Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 09 MARCH 2026

Amendments To The Citizenship Act: Second-Generation Citizenship Now In Effect

Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Contributor
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP

Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP

Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP is a Canadian national law firm that specializes in the...

View firm profile
Explore more from Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP

Significant changes to Canada's citizenship laws are now in force. On November 20, 2025, the federal government introduced and passed Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025), which received Royal Assent the same day and came into effect on December 15, 2025...

CanadaImmigration
Melanie Samuels
Melanie Samuels
Kaitlyn Richards
Kaitlyn Richards
Gurjot Sunner
Gurjot Sunner

Significant changes to Canada's citizenship laws are now in force. On November 20, 2025, the federal government introduced and passed Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025), which received Royal Assent the same day and came into effect on December 15, 2025

These amendments mark a major shift in how Canadian citizenship by descent is granted, particularly for individuals born outside Canada in the second generation or beyond.

The End of the First-Generation Limit

Previously, the Citizenship Act imposed what was known as the "first-generation limit." This rule prevented individuals born or adopted outside Canada from acquiring citizenship if their Canadian parent had also been born or adopted outside Canada. In other words, citizenship by descent stopped after the first generation born abroad

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

U.S. Launches Paid Expedited Appointment Option For B Visa Applicants

Green and Spiegel LLP provides comprehensive immigration law services across Canada and the United States, offering both corporate and individual immigration solutions. With offices in Toronto and Philadelphia, the firm specializes in business immigration, risk management, and workforce mobility strategies. Their team of experienced immigration attorneys delivers tailored legal guidance for companies and individuals navigating complex cross-border immigration requirements.
CanadaImmigration
Green and Spiegel LLP
Green and Spiegel LLP
Article

Understanding The C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit — A Strategic LMIA-Exempt Pathway

Green and Spiegel LLP provides comprehensive immigration law services across Canada and the United States, offering both corporate and individual immigration solutions. The firm maintains offices in Toronto and Philadelphia, serving clients with expertise in business immigration, risk management, and workforce mobility. With dedicated teams for Canadian and U.S. immigration matters, the firm delivers strategic counsel for organizations and individuals navigating complex immigration processes.
CanadaImmigration
Green and Spiegel LLP
Green and Spiegel LLP
Article

October 2026 Amendments To Chambers Practice In British Columbia: What To Know

The amendments were developed with the input of stakeholders, including members of the judiciary, the legal profession, government ministries and the public, in response to ongoing concerns regarding chambers delays, scheduling inefficiencies, inaccurate time estimates, and matters that are set down for hearing but ultimately do not proceed as scheduled
CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Article

Court Of Appeal Reaffirms The Limited Role Of The Courts In Charter Claims

In Cycle Toronto v Ontario (Attorney General), 2026 ONCA 582, the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned a lower court ruling preventing the government of Ontario from ripping out 19 kilometers of protected bike lines along three major Toronto roadways. The decision underlines the limited role of the courts in reviewing policy-based government decisions.
CanadaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Article

From “Most Of The Time” Back To “Anytime” - Ontario Court Of Appeal Clarifies Framework For Interpreting Termination Clauses

In March 2025, we wrote about the Ontario Superior Court's decision in Baker v. Van Dolder's Home Team Inc., a case that appeared to signal a significant shift in Ontario employment law. At the time, the Court held that a termination clause permitting an employer to terminate employment “at any time” was inconsistent with the Employment Standards Act (“ESA”),[2] rendering the employer's entire termination regime unenforceable, and entitling its employees to common law reasonable notice, regardless of the reason for their termination.
CanadaEmployment and HR
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Article

Court Of Appeal Favours Function Over Form For Construction Act Transition Provisions

In Dalren Limited v Loadstar Trailers Inc, 2026 ONCA 500, the Court of Appeal for Ontario addressed the Construction Act’s transition provision for determining which version of the statutory regime applies to a project. The determinant is when a procurement process for “the improvement” was commenced “by the owner of the premises”. Based on a functional reading, the Court of Appeal held that a procurement process may trigger the provision despite the proponent not then owning the premises, and even if the premises for the project is later changed.
CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP