Maple News reports that a recent change to Canada’s Citizenship Act expands the pathway to Canadian citizenship by descent for Americans born before December 15, 2025, removing the previous generational limit. The update particularly benefits U.S. citizens with Canadian ancestry, including many Massachusetts residents, who now stand to qualify for a Canadian citizenship certificate and, ultimately, a Canadian passport.
Under the change, eligible applicants apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for a proof of Canadian citizenship certificate. The certificate confirms dual U.S.–Canadian citizenship under Canadian law based on descent; it does not by itself grant new citizenship.
Once they have the certificate, applicants can apply for a Canadian passport. Passport processing is typically swift, with Canada advertising timelines around 10–20 days and a 30-day money-back guarantee on processing times.
Massachusetts is well positioned to benefit. Researchers estimate that about 10% of state residents have Canadian ancestry—a legacy tied to the mass migration of French-speaking Canadians to New England between 1840 and 1930.
Getting the required official documents proving descent remains a major hurdle. Much of the ancestry comes from Quebec, so applicants must obtain records from the Directeur de l’état civil (DEC). Quebec’s archives have seen a dramatic surge in demand for older records, with the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec reporting a multi-thousand percent increase in requests for records over 100 years old.
Experts suggest engaging Quebec-based licensed representatives to navigate these records, though there is no way to expedite the provincial registration process. Processing times for proof of citizenship can be lengthy, but once issued, Canadian passports are typically issued relatively quickly.
U.S.–Canadian dual citizens enjoy full rights in both countries, including the right to live and work in Canada, vote, and access healthcare if residency is established. On taxation, dual citizens do not incur extra Canadian tax obligations unless they establish residency or significant ties to Canada; Canada taxes based on residency, and there is no Canadian gift or estate tax. Maple News will continue to monitor developments and publish practical guidance for readers pursuing Canadian citizenship by descent.