Canada Makes Citizenship Easier While Italy Makes It Harder
Canada Opens Citizenship Doors While Italy Tightens Rules
In recent years, global citizenship policies have undergone significant changes. Interestingly, while Italy has made its citizenship rules stricter, Canada has taken the opposite approach making it easier for millions to claim citizenship through ancestry.
Let’s break down what these changes mean and how they could impact you.
Italy vs Canada: A Tale of Two Policies
On one hand, Italy has tightened its citizenship by descent rules, limiting eligibility to fewer generations. On the other hand, Canada has expanded access by removing key restrictions that previously prevented many individuals from qualifying.
As a result, while many people lost eligibility for Italian citizenship, millions gained new opportunities in Canada.
Italy’s New Citizenship Restrictions
Since March 2025, Italy has restricted citizenship by descent to just two generations.
Previously, individuals could claim Italian citizenship if they had an ancestor who was an Italian citizen after 1861. However, under the new rules, eligibility is now much more limited.
In simple terms, if your Italian ancestry goes beyond your grandparents, you may no longer qualify.
Canada’s Game-Changing Update: Bill C-3
In contrast, Canada introduced a major reform by passing Bill C-3 in December 2025.
This legislation removed the first-generation limit (FGL), which previously restricted citizenship by descent to only one generation born outside Canada.
As a result, many individuals—often referred to as “lost Canadians”—have now regained their eligibility.
Who Can Now Qualify for Canadian Citizenship?
Following this change, individuals born before December 15, 2025, may now qualify for Canadian citizenship if they can prove descent from a Canadian ancestor even if that connection goes back several generations.
For example, eligibility may extend to individuals with:
- Great-grandparents
- Great-great-grandparents
- Or even earlier Canadian lineage
This change has particularly impacted individuals in regions like New England, where Canadian ancestry is common.
Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
Obtaining Canadian citizenship comes with several long-term advantages. These include:
- The right to live and work in Canada permanently
- Access to voting rights in Canadian elections
- The ability to sponsor family members for permanent residence
- Eligibility to apply for a Canadian passport
How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship by Descent
If you believe you are eligible, the process involves a few key steps.
Step 1: Apply for Proof of Citizenship
You must apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a citizenship certificate.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
You will need documents such as:
- Birth certificates
- Proof of your parent’s or ancestor’s Canadian citizenship
- Additional records confirming your family lineage
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Most citizenship-by-descent applications are submitted in paper format.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Currently, processing times are approximately 10 months.
Step 5: Apply for a Canadian Passport
Once your citizenship certificate is approved, you can apply for a Canadian passport.
Understanding Dual Citizenship
It is important to note that Canada allows dual citizenship. For example, Americans can hold both U.S. and Canadian citizenship.
However, rules vary by country. Therefore, individuals from other nations should confirm whether their home country permits dual citizenship before applying.
Why Did Canada Introduce This Change?
The introduction of Bill C-3 was influenced by a 2023 court ruling, which found the previous first-generation limit to be unconstitutional.
Rather than appealing the decision, the Canadian government chose to amend the law—making citizenship rules more inclusive and fair.
Key Changes After Bill C-3
The new law introduced two major updates:
- Individuals born before December 15, 2025, can now claim citizenship beyond the first generation if they can prove ancestry
- Individuals born after that date can still qualify if their Canadian parent (also born abroad) has lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days
Final Thoughts
Global citizenship policies are evolving in very different directions.
While Italy has limited access to citizenship by descent, Canada has expanded it creating new opportunities for millions worldwide.
If you believe you may have Canadian ancestry, now is the perfect time to explore your eligibility and begin the application process.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Immigration Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
