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In depth
The substantial connection test is the requirement under Bill C-71 (2025) that beyond-first-generation descendants of Canadian citizens born abroad must have accumulated at least 1,095 days (three years) of physical presence in Canada before applying for a grant of citizenship.
The days can be at any point in the applicant's life — childhood, education, work, family visits — and do not need to be consecutive. The test does not apply to first-generation born abroad (who are citizens by right) or to Crown servants (military, diplomatic).
If the applicant is a minor or has a disability that prevents travel, IRCC has discretion to substitute the residency requirement with a 'connection to Canada' assessment based on family ties, language, education, or other factors.
Example
A second-generation Canadian born abroad with 3 years of cumulative presence in Canada (school, work, family visits) meets the substantial connection test.
Related terms
Bill C-71 (Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act, 2025) is the Canadian law that restored citizenship to beyond-first-generation descendants of Canadians born abroad.
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) is the Canadian government department that processes citizenship applications.
A 'Lost Canadian' is a person who lost or never received Canadian citizenship due to outdated provisions of the Citizenship Act, now eligible for reinstatement under Bill C-71.
The Citizenship Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-29) is the principal Canadian citizenship law, amended by Bill C-71 in 2025.