Maple News reports that a newly enacted Canadian law dramatically expands eligibility for Americans with Canadian ancestry to claim dual citizenship and obtain Canadian passports. The changes are encapsulated in Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act, which took effect on December 15, 2025.
Under the new regime, citizenship by descent no longer hinges on a single generation born abroad. Any person born outside Canada before December 15, 2025, who can trace a Canadian ancestor, is automatically eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent and can apply for proof of Canadian citizenship. Citizenship by descent applies to both biological children and adopted children.
The prior First-Generation Limit (FGL), in place since 2009, was ruled unconstitutional by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in December 2023. The C-3 legislation eliminates the FGL for those born before December 15, 2025, and provides an exception to the FGL for children born on or after that date if the Canadian parent meets a substantial connection to Canada test (the parent must have lived in Canada for at least three years prior to the birth or adoption).
Once you have proof of Canadian citizenship, you can apply for a Canadian passport.
The law applies to Americans across the United States, with a notably large potential impact in New England, where an estimated three million Americans may be eligible due to historical Canadian ancestry.
Dual citizens who obtain Canadian passports can enjoy the mobility and rights that come with Canadian citizenship, including the ability to travel more easily and, if desired, settle in Canada permanently.
To pursue proof of citizenship, applicants must provide evidence of their descent, typically including birth certificates, baptismal records, and other ancestry documents. Current processing times for proof of citizenship applications are around 11 months.
Regarding taxes, gaining Canadian citizenship does not impose Canadian income tax obligations unless you become a Canadian resident. Canadian taxes apply based on residency, and US residents who do not relocate to Canada generally would not owe Canadian tax. If you later establish residency in Canada, the US–Canada tax treaty provides relief from double taxation.
In context, Bill C-3 followed a 2023 court ruling on the prior policy. The new framework removes the old first-generation limit and clarifies the rule for children born after the cutoff.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments as more Americans explore dual citizenship paths.