Thousands of Americans seek Canadian citizenship under new law

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Millions of Americans could qualify for dual Canadian citizenship under a recent change to Canada's requirements that has sparked a surge in applications from the United States, according to LEX 18 News.

Since the new law took effect Dec. 15, immigration lawyers in both countries report being overwhelmed with clients seeking help submitting proof of citizenship applications. The shift in Canadian law now allows citizenship to be passed down to anyone who can prove they have a direct Canadian ancestor — a grandparent, great-grandparent or more distant relative — rather than limiting citizenship by descent to only one generation.

Immigration attorney Amandeep Hayer, whose Vancouver-area practice went from about 200 citizenship cases annually to more than 20 consultations daily, said applicants born before the law's effective date need only prove Canadian ancestry. "You are Canadian, and you're considered to be one your whole life," Hayer said. "That's really what you're applying for, the recognition of a right you already have vested."

American applicants cite varied motivations, including President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, family heritage and job opportunities. Michelle Cunha of Massachusetts said she decided to move to Canada after 30 years of political activism. Troy Hicks of Nevada, who has a great-grandfather born in Canada, said an international trip exposed him to negative perceptions of the U.S. abroad.

For those with documentation ready, the proof of citizenship application fee is 75 Canadian dollars, roughly $55. However, costs escalate significantly for those hiring attorneys or genealogists to locate necessary records, with some applicants spending as much as $6,500.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, processing times for certificates average around 10 months, with more than 56,000 applications currently awaiting decisions. The agency confirmed citizenship by descent for 1,480 people between Dec. 15 and Jan. 31, though not all were American.

Some Canadian officials express concerns about potential delays affecting refugees and asylum-seekers, with critics worried about "Canadians of convenience" lacking meaningful ties to the country.