Millions of Americans are now eligible for Canadian citizenship due to a recent law change that removed generational limits on citizenship by descent. The new law, known as Bill C-3, came into effect on December 15, 2025.
The legislation allows individuals born before this date to claim Canadian citizenship if they can prove they have a Canadian ancestor. Many Americans are motivated to seek dual citizenship because Canada does not impose a worldwide tax on its citizens, unlike the U.S.
Since the law’s enactment, there has been a surge in applications. From December 15 to January 31, 1,480 people were confirmed as citizens by descent, though not all were Americans. Last year, approximately 24,500 Americans gained dual U.S.-Canada citizenship.
Key facts:
- The proof of citizenship application fee is 75 Canadian dollars ($55).
- Processing times for a certificate of citizenship are around 10 months.
- The previous law only allowed citizenship by descent to be passed down to one generation.
Amandeep Hayer commented on the significance of this change, stating, “You are Canadian, and you’re considered to be one your whole life.” Maureen Sullivan expressed her surprise at the bill’s passage: “When I first heard about the bill, I couldn’t believe it. It was like this little gift that fell in my lap.” Zack Loud noted that the prospect of citizenship influenced his job search: “My wife and I were already talking about potentially looking at jobs outside the country, but citizenship pushed Canada way up on our list.”
This shift in immigration law may strengthen U.S.-Canada relations as more Americans explore their Canadian ancestry. The motivations behind this interest often relate to political factors in the U.S., prompting individuals to consider relocation options.
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