Act be implemented? Bill C-3 proposes permanent reform to extend citizenship by descent beyond the first generation based on a parent’s substantial connection. The bill is under parliamentary consideration; once passed and receiving Royal Assent, IRCC will provide timelines. Bill C-3 details.
Q10: Can I get help with my citizenship application? Yes, professional immigration consultants like those at Sayal Immigration specialize in citizenship by descent cases and discretionary grant applications. They offer relevant, up-to-date guidance through the complex processes, enhancing your chance of success.