Maple News reports a dramatic spike in genealogy-related requests in New Brunswick following Canada’s expansion of citizenship by descent. The surge has put provincial archives under pressure, with requests running roughly four times higher than in prior years.
Bill C-3, which took effect on December 15, 2025, removed Canada’s first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. Under the new rules, anyone born before that date can claim Canadian citizenship if they can prove descent from a Canadian ancestor, regardless of how distant the line may be.
Joanna Aiton Kerr, the Provincial Archivist for New Brunswick, notes a sharp uptick in citizenship inquiries. The Provincial Archives of New Brunswick is receiving an estimated 400 citizenship-related requests per month in spring 2026, compared with about 100 per month during 2025. “We didn’t see this coming,” Aiton Kerr said, adding that the surge is straining resources nationwide. The archive began tracking citizenship-related requests as a distinct category in February 2026, and since then the trend has seen a steady, slower rise.
Most requests come from American applicants seeking vital records such as birth certificates, though inquiries also cover marriage certificates, death records, land records, and school cumulative files tied to Canadian ancestors.
For many Americans, the motivation is less about relocating to Canada than securing a passport as a security measure amid political uncertainty at home. Global demand for second passports has surged, and Canada’s expanded eligibility has opened a relatively accessible path for eligible descendants.
The archival surge also connects to history, notably the Acadian Expulsion that began in 1755, when British authorities displaced French-speaking settlers from today’s Maritime provinces. Many Acadians later resettled in the United States, particularly Louisiana, contributing to the Cajun heritage.
Applicants should first confirm eligibility by gathering documents proving descent from a Canadian ancestor. Archives caution that patience is required as staff work through the backlog. While some seekers hire immigration professionals, Canada restricts representation to Canadian lawyers and licensed Canadian immigration consultants.
Once the necessary documents are gathered, applicants can submit a paper application for a proof of Canadian citizenship certificate, which is a prerequisite for obtaining a Canadian passport. After receiving the certificate, a passport application typically takes 10 to 20 business days to process.
Dual citizenship grants rights in both Canada and the United States, including residency and work opportunities in either country. Maple News notes that Canada taxes based on residency rather than citizenship, so tax obligations for dual citizens depend on where you live and work. Those pursuing this route should seek guidance from qualified professionals to navigate legal and tax implications.