There are two different questions: becoming a citizen as a permanent resident (a grant of citizenship), and already being a citizen because a parent is Canadian (citizenship by descent). The rules for the second changed on 15 December 2025.
Becoming a citizen as a permanent resident
To apply for a grant of citizenship, an adult generally must:
- be a permanent resident with no unfulfilled conditions;
- have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the 5 years before applying (some days before becoming a permanent resident can count partly);
- have filed taxes for at least 3 of those 5 years, if required;
- if aged 18 to 54, show English or French at CLB/NCLC 4 or higher and pass the citizenship test;
- not be prohibited, for example because of certain criminal charges or convictions.
IRCC's online presence calculator helps count your days. Fees (including the right of citizenship fee, indexed each year around 31 March) are on the IRCC fee list, and times are in IRCC's tool.
Citizenship by descent: the Bill C-3 changes
An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025) (Bill C-3) received royal assent on 20 November 2025 and came into force on 15 December 2025. It changed the "first-generation limit", which had stopped Canadians born abroad from passing on citizenship to children also born abroad.
- Born or adopted before 15 December 2025: most people born abroad to a Canadian parent in the second or later generation, and the remaining "Lost Canadians", became citizens automatically. They don't need to apply for a grant, but they need a proof of citizenship (citizenship certificate) before applying for a Canadian passport.
- Born or adopted abroad on or after 15 December 2025: a Canadian parent who was also born abroad passes on citizenship only if they had at least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada before the child's birth or adoption. The days don't have to be consecutive.
The exact rules depend on dates of birth, adoption and each parent's history, so check IRCC's page on the 2025 rules and the Citizenship Act.
Recent changes
- 31 March 2026: right of citizenship fee indexed.
- 15 December 2025: Bill C-3 comes into force.
- 20 November 2025: Bill C-3 receives royal assent.
How we can help
Anasse Boulbaroud, RCIC, can count your physical presence days, check whether you are ready to apply for citizenship and prepare the application, or review your family history and prepare a proof of citizenship application under the 2025 rules. Only IRCC decides. Book a consultation.