Canada postpones implementation of new citizenship regulations. The First-Generation Limit (FGL) restrictions that were supposed to take effect in Canada have been postponed until at least August. As per the FGL rule, a child born outside of Canada to a Canadian citizen parent does not immediately inherit Canadian citizenship from both parents. Many Canadians who live overseas are impacted by this legislation, which raises questions over the citizenship status of their offspring. The postponement gives individuals who will be impacted more time to comprehend and get ready for the upcoming changes. For more information, stay current on the laws and regulations pertaining to Canadian citizenship.
The first-generation limit (FGL) provision of the Canadian Citizenship Act was previously declared unconstitutional by Ontario’s Supreme Court, which also directed the federal government to modify it because it created “a lesser class of citizenship.” The federal government was initially given until June 19, 2024, by the court to put a remedy in place.
But now, the Ontario Supreme Court has granted the federal government’s request for an extension. August 9, 2024 is now the deadline for solutions to the FGL problem. There are more requirements attached to this expansion.
An IRCC’s representative confirmed in a statement to News that a hearing to decide whether to grant an extra extension until December 2024 would be suitable is scheduled for August 1, 2024. In addition, the judge overseeing the case asked for an update on the status of Bill C-71’s implementation following the first ruling in May of this year and the planned course of action to ensure the bill’s passage by December 19, 2024.
Details on Bill C-71 and Potential Delays
A proposed Act, Bill C-71, would eliminate the first-generation limit (FGL) restriction that was put into place in 2009 and change Canada’s Citizenship Act. Citizenship will be awarded to qualifying foreign nationals whose parents are impacted by the FGL rule and have a significant connection to Canada if Bill C-71 is approved by the Royal Assent. A parent who was born outside of Canada and spent at least 1,095 days (about three years) physically present in Canada before their child was born or adopted is considered to have a considerable connection.
It is quite possible that modifications to the FGL regulation won’t happen until December of this year because the House of Commons was adjourned for summer vacation last week, lasting until mid-September.
Bill C-71 Implementation in Progress
In order to meet the FGL regulation, the IRCC has already made amendments that let some foreign nationals to become citizens of Canada. These temporary provisions, which were implemented on May 30th, allow qualified individuals to get Canadian nationality by means of a “discretionary grant of citizenship” from the Immigration Minister if they have requested expedited processing of their citizenship application.
These regulations are applicable in two particular situations:
These steps are applicable in two distinct situations: first, where a candidate has filed an application for citizenship recognition that will be impacted by the upcoming FGL rule change and has asked for expedited processing in accordance with the requirements for expedited consideration. Second, in cases where the IRCC has concluded that an applicant’s ongoing application for evidence of citizenship is affected by the FGL regulation. These applications, which were previously put on hold until the new regulations took effect, can now be processed more quickly if the applicant requests it.
The Advantages of Canadian Citizenship
One of the many rights enjoyed by Canadian citizens is the freedom to enter, reside, work, and settle anywhere in the country. They are also eligible to run for political office and cast ballots. In addition, citizens of Canada are entitled to apply for and receive a Canadian passport, which is widely regarded as one of the strongest passports in the world, as well as dual citizenship with other qualifying nations.
Although most permanent residents opt to become citizens of Canada, it is not required by law to do so. A small percentage of permanent residents choose to keep their status, which entails giving up some of the privileges and perks accorded to citizens of Canada.