A recent change in Canada's citizenship requirements has triggered a substantial increase in applications from Americans seeking dual nationality. The new legislation, which came into effect on December 15, expands Canadian citizenship by descent to individuals born before that date who can prove a direct Canadian ancestor, such as a grandparent.
Immigration lawyers on both sides of the border report being overwhelmed with inquiries, with some practices seeing a dramatic rise in citizenship-related cases. Many American applicants are motivated by political issues, including the immigration policies of the Trump administration, as well as family heritage and employment opportunities.
While the application fee remains modest, processing times for a certificate of citizenship currently stand at around 10 months, with over 56,000 individuals awaiting a decision. The surge reflects a growing interest among Americans in exploring their Canadian roots and securing an alternative passport.
