Canadian Passport Emerges as Backup Plan for Americans

Thousands of Americans are looking north this spring as they search for what they see as a secure backup plan: a Canadian passport.

The rise in interest follows a major change to Canadian citizenship rules. Last December, Canada removed the generational limit on passing down citizenship for people born before Dec. 15, 2025. The change made millions of Americans with Canadian ancestry potentially eligible for dual citizenship almost overnight.

Many applicants are not planning an immediate move to Canada. Instead, they are seeking the security that comes with having legal rights in both countries if circumstances change.

Processing times stretch

The rush has placed new pressure on Canada’s citizenship system. Processing times for proof of Canadian citizenship certificates have doubled in less than a year. In July 2025, applicants waited about five months. Today, the wait is about 10 months.

Americans must often request official records from Canadian provincial archives to prove their family history. Those offices are also seeing a sharp rise in demand.

Quebec’s national archives has reported a 3,000 per cent increase in document requests. Nova Scotia received more requests in the first three months of 2026 than it received during all of 2024. New Brunswick has seen requests quadruple, creating a backlog of more than 1,000 files, with about 400 new requests arriving each month.

U.S. concerns drive interest

Most of these requests are coming from Americans, according to the article. Many appear to be acting because of growing unease in the United States.

Concerns cited include ICE raids, executive orders aimed at birthright citizenship, and the overturning of Roe v. Wade. For some families, Canadian citizenship offers a form of stability at a time when U.S. politics and legal rights feel uncertain.

As dual citizens, Americans with Canadian ancestry would keep the rights of both countries. They would have the unconditional right to enter Canada, live there permanently and work in the country.

Canadian citizenship also does not create extra tax duties on its own. Unlike the United States, Canada does not tax citizens on worldwide income simply because they hold citizenship. That point may matter to people who want a second passport but do not want another annual tax burden.

How applicants can qualify

The pathway is based on ancestry. Anyone with at least one Canadian ancestor, even several generations back, may be eligible for Canadian citizenship under the changed rules.

Applicants must submit a complete application to Canada’s citizenship department. They also need official documents that prove the family connection, such as birth certificates and marriage licences.

After receiving a proof of citizenship certificate, applicants can apply for a Canadian passport. Current passport processing takes about 10 to 20 business days.