The First-Generation Limit (FGL) is a rule in Canada’s citizenship-by-descent system that, since April 17, 2009, generally limited automatic Canadian Citizenship for children born outside Canada to the first generation born abroad.
What the First-Generation Limit means – in plain language
If a child is born outside Canada, they are generally a Canadian citizen by descent only if their Canadian parent was either:
- Born in Canada, or
- Naturalized as a Canadian citizen before the child was born.
But if the Canadian parent was:
- Also born outside Canada and is Canadian only through descent or via the adoption provisions that made them “born abroad” for these purposes,
Then the child is typically the second generation born abroad, and under the 2009 rule the child was not automatically Canadian.
Example 1: Child is a citizen – first generation born abroad
Parent: Canadian citizen born in Toronto
Child: Born in the UK
Result: The child is generally Canadian by descent (first generation born abroad).
Example 2: Child is a citizen – parent naturalized before birth
Parent: Born abroad, moved to Canada, became a naturalized Canadian citizen
Child: Born abroad afterward
Result: The child is generally Canadian by descent (because the parent was Canadian by naturalization before the birth).
Example 3: Child was typically not a citizen under the 2009 First Generation Limit – second generation born abroad
Parent: Canadian citizen born abroad to a Canadian parent (citizen “by descent”)
Child: Also born abroad
Result (under the 2009 rule): The child was generally not automatically Canadian due to the first-generation limit.
Important exceptions under the 2009 framework
IRCC lists exceptions where the first-generation limit might not apply—most notably if, at the time of the child’s birth, the Canadian parent was employed abroad (other than locally engaged) as a Crown servant with the Canadian Armed Forces, the federal public administration, or a provincial/territorial public service (and related scenarios involving a grandparent’s Crown service).
What changed recently (Bill C-3, in force December 15, 2025)
As of December 15, 2025, Bill C-3 changed how the first-generation limit affects families:
- People born before December 15, 2025 who would have been citizens but for the first-generation limit (or certain outdated rules) are recognized as Canadian and can apply for proof of citizenship.
- Going forward, a Canadian parent born or adopted abroad can pass citizenship to a child also born/adopted abroad if the parent can show a “substantial connection”—defined as 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence in Canada before the child’s birth/adoption.
Updated example (post–Dec 15, 2025):
Parent: born abroad, Canadian by descent, but lived in Canada for 4 years before the child’s birth abroad in 2026
Result: the parent can generally pass citizenship (because the 3-year presence test can be met and proven).
