The new Citizenship Act has finally come into force, and the rules are now in effect. Here are highlights of the new rules: 

• Individuals who were born or adopted before December 15, 2025 and would have been citizens but for the firstgeneration limit or other historic restrictions are now recognized as Canadian and may apply for proof of citizenship. There are no set generational limits. This means that if you can show Canadian ancestry, you are now most likely considered a Canadian Citizen and can apply for a certificate. 

• Those who are born or adopted outside Canada after December 15, 2025 to a Canadian parent born or adopted abroad may now qualify for citizenship if the parent can demonstrate that they spent 1,095 cumulative days (three years) of physical presence in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption. 

• A simplified process of renouncing Canadian citizenship has been introduced for individuals who are now recognized as citizens through these legislative changes but do not want to retain the citizenship.
• If you have already applied under the 5(4) interim measure, IRCC has confirmed that you do not need to do anything to convert your application, as it will automatically be considered under the new legislation. 

Here’s a video we’ve put together to explain these rules:

We have now entered into partnerships with archivists who specialize in obtaining birth records and other documentation that can prove an individual’s ancestry in Canada.

If you have Canadian ancestry and believe you may now be a Canadian under these updated rules, we encourage you to contact us at inquiries@lmlawgroup.com.