Surge in citizenship-by-descent applications after Canada’s Bill C-3 takes effect

Applications for Canadian citizenship by descent have increased sharply following the implementation of Bill C-3, commonly referred to as the “Lost Canadians” law, according to federal immigration data.

The law, which came into force on December 15, expands eligibility to individuals born outside Canada to Canadian parents who were also born abroad. To qualify, at least one parent must have lived in Canada for a minimum of three years before the applicant’s birth.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, more than 12,000 applications were received between December 15 and the end of January under the updated rules. The department reports that the highest number of applications came from the United States, followed by the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Officials say the current volume reflects pent-up demand from individuals who were previously ineligible under earlier citizenship rules. However, the department does not expect the elevated application levels to continue over the long term.