Am I eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent?
Five questions, sixty seconds. Bill C-3 (in force December 15, 2025) removed the first-generation limit on Canadian citizenship by descent — if your parent or grandparent was born in Canada, you may already be a citizen. This free check tells you whether the standard Bill C-3 path applies to you. If it doesn't, we'll say so — no paywall to find out.
Question 1 of 520%
Were you born in Canada?
If yes, you're already a citizen and don't need this product.
Common questions about eligibility
- Who is eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent under Bill C-3?
- Bill C-3, in force since December 15, 2025, removed the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. If you were born outside Canada and have a parent or grandparent who was born in Canada, you may already be a Canadian citizen — you just need to prove it with a citizenship certificate (form CIT 0001).
- What was the first-generation limit, and why does it matter?
- Before Bill C-3, Canadian citizenship by descent stopped at the first generation born abroad: a child born outside Canada to a Canadian-born parent was a citizen, but that child's own children were not. Bill C-3 removed that cut-off retroactively, which is why many people with a Canadian grandparent now qualify even though they were told 'no' in the past.
- Can I claim citizenship through a Canadian grandparent?
- Yes, in many cases. If your grandparent was born in Canada and the line of descent runs directly to you, the Bill C-3 changes likely recognize you as a citizen. The free check above tells you in about 60 seconds whether the standard grandparent path applies to your situation.
- What documents do I need to apply?
- Typically your own long-form birth certificate, your parent's long-form birth certificate, your Canadian ancestor's long-form Canadian birth certificate, two pieces of personal ID, and two passport-style photos. The application itself is IRCC form CIT 0001 plus a cover letter and supporting chain-of-descent documents.
- How long does it take to get a citizenship certificate?
- IRCC's service standard for proof of citizenship is roughly 3–5 months after they receive your application, though Bill C-3 volumes can extend that. Preparing the application itself takes most people a few hours by hand — or about 10 minutes with arryv's guided questionnaire.
Want the full picture first? Read the complete 2026 guide to Canadian citizenship by descent or the plain-English explainer on Bill C-3.