Canada introduces major citizenship changes in 2026, online tests and new descent rules announced
Babushahi Bureau
Ottawa (Canada), March 13, 2026: Canada has introduced significant changes to its citizenship framework in 2026, bringing new rules that will affect millions of current applicants and future citizens around the world.
The reforms aim to modernise the system, correct past injustices and simplify the process for many people with Canadian roots.
One of the biggest changes comes through Bill C-3, which amends the Canadian Citizenship Act and removes the long-standing first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. The law received Royal Assent on November 20, 2025, and officially came into force on December 15, 2025.
Under the previous rules, Canadian citizens born abroad could not automatically pass their citizenship to children born outside Canada beyond the first generation. With the new amendment, this restriction has been eliminated, allowing citizenship to be passed down through multiple generations.
The change also applies retroactively, offering relief to many individuals who were previously denied citizenship under older regulations.
The reform is expected to benefit thousands of people often referred to as “Lost Canadians” — individuals who were left without citizenship due to technicalities in earlier laws.
Another key update announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in March 2026 concerns the citizenship test process. The department has now made the online citizenship test the standard format for applicants aged 18 to 54.
The revised testing system allows candidates to complete the exam online through a self-administered platform.
The duration of the test has also been extended from 30 minutes to 45 minutes, giving applicants additional time to complete the questions.
In addition, applicants will now receive three attempts to pass the test before being required to attend a hearing, compared to two attempts under the previous system.
Authorities have also emphasised the importance of maintaining a genuine link with the country. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a “substantial connection” to Canada, including meeting the physical presence requirement of 1,095 days in the country before applying for citizenship.