SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A new Canadian law has opened up an exciting opportunity for many Americans. Millions now have a potentially easier route to Canadian citizenship, leading to a surge of interest in exploring family ancestry and filing applications for dual citizenship.
Zack Loud, from Farmington, Minnesota, was surprised to learn about this change. His grandmother is Canadian, which means he and his siblings are considered citizens under the new law. “My wife and I were already talking about potentially looking at jobs outside the country, but citizenship pushed Canada way up on our list,” he shared.
Since the law took effect on December 15, 2025, immigration lawyers in both the U.S. and Canada have been inundated with requests for assistance in submitting proof of citizenship applications. Factors like politics, family heritage, and job prospects are prompting thousands of Americans to consider whether this is the right time to apply for dual citizenship.
Nicholas Berning, an immigration attorney at Boundary Bay Law in Bellingham, Washington, noted the overwhelming response: “We’ve kind of shifted a lot of other work away in order to push these cases through.” Amandeep Hayer, an immigration attorney in Vancouver, Canada, reported his practice went from about 200 citizenship cases a year to more than 20 consultations per day.
Understanding the New Law
Canada has been updating its citizenship laws for years to address various issues, including discrimination. Previously, Canadian citizenship by descent could only be passed down one generation, from a parent to a child. However, Bill C-3, effective December 15, 2025, allows anyone born before that date to claim citizenship if they can prove they have a direct Canadian ancestor, such as a grandparent or great-grandparent.
For those born on or after December 15, they must show that their parent met a residency requirement of 1,095 days. Although descendants of Canadians are now considered citizens, they must still provide proof to obtain a citizenship certificate. Hayer estimates that millions of Americans could qualify as Canadian descendants.
“You are Canadian, and you’re considered to be one your whole life,” Hayer explained. “That’s really what you’re applying for—the recognition of a right you already have vested.”
Motivations for Seeking Dual Citizenship
Different Americans are motivated to seek dual citizenship for various reasons, with many citing political changes as a factor. For instance, Michelle Cunha from Bedford, Massachusetts, decided to move to Canada after years of political activism. “Clearly we’re not there and we’re not going to get there anytime soon,” she said, reflecting on her experiences in the U.S.
Troy Hicks, whose great-grandfather was Canadian, was inspired by his travels. After an encounter while visiting Australia, he thought, “the idea of doing that with a Canadian passport just seemed easier, better, more palatable.”
Maureen Sullivan from Naples, Florida, was motivated by witnessing the impact of immigration policies on her family. She sees Canadian citizenship as a safeguard for the future. “When I first heard about the bill, I couldn’t believe it. It was like this little gift that fell in my lap,” she stated.
Costs and Application Process
For those with the required documentation, the application fee for proof of citizenship is a modest 75 Canadian dollars (approximately $55 U.S.). However, hiring an attorney or genealogist can significantly increase costs. Cunha estimates her legal fees to be around $6,500, while others like Mary Mangan from Somerville, Massachusetts, successfully filed her application independently using online guidance.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada office currently estimates processing times for citizenship certificates at around 10 months, with over 56,000 applicants awaiting decisions. From December 15 to January 31, they confirmed citizenship for 1,480 individuals, including non-Americans. Last year, 24,500 Americans successfully obtained dual citizenship.
Canadian Perspectives on the Surge
Fen Hampson, a professor of international affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa, noted that Canadians are generally welcoming. However, there are concerns about people applying for citizenship with only a tenuous connection to Canada. “Canadians don’t like queue jumpers,” he stated, emphasizing that some worry this influx could delay assistance for refugees and asylum-seekers.
