--- title: "Citizenship by Naturalization and Descent" date: 2026-10-12 author: "K&S" url: https://cohenmurisonlaw.com/immigration/citizenship/ --- ![](https://cohenmurisonlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/citizenship-flags.webp) # Becoming Canadian, *or proving you already are.* We check your days in Canada and your history before you apply, and help people born abroad to a Canadian parent get proof of citizenship under the 2025 changes to the law. ## Thank you, we have it. We'll call you during office hours, 9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week. [Book a free video meeting now](https://calendar.app.google/p4UydfDQwFAi1NRUA) [Call (289) 309-3069](tel:+12893093069) Naturalization ## What you need *to apply as an adult.* Most refusals and delays start with a days count that doesn't add up or travel that wasn't declared. Check everything before you send it. - 1,095 **days in Canada in the 5 years before you apply** - 3 **years of tax filing in those 5 years, if you had to file** - 4 **CLB level for English or French speaking and listening, ages 18 to 54** - **Permanent resident status**Valid PR status, with no removal order and no unmet PR conditions. - **Physical presence**At least 1,095 days (3 years) in Canada in the 5 years before you apply. - **Income tax**Filed for at least 3 of those 5 years, if you were required to file. - **Language**CLB or NCLC 4 in English or French speaking and listening, if you're 18 to 54. - **Citizenship test**Required if you're 18 to 54. Adults 55 and over don't take it. - **No prohibition**Mostly criminal or security matters. Tell us about any charge or conviction, anywhere. Physical presence ## How your days *are counted.* The 1,095 days don't have to be in a row. What matters is the 5 years just before you apply, and an accurate record of every trip out of Canada. [Ask us to check your count](#review) - **Days as a permanent resident**Count as full days. - **Days before you became a PR**Days in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person count as half days, up to 365 days in total. - **Work abroad for Canada**Days employed outside Canada as a Crown servant, or living with one as family, can count as full days. - **Children under 18**Usually apply with a parent and don't need to meet the days rule, take the test or show language. Children applying on their own have their own rules. Citizenship by descent ## The first-generation limit *has changed.* For years, a Canadian born abroad generally couldn't pass citizenship to a child also born abroad. Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), changed that. It has been in force since 15 December 2025. [Ask if you're already Canadian](#review) 1. **19 December 2023**The Ontario Superior Court of Justice finds key parts of the first-generation limit unconstitutional. The government doesn't appeal. 2. **20 November 2025**Bill C-3 receives Royal Assent. 3. **15 December 2025**The new rules take effect. People born abroad to a Canadian parent in the second or later generation before this date are, in most cases, citizens automatically. 4. **Births and adoptions from 15 December 2025**Citizenship passes beyond the first generation if the Canadian parent born or adopted abroad spent at least *1,095 days* in Canada before the child's birth or adoption. 5. **Getting proof**Becoming a citizen automatically doesn't give you a document. You apply for a citizenship certificate, then a Canadian passport. In force as of October 2026 ## Which rule *applies to you.* Your date of birth or adoption decides which rule applies. Anyone who was already a Canadian citizen before Bill C-3 isn't affected. ### Born abroad before 15 December 2025 If your parent was a Canadian citizen, you're a citizen automatically in most cases, even if your parent was also born abroad. There's no 1,095-day test for you or your parent. **Next step**Apply for a citizenship certificate as proof. Applications already in progress are decided under the new rules. ### Born abroad on or after 15 December 2025 If your Canadian parent was born in Canada or naturalized, the usual rules apply. If they were born or adopted abroad, they need 1,095 days in Canada before your birth. **Evidence**Proof of the parent's time in Canada, such as school records, proof of residence, or entry and exit records. ### Adopted abroad Children adopted abroad by a Canadian parent who was born or adopted abroad can apply for a direct grant of citizenship. For adoptions from 15 December 2025, the parent needs 1,095 days in Canada before the adoption. **Next step**Apply for a grant of citizenship for an adopted child. ### Don't want to be Canadian? If Bill C-3 made you a citizen automatically and you didn't ask for it, a simplified process lets you give up (renounce) that citizenship. **Worth checking**Whether Canadian citizenship affects your other citizenship before you decide. ★★★★★ > “His guidance was clear, honest, and very reassuring during a stressful time.” **S* Sana ChaudharyGoogle review* Videos ## Watch it *explained.* [More on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@CohenMurisonLaw) Questions ## Citizenship by *naturalization and descent* Don't see yours? Call [(289) 309-3069](tel:+12893093069). How many days in Canada do I need? At least 1,095 days (3 years) in the 5 years before you apply. Days as a permanent resident count in full. Days in Canada before you became a permanent resident, as a temporary resident or protected person, count as half days, up to 365 days in total. Do I have to take the citizenship test? Yes, if you're 18 to 54. You also need to show English or French speaking and listening skills at CLB or NCLC level 4. Adults 55 and over, and children under 18, don't take the test or show language. Do I need to have filed taxes? You may need to have filed Canadian income tax returns for at least 3 of the 5 years before you apply, if you were required to file in those years. Is Bill C-3 in force? Yes. Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), received Royal Assent on 20 November 2025 and took effect on 15 December 2025. IRCC is deciding applications under the new rules. My parent was born abroad too. Am I Canadian? If you were born before 15 December 2025, in most cases yes, automatically. You still need to apply for a citizenship certificate to prove it. If you were born on or after that date, it depends on whether your Canadian parent spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before you were born. Is the first meeting free? Video meetings are free. In-person meetings at First Canadian Place are $100. Related ## Other immigration *matters we handle.* [**Spousal and Common-Law Sponsorship**Read more](https://cohenmurisonlaw.com/immigration/spousal-sponsorship/) [**Express Entry and Ontario PNP**Read more](https://cohenmurisonlaw.com/immigration/express-entry-ontario-pnp/) [**Delayed Applications and Mandamus**Read more](https://cohenmurisonlaw.com/immigration/delayed-applications-mandamus/) [**Refusals, Reconsideration and Judicial Review**Read more](https://cohenmurisonlaw.com/immigration/refusal-reconsideration-judicial-review/) Free video meeting ## Ready to apply, or not sure if you're already Canadian? *Ask us.* By video (free) or in person at First Canadian Place ($100), 7 days a week. [Book a free video meeting](https://calendar.app.google/p4UydfDQwFAi1NRUA) [Call (289) 309-3069](tel:+12893093069) [Send a message](#review) **Cohen Murison Law** 100 King Street West, Suite 5700 First Canadian Place, Toronto, ON M5X 1C7 Open 7 days, 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on public holidays. --- ## Cohen Murison Law - Website: https://cohenmurisonlaw.com - Contact: pawan@konanandspade.com