If your grandparent was born in Canada, you might have wondered if that connection could open the door to Canadian citizenship. In the past, the answer was almost always no, but that could be changing.
By the end of 2025, the Canadian government is expected to update its citizenship laws, and for some families, that could mean a new opportunity to apply for citizenship through a Canadian grandparent.
Here’s what the current law says, what’s expected to change, and how to start preparing now, especially if this is something you’ve been waiting and hoping for.
What the Law Says Right Now
As it stands, Canadian citizenship by descent only extends to the first generation born outside of Canada.
That means:
- If your parent was born in Canada and you were born abroad, you’re likely already a citizen. You just need to apply for proof.
- But if both you and your parent were born outside of Canada, and only your grandparent was born here, the current law does not grant you automatic citizenship.
This rule—called the first-generation limit—was introduced in 2009 to prevent citizenship from being passed down endlessly through generations that may have never lived in Canada.
What’s Expected to Change by the End of 2025
In 2023, a court case (Bennett v. Canada) challenged the fairness of this rule. As a result, the federal government committed to changing the Citizenship Act.
The upcoming amendment is expected to open the door to second-generation Canadians born abroad, including those with a Canadian grandparent. While the full details haven’t been finalized, this could create a new path to citizenship for people who’ve been excluded until now.
Each application will be reviewed individually, and supporting documents will be key.
What You Can Do Now
Even though the change hasn’t officially taken effect yet, now’s the time to get ready. If you believe you—or your child—might be eligible under the new rules, here’s how to prepare:
- Gather documents that prove your Canadian lineage (like birth certificates and your grandparent’s citizenship info)
- Think about how you or your child has stayed connected to Canada
- Reach out to an immigration lawyer to map out your options
By taking these steps now, you’ll be in a better position once the law changes and applications open.
What If You Still Don’t Qualify?
If the final legislation doesn’t apply to your situation—or if you miss the eligibility window—there are still other ways to become a Canadian citizen. This might include:
- Applying for permanent residency through work, study, or family sponsorship
- Living in Canada for a required period
- Then applying for citizenship the standard way
While it’s not as direct as citizenship by descent, many families have successfully followed this route. We can help you figure out whether this might be the better long-term fit for your situation.
Why Legal Advice Can Make All the Difference
Citizenship applications based on family history can be deeply personal—and sometimes confusing. The legal rules are strict, and even small mistakes or missing details can cause long delays.
That’s why working with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer can help. At our Vancouver-based firm, we take the time to understand your story, not just the paperwork. We’ll let you know exactly where you stand, what’s possible under the new rules, and how to build the strongest application if you’re eligible.
Let’s Talk About What This Change Could Mean for You
If you’ve felt a pull toward Canada because of your grandparents, this could be the opportunity to finally make that connection official.
As the new rules roll out, we’re here to help you figure out what they mean for you—and guide you through the process, step by step. Whether you’re just looking into it or ready to apply, we’ve got your back.
Call 604.900.3259 or book a consultation online to learn how our team of Canadian immigration lawyers can help you navigate this exciting change with clarity and confidence.