New Canadian Law Enables U.S. Ancestry Claims for Citizenship

Millions of Americans with Canadian ancestry now qualify for citizenship under a new law that took effect on December 15, 2025, sparking a surge in applications for dual nationality as individuals explore family ties and future options across the border.

The legislation, known as Bill C-3, expands eligibility for citizenship by descent beyond the previous limit of one generation. Individuals born before the law's effective date can claim citizenship by proving a direct Canadian ancestor, such as a grandparent or great-grandparent. For those born on or after December 15, a parent must have resided in Canada for at least 1,095 days. Under the changes, eligible descendants are considered citizens from birth but must submit proof to obtain an official certificate. Immigration officials estimate that millions of Americans may qualify, given historical migration patterns between the two countries.

The shift has overwhelmed immigration lawyers on both sides of the border. Nicholas Berning, an attorney in Bellingham, Washington, described his practice as flooded with requests, prompting him to prioritize these cases over other work. In the Vancouver area, Amandeep Hayer reported a jump...