Canada’s Proposed Citizenship Bill: A Landmark Opportunity for the Global Indian Diaspora

Canada is once again reaffirming its image as one of the world’s most inclusive and forward-thinking nations with a historic new bill—Bill C-3, introduced on June 5, 2025—that seeks to restore and expand citizenship rights, especially for those known as the “Lost Canadians.” This reform, if passed, is expected to have a far-reaching impact, particularly benefiting the Indian diaspora and other communities across the globe who have Canadian lineage. 

Understanding the New Bill: What’s Changing? 

On June 5, 2025, the Canadian government introduced Bill C-3 aimed at expanding the right to citizenship by descent. Under the current law, Canadian citizens can only pass citizenship to their children born abroad if the parent was either born in Canada or naturalized as a Canadian. This limitation has created generational gaps in citizenship—leaving grandchildren of Canadians born abroad ineligible. 

The new bill proposes to remove this “first-generation limit” on citizenship by descent, which was introduced in 2009. If passed, this means that children born abroad to Canadian parents, even if those parents themselves were also born abroad, could qualify for citizenship—if the parent has spent at least 1,095 days (3 years) physically present in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption. 

This legislative shift is not just an administrative update; it’s a humanitarian correction and a recognition of Canada’s global identity. 

Who Are the “Lost Canadians”? 

The term “Lost Canadians” refers to individuals who were excluded from citizenship due to discriminatory or outdated provisions in earlier Canadian citizenship laws—primarily from before 1977. These include: 

• Children born out of wedlock to Canadian fathers. 

• Children who lost citizenship when their parents naturalized in another country. 

• Women who lost their citizenship due to marriage to foreign nationals. 

• People born abroad whose Canadian parent was also born abroad, thus falling outside the 2009 descent rule. 

With this bill, Canada aims to restore fairness and correct historical wrongs by ensuring these groups are recognized as rightful citizens. Notably, the bill provides for automatic restoration of citizenship for Lost Canadians, without requiring new applications. 

Impact on the Indian Diaspora 

For Indian families with Canadian connections, this bill could be life changing. 

Many Indians migrated to Canada in the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s. Their children, born abroad (sometimes outside Canada), may have had children of their own—who, under the current law, wouldn’t qualify for Canadian citizenship. This has created a legal and emotional disconnect for many families with strong Canadian roots. 

If the New Bill Passes: 

• Indian-origin grandchildren of Canadian citizens may now qualify for citizenship, even if their parents were born outside Canada. 

• This would allow access to Canadian education, healthcare, and the right to live and work in Canada—hugely significant benefits. 

• It also strengthens family reunification possibilities and builds cross-cultural continuity between India and Canada. 

• Adopted children born abroad to Canadian parents will also be eligible under the revised provisions. 

Experts say we anticipate that tens of thousands of people from the Indian diaspora may be positively impacted. 

Why Is This Happening Now? 

There are Multiple Reasons Behind This Progressive Push: 

• Global Mobility and Multiculturalism: Canada has always embraced multicultural values. With more Canadians working and living abroad, it’s only logical that the law adapts to modern realities of mobility and global families. 

• Legal Pressure and Human Rights: A 2023 Ontario Superior Court ruling found the existing first-generation limit unconstitutional, pressuring the government to act. Several advocacy groups have long championed this cause. 

• Political Vision: The Trudeau government has long championed inclusion and diversity. This bill aligns with Canada’s broader goals of reconciliation, fairness, and immigration reform. 

What’s the Catch? 

While the Proposed Changes are Generous, There are Still Some Eligibility Criteria: 

• Applicants will likely have to demonstrate a “substantial connection” to Canada—formally defined as at least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption. 

• The government may set a date from which the rule change applies, or a process to assess legacy claims individually. 

• Critics have raised concerns about potential misuse or fraudulent claims. To address this, the government may introduce stringent documentation and verification processes. 

• The government must implement the law by November 20, 2025, in compliance with the Ontario court ruling. 

Expert Opinions  

Citizenship and Immigration Lawyers Across Canada have Largely Welcomed the Bill. According to Legal Experts:  

“This is a long-overdue correction that will finally give justice to families torn apart by technicalities in the law.”  

“The Indian community, among others, has a deep and vibrant presence in Canada. This bill recognizes that contribution and strengthens future generations’ ties to the country.”  

Many advocacy groups have also celebrated the bill as a victory for human rights and common sense.  

What Should You Do If You’re Affected?  

If you or your family members might be eligible under the new law, here are a few steps to consider:  

• Documentation: Collect birth certificates, citizenship documents of parents/grandparents, and proof of connection to Canada.  

• Ready with All Details: Monitor updates from Refugees, Immigration and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and reputable media sources.  

• Expert Consultants: Consider talking to immigration consultants to understand your difficult situation.  

• Be Patient but Prepared: Even if the bill passes, the rollout of application procedures may take time.  

Conclusion, 

The proposed modifications to citizenship by descent in Canada represent a sea change in the immigration policy of the nation. For the Indian diaspora, this might imply reconnecting family legacies, revived identity, and restored rights, particularly for families with generational ties to Canada.  

More than just a legal reform, this bill is a powerful message: Canada recognizes the value of its global citizens—not just within its borders, but wherever they may be. For Indian families with Canadian roots, the doors to opportunity, belonging, and national pride may soon swing open once again.