Bill C-3 Opens Floodgates for Canada-US Dual Citizenship Claims

Canada has made a significant update to its citizenship law. This change allows many Americans with Canadian ancestry to potentially obtain Canadian citizenship. It is not a new immigration program, but a correction to ancestry-based citizenship rules, also known as citizenship by descent. The change took effect on December 15, 2025, under recent amendments to the Citizenship Act.

Who Qualifies Under the New Citizenship Rules

Canada’s citizenship-by-descent system was updated under Bill C-3, changing how eligibility is determined based on generation, parental residency, and the date of birth or adoption. 

• First, there was a rule called the first-generation limit, which meant Canadian citizenship by descent could usually be passed only to the first generation born outside Canada.
• Second, Bill C-3 changes this system by removing the first-generation limit in certain situations, allowing more second-generation individuals born abroad to qualify.
• Third, there is a 1,095-day residency requirement that applies when a child is born or adopted outside Canada in the second generation or later. In these cases, the Canadian parent must have lived in Canada for at least three years before the child’s birth or adoption.
• Fourth, there are timing-based rules that depend on whether a person was born or adopted before or after December 15, 2025. These rules determine whether someone is automatically recognized, must meet the updated eligibility requirements, or has their status assessed under the revised framework.

In addition to these rules, adopted individuals are handled through a direct grant process, and separate administrative rules apply to people affected by earlier court-related applications.

Increase in Citizenship Applications

Following the change to Canada’s citizenship by descent rules, there has been a noticeable rise in interest and applications since the updated rules came into effect.

Immigration professionals in both Canada and the United States have reported an increase in inquiries about eligibility for Canadian citizenship by descent. There is also a higher demand for help in collecting historical documents, such as birth, marriage, and lineage records that are needed to prove Canadian ancestry. Citizenship by descent applications have increased, contributing to larger backlogs within Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

IRCC aims to complete approximately 80 percent of citizenship applications within about 12 months. Citizenship certificate applications are often processed faster, with many currently taking around 10 months, depending on how complex the case is and how many applications are in the system. Officials and policy discussions indicate that tens of thousands of applications are expected to be affected overall by the Bill C-3 changes, based on prior similar citizenship law updates. 

For some applicants, this change also increases interest in dual citizenship, particularly among individuals who already hold or are eligible for citizenship in another country.

Citizenship Application Process and Fees

Applying for a citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship) involves government fees, along with possible additional costs related to documentation, such as obtaining records, translations, or notarization where required.

• The government application fee is CAD $75 per person for a citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship).
• This fee is non-refundable once processing begins, even if the application is refused. 
• Applicants may also have additional costs depending on their situation, such as:
  • Obtaining official documents like birth, marriage, or death certificates from local authorities
  • Paying for translations or notarization of foreign documents (if required)
  • Optional legal or immigration consultant services for application support
• Many applicants complete the process on their own by using IRCC’s official online guides and forms, without needing to hire professional help. 
• Payment is typically made online, and a receipt must be included with the application.

Note: The core government fee is relatively low, at approximately CAD $75. However, the total cost may vary depending on the complexity of obtaining supporting documents and whether professional assistance is required. 

FAQs

Does the USA allow dual citizenship?
Yes. The United States allows dual citizenship. U.S. law does not require citizens to choose between U.S. citizenship and another country’s nationality. The U.S. government recognizes that people can legally hold more than one nationality at the same time.

Will I lose U.S. nationality if I become a citizen of another country?
No. A U.S. national generally does not lose their status simply by becoming a national of another country. There is no requirement to renounce U.S. nationality when acquiring another nationality.

Can a non-U.S. national keep their original status after becoming American?
Yes, in many cases. The United States allows dual nationality, but whether a person can keep their original nationality depends on the laws of their home country. Some countries allow it, while others require renouncing the original nationality.

Does the U.S. require you to give up your foreign nationality during naturalization?
No. U.S. naturalization includes an oath of allegiance, but it does not legally require you to give up your previous nationality. However, your home country may have different rules and could require you to renounce your original nationality.

Can dual nationals use both passports?
Yes, dual nationals can use both passports, but there are rules. You must use a U.S. passport when entering or leaving the United States. Other countries may also require you to enter and exit using their own passport if you are also a national of that country.