Born Outside Canada With a Canadian Grandparent? What the Current Interim Measures Mean

Eligibility Context for Those with a Canadian Grandparent

For individuals born abroad with a Canadian grandparent, there is a specific pathway that may allow them to apply for Canadian citizenship. Recent changes by the federal government have clarified how to navigate situations involving the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. Many individuals in Vancouver and across Canada are considering how these interim measures may affect eligibility and timing, especially as legislative adjustments continue to move through Parliament.

This subject also interacts with family reunification concerns. Some families considering Parent visa immigration services in Vancouver may be handling multiple processes at once, including proof-of-citizenship applications. Having a clear overview is helpful before starting any documents or submitting forms.

Citizenship by Descent and the First-Generation Limit

Canada recognizes citizenship by descent for children born outside the country to Canadian parents. However, since 2009, a legal limit has been in place. This rule states that only the first generation born abroad can inherit citizenship. In simple terms, if a Canadian citizen was born abroad to a Canadian parent, their own children — also born abroad — usually do not receive citizenship automatically.

This is known as the first-generation limit (FGL).

Many families with deep Canadian heritage found themselves affected. For example, individuals who grew up abroad but have a Canadian grandparent may feel a meaningful connection to Canada but discover that their citizenship situation is not automatic. These cases are common among people relocating to Vancouver for family reasons, studies, employment, or long-term settlement planning, and sometimes intersect with the needs of Parent visa immigration services.

Why the Government Introduced Interim Measures

In December 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that the current form of the FGL was unconstitutional. The court instructed the federal government to amend the law.

However, due to the time required to review, debate, and rewrite primary legislation, several extensions to the compliance deadline occurred. While Parliament continued discussions, the previous rules technically remained in place. This left many citizenship applicants in a difficult position.

To address this, the Government introduced interim measures in March 2025. Government agencies are taking steps to reduce barriers while lawmakers finalize legislative changes.

How the Interim Measures Work

Suppose you believe you may be affected by the first-generation limit. In that case, the steps begin with submitting an online application for proof of citizenship.

Once your application is submitted:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will review your situation.
Suppose IRCC concludes that the FGL applies to you. In that case, they may invite you to apply for a discretionary grant of Canadian citizenship.

IRCC also provides an online self-assessment questionnaire. It is a starting point to determine whether the FGL may apply in your case. This allows an individual to check eligibility indicators before beginning the formal application process.

Those in Vancouver seeking clarity on family status for future relocation planning sometimes combine this process with discussions about Parent visa immigration services, especially when multiple family members may have different immigration statuses or pathways.

The Proposed Legislative Change: Bill C-3

The federal government introduced Bill C-3, aiming to revise the Citizenship Act in response to the court decision. At its current stage, the bill contains a notable condition:

A Canadian parent who wishes to pass down citizenship to a child born abroad (beyond the first generation) will need to meet a “substantial connection to Canada” test. This means the parent must have spent at least 1,095 days in Canada within any five years before the child’s birth or adoption.

Additionally, individuals aged 18 or older applying for citizenship by descent must undergo a security check.

The bill is currently progressing through Parliament. To become law, it must go through multiple readings in both the House of Commons and the Senate, then receive royal assent.

While the legislative process continues, the interim discretionary grant pathway remains relevant for many individuals planning moves or family reunification, including those working through Parent visa immigration services in Vancouver.

Timing Matters: Grace Period and Processing Windows

The most recent extension of the grace period runs until November 20, 2025. This matters because:

Applications submitted during this time may still rely on the interim discretionary pathways.
If the legislation passes before or after this date, eligibility rules may shift accordingly.

Those residing abroad, transitioning to Vancouver, or coordinating family relocation may want to consider how timing influences outcomes. For example, some families planning to sponsor parents through Parent visa immigration services might also evaluate whether any relatives are eligible for proof of citizenship via a grandparent connection.

Key Takeaways for Individuals in Vancouver

Suppose you were born outside Canada and have a Canadian grandparent. In that case, the interim discretionary grant may be relevant to your situation.
The first-generation limit affects whether citizenship by descent applies automatically.
The interim measures act as a bridge while Parliament works toward permanent changes under Bill C-3.
Those navigating family relocation may find that coordinating proof of citizenship and Parent visa immigration services together can help avoid duplicated paperwork later.
The application steps include online submission, a possible invitation to proceed, and review by IRCC.

Moving Forward with Clarity

For individuals in Vancouver navigating citizenship questions connected to a Canadian grandparent, the current landscape can feel detailed and procedural. Taking time to review eligibility, gather documents, and follow the interim application steps can help prevent delays. Whether this process is being handled on its own or alongside Parent visa immigration services, staying informed about timelines and ongoing legislative developments is valuable. As the federal government continues to advance Bill C-3 through Parliament, applicants can prepare by understanding both the temporary measures now in place and the possible changes ahead.

Born Outside Canada With a Canadian Grandparent? What the Current Interim Measures Mean