Recent changes to Canada’s citizenship by descent rules have expanded who may be considered a Canadian citizen. As a result, many individuals who previously believed that they were foreign nationals with no Canadian status may now fall within the definition of a Canadian citizen.
Changes to Canadian citizenship law
The new law broadens access to citizenship for people born abroad to Canadian parents or grandparents. Some additional requirements need to be met for individuals born on or after December 15, 2025, the legislative changes were implemented. As a result, some individuals may now be citizens automatically
These changes to the Citizenship Act have created a very practical issue: how do Canadians enter Canada without a Canadian passport? Canadian citizens cannot travel to Canada using an electronic Travel Authorization (“eTA”) or a visitor visa, even if they have never held a Canadian passport. Understanding how citizenship status affects travel is essential, particularly
