Ottawa: Canada is preparing to introduce a major change to its citizenship laws that could benefit thousands of people of Indian origin whose children were previously not eligible for Canadian citizenship because they were born outside the country. The new legislation, known as Bill C3, has now received royal assent and marks a key step toward removing long standing limits on citizenship by descent.

For many years, Canada followed the first generation limit rule. Under this rule, only the first generation of children born abroad to a Canadian parent could automatically receive citizenship. If a Canadian citizen was born outside Canada, that person could not pass citizenship to their own children born abroad. This restriction created a large group often called lost Canadians, including many Indian origin families who settled abroad but maintained strong ties to Canada.

With Bill C3, the government aims to restore fairness and clarity to the system. The new law will allow Canadian citizens born or adopted abroad to pass their citizenship to their children, even if those children are also born outside Canada. However, this will come with a condition. The parent will need to show a substantial connection to Canada. Early guidance suggests this may involve proving at least three years of lived experience in the country before the child was born or adopted.

The legislation also offers relief for people who were excluded in the past. Anyone who would have been a Canadian citizen but could not qualify because of the old first generation limit will have a clear path to citizenship once the law officially comes into force.

The Canadian government has said that the effective date will be announced soon. Until then, affected families can use an interim application process that will remain valid after the new rules take effect.

Immigration experts say the changes will especially help Indian origin families because large numbers of Canadians of Indian heritage often live or work abroad for long periods. Many of them were unable to secure citizenship for children born outside Canada, leading to anxiety about the child's legal status and future rights.

While the move has been widely welcomed, some groups have raised concerns. Families with children adopted abroad say they fear additional hurdles, especially regarding the requirement to show a strong connection to Canada. They have asked the government to ensure that adopted children are not disadvantaged by the new framework.

For now, families are waiting for the final announcement on when the law will come into effect and how the connection requirement will be applied in practice. The government has said more details will be released in the coming weeks.