At a glance
- Many eligible individuals are already Canadian citizens under Bill C-3—they simply need to prove it.
- Gathering historical family records is often the biggest obstacle to a successful application.
- Lengthy document retrieval and processing times can affect travel, relocation, and employment plans.
- Some applicants may qualify for urgent processing when proof of citizenship is needed sooner.
- Planning early can help reduce delays and support a smoother application process.
Many individuals with Canadian ancestry became Canadian citizens by operation of law when Bill C-3 came into effect on Dec. 15, 2025. This includes people who did not acquire citizenship because of the previous first-generation limit.
To prove Canadian citizenship, individuals must apply for a citizenship certificate. For many applicants, the greatest challenge is not determining eligibility, but obtaining supporting documents and navigating lengthy processing times.
Gathering historical records, proving family lineage, and planning for longer processing times are key considerations for anyone seeking a Canadian citizenship certificate.
We break down the practical realities of the application process to help you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary delays.
What is Bill C-3 and how does it change Canadian citizenship rules?
Before Bill C-3 came into effect, Canadian citizenship by descent was generally limited to the first generation born outside Canada. In practice, this meant that a Canadian citizen who was born or naturalized in Canada could pass citizenship to a child born abroad, but that child could not automatically pass citizenship to their own children born outside Canada.
Bill C-3 changed these rules and expanded citizenship by descent beyond the previous first-generation limit in certain circumstances. As a result, many individuals who were previously excluded from citizenship solely because of the first-generation limit became Canadian citizens by operation of law when the legislation came into force on Dec. 15, 2025.
Are you already a Canadian citizen under Bill C-3?
The first step is confirming whether you are already a Canadian citizen under the amended legislation. If you are captured under the new legislation, you are already a Canadian citizen by law and can apply for a citizenship certificate to prove your status.
Your eligibility depends on your family history and how current and historical citizenship laws apply to each generation. Each case should be assessed individually before beginning the application process, even for members of the same family.
Which documents are needed to prove Canadian citizenship?
Once your eligibility is confirmed, you must establish a qualifying line of descent from a Canadian citizen through each generation. Supporting documents may include:
- Canadian or foreign birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Adoption records
- Legal name change documents
- Records establishing lineage
- Other vital statistics records
For many applicants, obtaining these documents is time-consuming, but without historical records, there is a risk that your application could be returned, refused, or delayed. You should also consider the time needed to obtain records from multiple jurisdictions or generations, which may extend the preparation timeline. Processing times vary by jurisdiction. Many provincial vital statistics offices, including in Ontario and Quebec, are reporting increased demand since Bill C-3 came into effect.
In our Immigration team’s experience, requests involving older records also face longer wait times.
Planning ahead during longer processing times
The implementation of Bill C-3 has resulted in a significant increase in proof of citizenship applications. At the time of writing, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) processing time is approximately 19 months, although this is subject to change.
If you intend to apply for a Canadian passport, relocate to Canada, accept employment in Canada, or rely on proof of citizenship for another purpose, consider the extended timelines for obtaining supporting documents and processing. Depending on your circumstances, options may be available if you need to travel or require proof of citizenship before your application is finalized.
Can you travel without proof of Canadian citizenship?
If you are already a Canadian citizen by operation of law under Bill C-3, you have a legal right to enter Canada even if you have not yet received a citizenship certificate.
However, there are practical barriers and proving your citizenship for travel purposes can be challenging. The Canada Border Services Agency can assess a citizenship claim at a land border, but appropriate supporting evidence is essential. Commercial airlines will generally require a Canadian passport or other valid travel document before allowing you to board a flight to Canada.
If you need to enter Canada before receiving proof of citizenship, we can help assess the risks, discuss your options, and recommend a strategy.
Can you request urgent processing of your Canadian citizenship application?
In some circumstances, you may not need to wait for standard processing.
If you need proof of citizenship quickly—for example, to start a new job, access government benefits, or avoid hardship—you may qualify to request urgent processing of your citizenship certificate application.
IRCC considers requests on a case-by-case basis and requires detailed supporting evidence. We can assess whether you meet the criteria, prepare a complete application, and request urgent processing where appropriate to help avoid unnecessary delays.
What should you do next? 5 steps to prepare for Canadian citizenship applications
Although Bill C-3 has expanded eligibility for many individuals, applicants should be prepared for a process that may take considerable time. If you believe you may qualify under Bill C-3, take steps as early as possible:
How BDO can help
Our team can assess Bill C-3 citizenship claims, identify supporting evidence, prepare proof of citizenship applications, advise on obtaining historical records, and develop strategies and timelines for urgent processing or Canadian travel while proof of citizenship is pending.
For further support and inquiries, please contact our Immigration Services leader.
The information in this publication is current as of July 29, 2026.
This publication has been carefully prepared, but it has been written in general terms and should be seen as broad guidance only. The publication cannot be relied upon to cover specific situations and you should not act, or refrain from acting, upon the information contained therein without obtaining specific professional advice. Please contact BDO Canada LLP to discuss these matters in the context of your particular circumstances. BDO Canada LLP, its partners, employees and agents do not accept or assume any liability or duty of care for any loss arising from any action taken or not taken by anyone in reliance on the information in this publication or for any decision based on it.