Canada Citizenship Law Changes Delayed | Canada Immigration Updates
Discover the latest on Canada's citizenship law changes, including delays in revising the first-generation limit (FGL) and updates on Bill C-71. Learn about interim measures, eligibility criteria, and the benefits of Canadian citizenship.
Gurmeet Sharma
Anticipated changes to Canada’s first-generation limit (FGL) in passing on citizenship have been delayed until at least August. The FGL currently affects Canadian citizens born abroad, who cannot automatically transmit citizenship to their children born outside Canada. This rule was deemed unconstitutional by Ontario’s Supreme Court, which initially mandated revisions by June 19, 2024.
The federal government has successfully obtained an extension from the court, pushing the deadline to August 9, 2024, with additional conditions pending.
A hearing scheduled for August 1, 2024, will assess the possibility of extending the deadline further to December 2024. This extension comes amid ongoing efforts to implement Bill C-71, which seeks to repeal the FGL rule introduced in 2009.
Bill C-71 and Substantial Connection
Bill C-71 proposes amendments to Canada’s Citizenship Act, aiming to grant citizenship to eligible foreign nationals whose parent(s) have a significant connection to Canada. This connection is defined as a Canadian parent born abroad accumulating at least 1,095 days (approximately 3 years) of physical presence in Canada before the birth or adoption of their child.
Interim Measures Implemented
In response to the legal mandate and pending legislative changes, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced interim measures effective May 30th. These measures allow for urgent processing of citizenship applications affected by the FGL. Eligible applicants can receive a discretionary grant of citizenship from the Immigration Minister under two specific scenarios:
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Scenario One: Applicants who have submitted proof of citizenship applications impacted by the FGL and have requested urgent processing according to criteria.
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Scenario Two: Applicants with pending proof of citizenship applications identified as impacted by the FGL. These applications were previously deprioritized pending new rules but have since been expedited upon request.
Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
Canadian citizenship offers significant advantages, including the right to reside, work, and settle in Canada without restriction. Citizens can participate in elections, run for political office, hold dual citizenship with other eligible countries, and enjoy the benefits of possessing a Canadian passport—consistently ranked among the world’s most powerful passports for travel and access to global opportunities.
