Maple News reports data compiled from The Canadian Press showing Americans filed the largest share of citizenship-by-descent applications in January 2026, following a law change that broadened access. The shift comes as Canada’s Bill C-3 removed the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent, effectively expanding eligibility for millions with Canadian ancestry.
In January 2026, nearly 2,500 U.S. citizens submitted applications for Canadian citizenship by descent. By comparison, the United Kingdom registered 290 applications, underscoring a pronounced lead for the United States in the month. Overall, the American surge in January outpaced the combined total of other top source countries in that period.
The spike follows December 15, 2025, when the new rule took effect, enabling individuals to claim Canadian citizenship through ancestry without the previous generational cap. Prospective dual citizens need only apply for proof of citizenship to obtain a Canadian passport. Many applicants have begun the process “just in case,” even if they do not immediately plan to move to Canada.
One illustrative case is Scott, a serial entrepreneur from Upstate South Carolina, who learned that his grandmother was Canadian. With the new law, he realized he could claim citizenship by descent and pursued proof of citizenship. He notes that, for now, his preference is to stay in the United States, but the option offers broader flexibility amid political and civil-liberties concerns.
The eligibility framework extends to generations back, with no fixed cut-off for how far back the Canadian connection can go. This is particularly relevant in regions like New England, where historical migration from Quebec to the northeastern United States between 1840 and 1930 creates sizable Canadian roots for many residents.
Analysts warn that January’s numbers may represent only the tip of the iceberg. In all of 2025, the United States accounted for about 24,500 citizenship-by-descent applications—roughly 30% of the global total—suggesting a sustained wave of interest as more people discover potential Canadian ties. As more Americans pursue proof of citizenship and potential passports, Maple News will monitor how this trend shapes migration patterns, travel flexibility, and the broader dynamics of dual citizenship.
If you’re curious about eligibility, Maple News notes that resources exist to assess whether you qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent and to guide you through the proof-of-citizenship process.