Bill c-37 (lost Canadians) community

[lostcanadians]

Bill C-37 has restored Canadian citizenship rights to "lost Canadians" all over the world.
We have created a community for "lost Canadians" to discuss c-37. Please join us.
lostcanadiansDOTningDOTcom

From The CIC Website:

Who will become a citizen

The law restores citizenship to the following individuals who lost it because of the rules in effect under the previous laws:

* People who became citizens when the first citizenship act took effect on January 1, 1947, including people born in Canada prior to 1947, war brides, and other British subjects who had lived in Canada for at least five years before 1947 and who then lost citizenship;
* People who were born in Canada or who became Canadian citizens on or after January 1, 1947, and who then lost their citizenship; and
* People who were born outside Canada, on or after January 1, 1947, in the first generation born abroad, to a parent who was a Canadian citizen at the time of the birth.

The law gives citizenship to the following individuals who have never been citizens:

* People who did not take the steps necessary to become citizens and who were born outside Canada on or after January 1, 1947, in the first generation born abroad to a parent who was a Canadian citizen at the time of the birth.

Who will not become a citizen

The following individuals will not become citizens under the new law:

* People who did not become citizens when the first citizenship act took effect on January 1, 1947;
* People born in Canada who are not citizens because at the time of their birth, one of their parents was a foreign diplomat;
* People who were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, who are not already citizens or who lost their citizenship in the past, and who were born in the second or subsequent generation abroad;
* People who were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, in the second or subsequent generation born abroad, and who lost their citizenship because they did not take the steps needed to retain their citizenship;
* People who renounced their citizenship as adults with the Canadian government; and
* People whose citizenship was revoked by the government because it was obtained by fraud.

[burgert]

Regarding the amendment, which goes into effect on 4/17/09, my husband is eligible? At least that is how I read it.

I have been reading through the materials, and am convinced that he can apply for his citizenship.

Here is his situation:

- His mother is a Canadian citizen; she was born in St. Johns, Nfld., Canada in 1928. She lived, worked in Nfld until moving here. After British rule ended, her family took appropriate steps and she is considered to be a Canadian citizen.
- Father was an American citizen.
- Mom came to the US in January 1956 and married Dad in February 1956.
- Mom has retained Canadian Citizenship throughout all these years.
- My husband was born here in the US in November 1956.

Based on what I now read:
The amended law will give citizenship to the following individuals who have never been citizens:

* People who did not take the steps necessary to become citizens and who were born outside Canada on or after January 1, 1947, in the first generation born abroad to a parent who was a Canadian citizen at the time of the birth.

#1 - My husband never took steps to become a citizen;
#2 - He was born outside Canada after 1/1/47;
#3 - He is of the first generation born abroad to a parent who was a Canadian citizen at the time of his birth.

I am assuming he must wait until April 17th, as it does not appear that the updated application forms are available.

First, are we correct in assuming he can apply for his citizenship? and,
Second, he can apply anytime after April 17th?

Any guidance would be most appreciated.