Canadian Dual Citizenship in the U.S. — 2026 Guide

This is the biggest change in Canadian citizenship law in years. Bill C-3 received royal assent on 20 November 2025 and came into force on 15 December 2025, removing the first-generation limit that since 2009 had stopped citizenship passing to a second generation born abroad.

Quick facts

For families in the United States the practical consequence is large: a chain broken by the old rule can now run through multiple generations born abroad, provided there is a qualifying Canadian ancestor in it.

How the new framework works

For births from the commencement date onwards, the Canadian parent must be able to show a substantial connection to Canada, measured in days of physical presence there before the child’s birth.

How to claim

1. Identify the Canadian ancestor and confirm how they held citizenship.
2. Order birth certificates for every person in the chain, plus marriage certificates for each surname change.
3. Gather proof of the ancestor’s citizenship: a Canadian birth certificate, naturalisation papers, a passport or military records.
4. Complete the proof of citizenship application and pay CAD 75.
5. File on paper where the history spans several generations, so the chain can be explained fully.
6. Apply for a Canadian passport once the certificate arrives.

Required documents

• Applicant’s long-form birth certificate naming both parents.
• Birth certificates for each generation in the chain.
• Marriage certificates wherever a surname changed.
• Documents proving the ancestor’s Canadian citizenship.
• Adoption records where applicable.
• Evidence of physical presence in Canada, for births after the commencement date.

Where to apply

To the immigration department, not to a consulate. Missions issue the passport afterwards but do not decide citizenship.

Additional notes

You are not applying for citizenship

If you qualify, you already hold it. The application produces the document that proves a status the law recognises you have had since birth.

Expect a backlog

Applications from the United States rose sharply after the law changed, and tens of thousands of files were pending in the first months of 2026. The published estimate is around nineteen months.

Dual nationality is permitted

Canada allows dual citizenship, and acquiring a Canadian passport does not affect U.S. citizenship.

Archives are the bottleneck

Provincial record offices have seen a surge in requests. Ordering ancestor documents early is the single most useful thing to do first.