Latest news with #FGL
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First Post
a day ago
- Politics
- First Post
Canada's new citizenship framework to benefit Indian diaspora, proposed law removes first-gen limit
The Canadian government has introduced Bill C-3 to address longstanding citizenship issues, targeting the 2009 'First-Generation Limit' (FGL), which denied or revoked citizenship for many born outside Canada read more While the Donald Trump administration of the US may have tightened immigration policies, posing significant challenges for Indian nationals seeking US green cards and citizenship, the Canadian government may offer them a major respite very soon. Notably, an executive order signed by Trump on January 20 aims to end birthright citizenship for children born in the US to parents on temporary visas, such as H-1B and F-1. In contrast, the Canadian government has introduced Bill C-3 on Thursday (June 5) to address longstanding citizenship issues. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This 'Citizenship Bill' targets the 2009 'First-Generation Limit' (FGL), which denied or revoked citizenship for many born outside Canada or with foreign-born children. The new bill seeks to correct these injustices. Bill C-3 proposes automatically reinstating Canadian citizenship for those affected by the FGL and similar outdated rules. This change could benefit thousands, especially within immigrant communities, including Indian-origin residents and skilled foreign workers with ties to Canada. Beyond addressing past issues, the bill sets a new standard allowing Canadian parents born abroad to pass on their citizenship to their children, even if born abroad, provided the parent demonstrates a 'substantial connection' to Canada. This connection is defined as at least 1,095 cumulative days (three years) of physical presence in Canada before the child's birth or adoption. If enacted, the bill would enable Canadian citizens by descent to regain lost citizenship and extend it to their children born or adopted abroad beyond the first generation, provided the parent meets the physical presence requirement. The bill is currently under legislative review and must pass three readings and receive royal assent to become law. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has mandated that the federal government revise the existing legislation by November 20. Moreover, failure to comply may result in the court striking down or narrowing the contested FGL provisions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Canada Citizenship Bill addresses ‘Lost Canadians' and First Generation Limit'; check features and eligibility
The Canadian government introduced Bill C-3, or the Citizenship Bill, on June 5, 2025, to amend the existing Citizenship Act and address the issue of " Lost Canadians ." The term refers to individuals who lost or were denied citizenship due to the "First-Generation Limit" (FGL) introduced in 2009. The FGL restricts citizenship by descent to only the first generation born abroad, preventing Canadian citizens born outside Canada from passing citizenship to their children also born abroad. Bill C-3 seeks to automatically grant citizenship to those who would have been citizens if not for the FGL or other outdated provisions in former citizenship laws. This includes individuals affected by the repealed section 8 of the Citizenship Act, which required certain individuals born abroad between February 15, 1977, and April 16, 1981, to apply to retain their citizenship before turning 28. The proposed legislation also introduces a new framework for citizenship by descent. Going forward, children born or adopted outside Canada beyond the first generation would be eligible for citizenship if at least one parent demonstrates a substantial connection to Canada. This is defined as having spent at least 1,095 cumulative days (three years) physically present in Canada before the child's birth or adoption. Live Events The introduction of Bill C-3 follows a December 2023 ruling by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, which declared the FGL unconstitutional for creating a second class of citizens and violating mobility rights. The federal government agreed with the ruling and chose not to appeal, acknowledging the law's unacceptable consequences for Canadians whose children were born outside the country. If passed, Bill C-3 would restore citizenship to those who lost it due to the FGL and allow Canadian citizens by descent to pass on their citizenship to their children born abroad, provided they meet the substantial connection requirement. The bill must undergo three readings and receive royal assent before becoming law. The court has set a November 20, 2025, deadline for the government to amend the legislation, after which the court may strike down or read down the offending portions of the existing law. FAQs What are the new rules for citizenship in Canada? The new Bill C-3 will restore citizenship to those affected by the first-generation limit (FGL) for citizenship by descent. It will allow Canadian citizens by descent to pass citizenship to their children if they have a substantial connection to Canada, as per the test. What are the general requirements to become a Canadian citizen? The general citizenship requirements remain: permanent residency, 1,095 days of stay in Canada within the last 5 years, language proficiency, passing a citizenship test, and filing taxes for three years if required. How long can you stay out of Canada if you are a citizen? Canadian citizens can be absent from Canada without losing their citizenship. However, prolonged absence may affect provincial health coverage and tax status. Some provinces allow up to 212 days (7 months) of absence while maintaining health coverage. Citizenship itself is not lost due to a lack. What is the 28-year rule in Canada? The 28-year rule applies to second-generation Canadians born abroad to Canadian parents who were also born abroad. Under the 1977 Citizenship Act, such individuals lose Canadian citizenship at age 28 unless they apply to retain it before that age, demonstrating residency in Canada or a substantial connection to Canada. How many days do we have to stay in Canada after PR for citizenship? Permanent residents must physically reside in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the 5 years before applying for citizenship. This residency requirement must be met before submitting the citizenship application. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
