New Canadian Law Grants Citizenship to Americans with Ancestral Ties
A change in Canadian law now allows Americans with a direct Canadian ancestor to claim dual citizenship. The new rule, introduced on December 15, removes the previous one-generation limit on citizenship by descent. Many are already taking advantage of the opportunity, with some discovering they are automatically considered Canadian citizens. Before December 15, Canadian citizenship by descent could only be passed to one generation. The updated law now extends eligibility to anyone with a direct Canadian ancestor. Descendants are immediately recognised as citizens but must provide proof to receive a certificate.
Since the change, immigration lawyers in both the US and Canada have faced a surge in requests for help with applications. Some Americans, like Zack Loud of Farmington, Minnesota, have learned they and their siblings already qualify due to a Canadian grandmother. A growing number of applicants are turning to genealogy companies to trace their ancestry. Others are using archives, such as the Acadian Archives at the University of Maine, which has seen double the usual requests this year. These records—birth certificates, marriage licences, and death certificates—help establish the necessary family ties. Motivations for seeking Canadian citizenship vary. Some applicants cite political concerns, including dissatisfaction with US immigration policies under former President Donald Trump.
The law change has made it easier for Americans with Canadian roots to secure dual citizenship. Those who qualify must still gather documentation to formalise their status. The shift is expected to lead to a rise in approved applications in the coming months.
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