New Canadian citizenship law opens doors

Sioux Falls: Potentially millions of Americans now have a much easier path to Canadian citizenship following changes in Canada’s immigration law, prompting a surge of people exploring their ancestry and filing paperwork to seek dual citizenship. For Zack Loud of Farmington, Minnesota, it came as a surprise to learn that under the new law, Canada already considers him and his siblings citizens because their grandmother is Canadian. “My wife and I were already talking about potentially looking at jobs outside the country, but citizenship pushed Canada way up on our list,” he said. Since the law took effect on Dec. 15, 2025, immigration lawyers in the United States and Canada say they have been overwhelmed with clients seeking help submitting proof of citizenship applications. Driven by politics, family heritage, job opportunities and other factors, thousands of Americans are now exploring whether the simpler process makes this the right time to obtain dual citizenship. Nicholas Berning, an immigration attorney at Boundary Bay Law in Bellingham, Washington, said his practice is “pretty much flooded with this.” “We’ve kind of shifted a lot of other work away in order to push these cases through,” he said. Immigration attorney Amandeep Hayer said his Vancouver-area practice has gone from about 200 citizenship cases a year to more than 20 consultations per day. Canada has been changing its citizenship laws for decades, whether to update historical interpretations or address discrimination. Previously, Canadian citizenship by descent could only be passed down one generation, from parent to child. That changed when Bill C-3 took effect on Dec. 15, 2025, opening citizenship eligibility to anyone born before that date who can prove they have a direct Canadian ancestor, including a grandparent, great-grandparent or more distant relative. Those born on or after Dec. 15 must show their parent met a residency requirement of 1,095 days. Under the new law, descendants of Canadians are already considered citizens but must provide proof to obtain a certificate of citizenship. Hayer estimates millions of Americans may qualify. “You are Canadian, and you’re considered to be one your whole life,” said Hayer, who advocated for the law in the Parliament of Canada. “That’s really what you’re applying for — recognition of a right you already have.” American applicants cite a range of motivations, with several pointing to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and broader political climate. Michelle Cunha of Bedford, Massachusetts, said she decided to move to Canada after years of political activism. “I put in my best effort for 30 years,” Cunha said. “But clearly we’re not there and we’re not going to get there anytime soon.” Troy Hicks of Pahrump, Nevada, whose great-grandfather was born in Canada, said an international trip helped spur his decision. “The idea of doing that with a Canadian passport just seemed easier, better, more palatable,” he said. Maureen Sullivan of Naples, Florida, said she was motivated by the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown after her teenage nephew encountered federal officers near his Minnesota high school. “When I first heard about the bill, I couldn’t believe it,” Sullivan said. “It felt like a little gift.” The proof of citizenship application costs 75 Canadian dollars (about $55), though fees can rise significantly for applicants who hire attorneys or genealogists. Processing times are currently estimated at around 10 months, with more than 56,000 applications awaiting decisions. Fen Hampson, a professor of international affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa, said Canadians are generally welcoming but may question applications from people with minimal ties to the country. “Canadians don’t like queue jumpers,” he said, noting concerns that increased demand could delay applications from refugees and asylum seekers.