Canada Expands Citizenship Eligibility, Drawing Thousands of American Applicants
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A new Canadian law has expanded eligibility for citizenship by descent, reversing a 2009 restriction. The change allows individuals with a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was a Canadian citizen after 1947 to apply, provided the ancestor did not renounce citizenship. Since its passage in late 2025, the law has led to a surge in applications, particularly from Americans.
Facts First
- Bill C-3 expands citizenship by descent to include proof of lineage from a Canadian citizen parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent.
- The law reverses a 2009 restriction that limited eligibility to first-generation relationships only.
- Thousands of Americans have applied for dual citizenship since the law passed in late 2025.
- Immigration lawyers report a surge in consultations, with one practice increasing from 200 cases a year to over 20 consultations a day.
- The base application fee is $75 CA ($55 U.S.), though costs can rise if legal help or additional documents are needed.
What Happened
Canada passed Bill C-3, an amendment to the Canadian Citizenship Act, in December 2025. The law reversed a 2009 rule that limited citizenship by descent to first-generation relationships. It now allows individuals to apply for citizenship if they can provide proof of direct lineage from a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who became a Canadian citizen on or after January 1, 1947. Eligibility is terminated if the ancestor renounced Canadian citizenship.
Why this Matters to You
If you have a Canadian parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent, you may now be eligible for Canadian citizenship, which could open up new options for living, working, or studying in Canada. For those who qualify, obtaining dual citizenship involves a base application fee of $75 CA, though you might face higher costs if you need to hire an attorney or obtain documents. If you become a citizen, accessing Canada's universal healthcare system as a dual citizen would require you to live in Canada for a specific number of days each year.
What's Next
Immigration attorneys report being flooded with applicants, suggesting interest is likely to remain high. The law could lead to a significant increase in the number of dual citizens, with one attorney estimating that millions of Americans might qualify. The streamlined application process for those with ready documentation may encourage more people to apply in the coming months.