News & Events
New Canadian Citizenship Rules Expand Eligibility by Descent
A person may potentially qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent even if their “Generation Zero” ancestor was not born in Canada. The Canadian connection could come through an ancestor who was naturalized in Canada, was a British subject with Canadian domicile when Canadian citizenship was created on January 1, 1947, or otherwise became a Canadian citizen before the next generation was born.
Canada’s updated citizenship rules took effect on December 15, 2025. It changed the previous first-generation limit and expanded citizenship by descent in certain circumstances.
Eligibility depends on the complete family chain, the ancestor’s citizenship status, the dates of birth and other provisions of the Citizenship Act. Applicants may have to provide official documents such as birth and naturalization record so as to establish the connection.
People with Canadian ancestry should carefully review their family history and supporting documents to determine whether they may qualify.
Canadian Records May Help Prove Citizenship by Descent
Individuals applying for Canadian citizenship by descent may be able to use historical Canadian naturalization records to help establish their family’s citizenship history. The applicants may need documentation supporting each generation in their citizenship chain, including evidence relating to the Canadian ancestor.
Library and Archives Canada provides a free searchable database of naturalization lists covering 1915 to 1951. The lists were published in government reports and, from April 1932 to April 1951, in the Canada Gazette. The lists can provide an ancestor’s name, residence, occupation, former nationality and naturalization certificate number.
However, the database does not contain the original naturalization files, and not every person naturalized during this period appears in the lists. A record found in the database should therefore be treated as supporting evidence rather than conclusive proof on its own. Applicants will have to get the original records from IRCC and submit additional documents to establish their complete citizenship-by-descent claim.
Four CRA-Administered Benefit Payments Scheduled for August 2026
Canadian families and individuals who are eligible may receive payments in August 2026 from the four major benefit programs administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The payment eligibility and amounts are based on each program’s rules, income, family circumstances and tax information.
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is scheduled for August 10. The OTB combines the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, Northern Ontario Energy Credit and Ontario Sales Tax Credit. The 2026 OTB payments are generally based on information from 2025 tax returns.
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) follows on August 20, helping eligible families with children under 18. For July 2026 to June 2027, the maximum CCB is $679.75 per month for each child under six and $573.58 for each child aged six to 17. The maximum amounts are on the basis of 2025 adjusted family net income.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit (NLDB) is scheduled for August 25. Eligible recipients can receive up to $400 per month, depending on income and other requirements.
The Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) is scheduled for August 27. Eligible Alberta families may receive base and working components with maximum annual benefits reaching $5,882 for families with four or more children.
Recipients can check their individual payment details through CRA My Account.
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