Canada’s Expanded Citizenship-by-Descent Law Triggers Surge of American Applicants

Bill C-3, effective Dec 15 2025, expands eligibility to anyone with a Canadian grandparent, great-grandparent or more distant ancestor. For persons born on or after Dec 15 2025, a Canadian parent must have resided in Canada for at least 1,095 days. The amendment replaces the prior one-generation rule that limited descent to a parent-child link.

So you want to be Canadian, eh? Changes in immigration law will make it easier for Americans

Canada has periodically revised citizenship statutes to address discrimination; Bill C-3 is the latest expansion, moving beyond the single-generation model used for decades.

So you want to be Canadian, eh? Changes in immigration law will make it easier for Americans

Immigration attorneys report a sharp rise. Nicholas Berning of Boundary Bay Law in Bellingham, WA says his practice is “pretty much flooded.” Amandeep Hayer of Vancouver shifted from roughly 200 cases per year to more than 20 daily consultations. The proof-of-citizenship fee is CAD 75 (?US $55); attorney fees can exceed US $6,000. IRCC cites a ten-month average processing time, 56,000 pending applications, 1,480 citizenships confirmed Dec 15–Jan 31, and 24,500 Americans gaining dual citizenship last year.

Associated Press

Applicants cite political, economic and security concerns. Zack Loud of Farmington, MN learned his Canadian grandmother made him eligible and now prioritizes Canadian citizenship for job prospects. Michelle Cunha of Bedford, MA cites disillusionment with U.S. immigration under the Trump administration. Troy Hicks of Pahrump, NV was prompted by anti-Trump sentiment abroad. Maureen Sullivan of Naples, FL describes the law as a “little gift” offering a contingency plan. Mary Mangan of Somerville, MA believes most can complete the process without a lawyer.

So you want to be Canadian, eh? Changes in immigration law will make it easier for Americans

IRCC officials reaffirm the ten-month target, and the 56,000-application backlog remains in place. Canadian official Hampson warned that the influx of American cases could strain resources needed for refugee and asylum-seeker adjudications.

So you want to be Canadian, eh? Changes in immigration law will make it easier for Americans

Critics argue the surge may delay processing for vulnerable refugees, potentially compromising Canada’s humanitarian commitments.

So you want to be Canadian, eh? Changes in immigration law will make it easier for Americans

Sources describe “potentially millions” of eligible Americans, yet precise numbers of American applicants are unavailable, creating a gap between projected eligibility and confirmed citizenship figures.

So you want to be Canadian, eh? Changes in immigration law will make it easier for Americans

• “My wife and I were already talking about potentially looking at jobs outside the country, but citizenship pushed Canada way up on our list,” — Zack Loud, Farmington, Minnesota

So you want to be Canadian, eh? Changes in immigration law will make it easier for Americans

• “You are Canadian, and you’re considered to be one your whole life,” — Amandeep Hayer, Vancouver, British Columbia

So you want to be Canadian, eh? Changes in immigration law will make it easier for Americans

• “But clearly we’re not there and we’re not going to get there anytime soon.” — Michelle Cunha, Bedford, Massachusetts

So you want to be Canadian, eh? Changes in immigration law will make it easier for Americans

• “There are some situations where a lawyer might be the right thing, but for many people, I would guess 90% of people can probably do this on their own,” — Mary Mangan, Somerville, Massachusetts

So you want to be Canadian, eh? Changes in immigration law will make it easier for Americans

IRCC officials reaffirm the ten-month target, and the 56,000-application backlog remains in place.

The Virginian-Pilot