Canadian citizenship by descent: proof of citizenship (citizenship certificate), incl. Bill C-3 changes
Official name: Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship); Citizenship Act as amended by Bill C-3 (in force 15 Dec 2025)
People born outside Canada to a Canadian parent may already be Canadian citizens and apply for a citizenship certificate as proof. Bill C-3 took effect on 15 Dec 2025 and changed the first-generation limit: most people born abroad to a Canadian parent before that date are automatically citizens, even beyond the first generation. For children born abroad on or after 15 Dec 2025 in the second generation or later, the Canadian parent must have spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before the birth. Anyone who thinks Bill C-3 made them a citizen must apply for a citizenship certificate to confirm it.
3 entry rules for Canada based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Entry refused after a stay in DR Congo in the last 21 days
If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you've been in DR Congo in the last 21 days, you can't enter Canada, board a flight to Canada or connect through a Canadian airport, unless you fall under an exemption.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC, page date 2026-10-08) New Temporary Border Measures in Response to the Ebola Disease Outbreak (PHAC, 19 Jul 2026) Government of Canada extends temporary border measures in response to Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, Aug 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Quarantine after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan in the last 21 days
If you're allowed into Canada after being in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days, you'll get a health check on arrival and must quarantine for 21 days, report to public health within 48 hours and check your temperature every day.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Visa applications paused after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan
If the last country you lived in, as stated on your application, is DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, Canada has suspended visitor visas, eTAs and permanent resident visas and paused new decisions. This depends on where you live, not your nationality.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Temporary measures (IRCC, page date 2026-09-28) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Canada
Finance
3
Currency
Canadian Dollar
CAD
Canadian Dollar
Cost of living
90
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
14–33%
Income tax (national)
Federal top rate applies above CAD 258,482 (2026); provinces/territories add their own income tax (roughly 4% to 21% at the top), giving combined top rates of about 44% to 54%.
Living
1
Happiness
#24 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Dual citizenship for you Premium
Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports
Who it’s for
People born (or adopted) outside Canada to a Canadian parent, including people affected by the former first-generation limit, who need proof of Canadian citizenship.
Eligibility
Born abroad before 15 Dec 2025 to a Canadian parentBorn before 15 Dec 2025
Sign in to check this route against your profileMost people born outside Canada to a Canadian parent before 15 Dec 2025 are automatically Canadian citizens, even beyond the first generation.
- Applies to births before 15 Dec 2025
- Includes people born to someone who became Canadian through these changes
Official wording
IRCC says most people born outside Canada to a Canadian parent before 15 Dec 2025 are automatically Canadian citizens, even beyond the first generation, including those born to someone who became Canadian through these changes.
Born abroad on or after 15 Dec 2025 (second generation or later)Born on or after 15 Dec 2025
Sign in to check this route against your profileFor a child born abroad on or after 15 Dec 2025, the Canadian parent must have spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before the birth.
For births on or after 15 Dec 20251,095 days
Parent's time in Canada before birth
- Applies to second generation or later
- First generation (parent born or naturalised in Canada) is generally a citizen by descent
Official wording
The child may be Canadian only if the Canadian parent spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before the birth. A child born abroad to a parent who was born or naturalised in Canada (first generation) is generally a citizen by descent.
Adopted childrenAdopted children
Sign in to check this route against your profileAdopted children abroad may get a direct grant of citizenship; for adoptions on or after 15 Dec 2025, the parent needs 1,095 days in Canada.
For children born and adopted abroad on or after 15 Dec 20251,095 days
Parent's time in Canada before adoption
- Children born and adopted abroad before that date (second generation or later) are likely eligible for a direct grant
Official wording
Children born and adopted abroad on or after 15 Dec 2025 are likely eligible for a direct grant of citizenship if the Canadian parent spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before the adoption. Children born and adopted abroad before that date in the second generation or later are likely eligible for a direct grant.
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