Canadian citizenship by descent, from the UK.

If you live in the UK and a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent was a Canadian citizen, you may already be Canadian. Since Bill C-3 came into force on December 15, 2025, the first-generation limit no longer blocks most people born abroad before that date. You apply to IRCC for a citizenship certificate from wherever you live — no move to Canada is required.

What changed on December 15, 2025

Before Bill C-3, Canadian citizenship by descent usually stopped after one generation born outside Canada. Bill C-3, the Citizenship Restoration Act, removed that first-generation limit for people born before it came into force, and the change is retroactive.

For many families this means the application is for proof of citizenship that already exists, not a new grant — and there is no requirement to live in Canada.

Can you keep your British citizenship?

The United Kingdom permits dual citizenship, so becoming Canadian does not affect your British citizenship.

Canada itself has allowed dual citizenship since 1977, so Canada does not ask you to give anything up.

Records you will usually need

  • Your own long-form birth certificate showing your parents' names.
  • Birth certificates for each generation between you and your Canadian ancestor.
  • Proof your ancestor was Canadian — a Canadian birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or naturalization record.
  • Marriage or name-change records wherever a surname changed along the line.
  • UK birth and marriage certificates can be ordered from the General Register Office (England and Wales), National Records of Scotland, or GRO Northern Ireland.

How to apply

  • Check which pathway fits your family — our free quiz takes about two minutes.
  • Order missing records early; older records are the usual source of delay.
  • Submit an application for proof of citizenship (a citizenship certificate) to IRCC online.
  • Once the certificate arrives, you can apply for a Canadian passport.

Do I need to live in Canada to claim citizenship by descent from the UK?

No. Citizenship by descent has no residency requirement. You apply from where you live, and keeping it requires no time in Canada.

Does a Canadian grandparent count?

In many cases, yes. Bill C-3 removed the first-generation limit for people born before December 15, 2025, so a Canadian grandparent or great-grandparent can now pass on citizenship where the chain was previously broken.

My grandparent emigrated from Canada to Britain after the war — does that matter?

Where your ancestor lived later usually matters less than whether they were a Canadian citizen when the next generation was born. A short assessment of the family timeline is the best way to check.

Sources

Canada Citizen Center is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.