California, the most populous state in the U.S., has a long history of attracting people from around the world, whether it be the gold rush of 1848 or the allure of Hollywood.

Migration has played a significant role in California’s population growth, with native-born Californians not outnumbering migrants until 2010.

Canada has been a notable source of migrants to California, leading to tens of thousands of California residents being eligible for Canadian passports today, even without having visited Canada.

Reasons Behind Californians Obtaining Canadian Citizenship

On December 15, 2025, Canada’s Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act, came into effect, removing the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent for individuals born before that date. This change allows those with a documented lineage to a Canadian ancestor to potentially already hold Canadian citizenship, without the need for a citizenship test or oath.

Since the passing of this bill, there has been a significant increase in Americans applying for Canadian citizenship certificates every month.

Given the substantial number of Californians with Canadian ancestry, many now hold a dual citizenship they may not have anticipated.

The Historical Connection Between Canadian Migration and California

Canadian migration to California dates back to the 19th century, with a steady flow of migrants. The California Gold Rush in 1848 brought around 300,000 people to the state, including individuals from Canada. It’s important to note that Canadian citizenship was established as a legal status in 1947, prior to which residents were considered British subjects.

In the 1880s, Canadians made their mark in California by establishing a mill town in Humboldt County, leaving a lasting legacy on the state’s map.