Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, cited by Reuters on may 30, shows that 275 applications for citizenship by descent were approved in 12/2025 after a law expanding eligibility for descendants of Canadian citizens took effect.

Just one month later, in 1/2026, the number of americans acquiring Canadian citizenship by descent surged to 1,140. This figure continued to rise, reaching 1,255 applications in 2/2026 and 1,405 in 3/2026.

The urban area of West Vancouver, Canada. Photo: Reuters

As of february, about 48% of those who obtained citizenship under the new rules were from the US, according to IRCC. Most of these individuals still reside in the US but seek additional options for their future, noted Nick Berning, a US immigration lawyer.

The high proportion of applications from the US reflects the historical ties between the two nations. It also suggests that many americans view Canada as an appealing option for living or studying amid significant political instability in the US, Berning explained.

"The most important thing is that our family has more options", said William Hunnewell, 41, of Seattle, Washington. He submitted his application earlier this year and anticipates a response within nine months to one year. Hunnewell's great-grandfather homesteaded in Saskatchewan before world war I, and his grandfather was born in Canada. "If my children want to study or live in Canada later, they can go there without needing a visa or worrying about residency limits", he added.

Previously, Canada did not permit citizens born abroad to pass on citizenship to their children if those children were also born outside Canada. In 2023, a Canadian court declared this regulation unconstitutional. The legislative changes came into effect in late 2025.

Under the new regulations, individuals can qualify for citizenship if they can demonstrate a direct lineage to a Canadian citizen, potentially across multiple generations. Millions of americans are believed to meet this requirement.

"The current interest in Canadian citizenship is certainly influenced by US politics", lawyer Berning stated. "They want to stay in the US, but if they cannot tolerate the situation, they want an escape route".

The border area between Seattle, Washington, US and Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Photo: Reuters

Political divisions in the US are deepening, with polls indicating an increasing proportion of voters dissatisfied with the Trump administration.

US-Canada relations also became more strained after President Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and repeatedly mentioned the possibility of annexing Canada as the 51st state.

Duc Trung (according to Reuters, Globe and Mail, CBC)