Another delay. Another disappointment.”

Thousands of families across the globe were hoping for justice. For fairness. For a law that reflects Canada’s true values. But once again, they’ve been told to wait. Citizenship by Descent Canada

On March 13, 2025, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice granted yet another extension to the federal government pushing the deadline to fix the controversial first-generation limit (FGL) to April 25, 2025.

And with that, the lives of countless Canadian families abroad remain in limbo.

What Is the First-Generation Limit (FGL) — And Why Is It So Controversial?

Here’s the issue:

Since 2009, the Citizenship Act has included a clause called the first-generation limit, or FGL. Citizenship by descent Canada

It means that if you’re a Canadian citizen by descent (i.e., born outside Canada to a Canadian parent), and your child is also born outside Canada—your child does not automatically get Canadian citizenship.

Let that sink in.Citizenship by descent Canada

A child born to a Canadian parent—just like any other Canadian—can be denied citizenship simply because of where they were born.

Families call it cruel. Experts call it unconstitutional. And the courts? Well, they agree.

Courts Say It’s Unconstitutional — But Nothing Changes

In December 2023, a landmark decision by the Ontario Superior Court declared the FGL unconstitutional.

Why Citizenship by descent Canada

Because it creates two tiers of citizenship and discriminates based on national origin—a direct violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The Court ordered the government to fix it, The deadline came, And went, Then came another deadline, And another, Now, for the third time, we’re watching the clock.

Bill C-71: The Solution That Stalled

To address the ruling, the federal government introduced Bill C-71 in May 2024. It promised a path forward by allowing citizenship if the Canadian parent could prove a “substantial connection to Canada”—defined as at least three years of residency in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption.

It wasn’t perfect, But it was progress, Then came the next roadblock: politics.

Parliament Shut Down, Families Shut Out

In a move that stunned legal observers and advocacy groups, Governor General Mary Simon, at the request of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, prorogued Parliament on January 6, 2025—just weeks before the existing FGL deadline.

That shutdown meant one thing: Bill C-71 would not pass in time.

On March 13, 2025, the government asked the court for another 12-month extension. A hearing is scheduled for April 11, 2025, where the government must justify this delay. The court has two options:

• Approve the extension (again) Citizenship by descent Canada
• Or strike down the FGL section of the Citizenship Act completely

Interim Measures: A Temporary Lifeline

While permanent reform hangs in legal uncertainty, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced interim relief measures:

Discretionary citizenship grants for affected individuals

Priority processing for those impacted by the FGL

It’s a small step. But it’s not a guarantee. These grants are at the discretion of immigration officers—and do not create an equal right to citizenship.

For many families, it feels like a band-aid over a broken system.

Who’s Affected by These Delays?Citizenship by descent Canada

If you’re a Canadian citizen of descent and your child was born outside Canada, this law affects you.

This includes:

• Children born abroad to Canadian parents (who themselves were born abroad)
• Canadian ex-pats, aid workers, diplomats, and dual citizens raising families outside Canada
• LGBTQ+ families and adoptive parents navigating international legal systems

The Real Cost: A Childhood Without Citizenship

Behind all the legal jargon is something deeply personal.

Children are growing up stateless, or with no right to live in their parent’s country.

Parents are left in a constant state of anxiety, unsure if their child can ever become “truly” Canadian. Citizenship by descent Canada

And Canada? Citizenship by descent Canada

A country that prides itself on diversity and human rights risks losing its moral credibility.

What Should Families Do Right Now?

If you’re one of the many impacted families, don’t wait for another missed deadline.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Apply for Discretionary Citizenship

Visit IRCC’s website and file under section 5(4) for a discretionary grant.

2. Consult an Immigration Lawyer

Work with experts who understand the urgency and complexity of this issue. They can help build a strong case.

3. Stay Informed

The next hearing is April 11, 2025. The deadline is April 25, 2025. Watch closely this could be the turning point.

Final Word: Canada Can and Must Do Better

This isn’t just about laws.

It’s about identity, belonging, and the simple right of a child to call their parent’s country home.

Let’s hope Canada gets it right this time. Citizenship by descent Canada

Because citizenship shouldn’t be inherited by geography it should be protected by justice.