For decades, wealthy individuals and globally mobile families have paid hundreds of thousands — sometimes millions — of dollars to secure a second passport through so-called Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs in places like Malta, Türkiye, and the Caribbean.
But in late 2025, Canada quietly changed the game.
With the implementation of Bill C-3 (An Act to amend the Citizenship Act) on December 15, 2025, Canada has effectively rewritten the rules of global mobility — and may have created the most powerful and desirable passport pipeline in the world.
A New Global Titan in Second Citizenship
The global “golden passport” industry has issued an estimated 500,000–700,000 passports over 25 years.
Canada’s new law could unlock citizenship eligibility for as many — or more — people in just a few years, without requiring any investment payment.
Instead of selling passports, Canada is restoring inherited rights — and the impact could dwarf the entire CBI market.
The End of the “First-Generation Limit”
Previously, Canada imposed a first-generation limit:
If a Canadian parent was born abroad, they could not pass citizenship to their child if that child was also born abroad.
This created a class of Canadians who were citizens — but could not pass their citizenship forward.
A 2023 court ruling found this unfair and unconstitutional.
Bill C-3 fixes this.
Now, Canadian citizenship can flow across generations again.
The “Lineage Gold Rush”
Here’s where the disruption becomes historic.
If you were born before December 15, 2025:
If you can prove an unbroken line to a Canadian ancestor, citizenship can now be recognized — even if your connection goes back generations.
A grandparent or great-grandparent born in Canada decades ago could qualify you.
No investment.
No residency requirement.
No expensive “passport program.”
This has triggered what immigration experts are calling the “Lineage Gold Rush.”
For families in Dubai, Hong Kong, London, New York, and beyond, the Canadian passport has become a generational hedge — a Plan B backed by a G7 nation.
For New Generations: The “Substantial Connection” Rule
For children born after Dec. 15, 2025, Canada introduced a balanced safeguard.
To pass on citizenship in future generations, a Canadian parent must show they spent at least 1,095 days (three years) physically in Canada.
This ensures:
- A real connection to the country
- Protection of the passport’s global value
- Continued access for Canadians working and studying abroad
It preserves prestige without closing doors.
How Big Could This Get?
Official government estimates suggested 150,000–300,000 applicants.
But experts — and members of Parliament — believe that number could reach 500,000 to 1 million or more, due to the chain effect of multi-generation eligibility.
If even a portion apply, Canada will create one of the largest global citizenship expansions in modern history.
Why This Is Good for Canada
Some critics fear “citizens of convenience.”
But strategically, this is a major win.
Many new citizens by descent are:
- Highly educated
- International business leaders
- Investors and entrepreneurs
- Holders of global networks and capital
By recognizing them, Canada is building a worldwide economic and cultural network — a diaspora that can drive trade, investment, talent inflow, and geopolitical influence.
A Win for Modern Global Families
Bill C-3 also modernizes adoption rules, ensuring adopted children have equal legal status in passing on citizenship.
This reinforces Canada’s reputation as a forward-thinking destination for global families and international professionals.
Conclusion: The Canadian Passport Becomes a Legacy Asset
In 2026, the Canadian passport is no longer just a travel document.
It is becoming:
- A multi-generational inheritance
- A global mobility asset
- A Plan B for uncertain times
- A stake in one of the world’s most stable economies
While other countries sell passports, Canada has created a legacy citizenship pipeline — quietly transforming itself into a global titan of mobility.
As demand for stability rises worldwide, Canada’s move may prove to be one of the most consequential shifts in the global passport market in decades.
Leave a Reply