Full Breakdown
Millions of Americans Pursue Canadian Citizenship Under New Law
4/24/2026, 12:54:06 AM
Overview of the New Citizenship Law
On December 15, 2025, Canada implemented Bill C-3, significantly easing the path to Canadian citizenship for individuals with Canadian ancestry. This law allows anyone born before this date to claim citizenship if they can prove a direct Canadian ancestor, such as a grandparent or great-grandparent. Previously, citizenship by descent was limited to one generation, from parent to child. Immigration lawyers in both the United States and Canada report a surge in applications as millions of Americans discover their eligibility.
Surge in Applications and Motivations
The new law has prompted a notable increase in interest among Americans seeking dual citizenship. Immigration attorney Amandeep Hayer, who advocated for the law, noted that his practice in Vancouver, British Columbia, has seen a dramatic rise from approximately 200 citizenship cases annually to over 20 consultations per day. Nicholas Berning, an immigration lawyer in Bellingham, Washington, described his practice as "pretty much flooded" with inquiries related to the new citizenship process.
Many applicants cite various motivations for pursuing Canadian citizenship. For instance, Michelle Cunha from Bedford, Massachusetts, expressed her disillusionment with the political climate in the U.S., stating, “I have done everything that I possibly can to make the United States what it promises the world to be... But clearly we’re not there.” Similarly, Maureen Sullivan from Naples, Florida, views Canadian citizenship as a safety net in case of worsening conditions in the U.S.
Application Process and Costs
The application process for Canadian citizenship involves submitting proof of descent, with a relatively low application fee of 75 Canadian dollars (approximately $55). However, costs can escalate significantly for those seeking assistance from attorneys or genealogists. Cunha estimated her total expenses at around $6,500 due to hiring legal help, while others, like Mary Mangan from Somerville, Massachusetts, successfully navigated the process using online resources.
Processing times for citizenship applications are currently around 10 months, with over 56,000 individuals awaiting decisions. From December 15 to January 31, the Canadian government confirmed citizenship by descent for 1,480 applicants, although not all were Americans.
Concerns and Criticism
While many Americans are excited about the new opportunities, some experts express concern that the influx of applications from Americans could delay the processing of cases for refugees and asylum-seekers. This potential backlog raises questions about the balance between facilitating citizenship for those with ancestral ties and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations seeking refuge.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You are Canadian, and you’re considered to be one your whole life,” — Amandeep Hayer, Immigration Attorney
- “When I first heard about the bill, I couldn’t believe it. It was like this little gift that fell in my lap,” — Maureen Sullivan, Applicant
- “But clearly we’re not there and we’re not going to get there anytime soon.” — Michelle Cunha, Applicant
- “We’ve kind of shifted a lot of other work away in order to push these cases through,” — Nicholas Berning, Immigration Attorney
The new Canadian citizenship law has opened doors for many Americans, allowing them to reconnect with their heritage while navigating a complex political landscape in the United States.
