Americans Lead Canadian Citizenship By Descent Applications, New Data Shows

In January 2026, U.S. citizens led the charge for Canadian citizenship applications by descent, according to newly released data. Americans accounted for the largest share of these applications, with nearly 2,500 people filing. To put this into perspective, citizens of the United Kingdom, the second-highest group, submitted just 290 applications in the same month.

This dramatic rise in applications is linked to a recent change in Canadian law, which has removed the generational limit for inheriting Canadian citizenship. The new law allows people with Canadian ancestors to apply for citizenship, even if their family connection goes back several generations.

Why the Sudden Interest?

Many Americans are now realizing that they may be eligible for Canadian citizenship, thanks to their family ties. Some, like Scott, an entrepreneur from South Carolina, were inspired by the recent political climate in the United States. Scott had noticed a shift in the country’s values and, feeling concerned about his future, decided to look into his Canadian roots. It wasn’t long before he learned that his grandmother had Canadian heritage, making him eligible for dual citizenship.

Scott, who doesn’t plan on leaving the U.S. for Canada, is just one of many Americans discovering their Canadian ancestry. "I'd rather stay in South Carolina where it’s warm," he said, though he is still eager to gain a Canadian passport and keep his options open.

A Law That Changed Everything

The law that triggered this surge in applications was Bill C-3, passed in December 2025. Prior to this, Canadian citizenship by descent was limited to only the first generation born outside of Canada. However, the new law lifted that restriction, opening the door for many Americans to claim citizenship by descent, even if their Canadian ancestors were born decades or even centuries ago.

This change has been especially significant for regions like New England, where many families have Canadian roots due to the large migration from Quebec to the northeastern U.S. between 1840 and 1930. In some cases, as many as one in four residents in these areas can trace their heritage back to Canada.

A Growing Trend

The surge in applications from U.S. citizens is only just beginning. By the end of January 2026, Canada had already received over 12,000 citizenship by descent applications. This is just a glimpse of the interest sparked by the new law. In 2025, Americans made up almost 30% of all citizenship by descent applications globally, with more than 24,500 applications submitted.

Many Americans who are now applying for Canadian citizenship are doing so out of curiosity or to secure a second passport, not with the intention of leaving their home country. The law change has given people the opportunity to explore their family history and act on it, even if they don’t have immediate plans to move to Canada.

Looking Ahead

As more Americans learn about the new law and the opportunity to claim Canadian citizenship, the numbers may continue to grow. The rush to apply for citizenship is expected to increase, especially as word spreads through social media, family discussions, and online forums.

The new law has opened a door for millions of Americans to gain dual citizenship with Canada, a chance many are eager to take advantage of. With the first generation limit now gone, the Canadian government may see even more applications in the coming months.