This year’s citizenship week celebration in Canada (spanning April 12–18) is the first to include millions of Americans, who were granted Canadian citizenship four months ago.

Canada’s new citizenship rules recognize anyone born abroad with a Canadian ancestor—no matter how many generations removed—as a Canadian citizen, for all births and adoptions prior to December 15, 2025.

The law offered a lifeline to individuals seeking dual citizenship through ancestry. Susan, a researcher from Vermont, found her pathway to Canadian citizenship through her Quebecois heritage and British royal lineage.

Susan had considered moving to Canada years ago but faced challenges in the residency selection process. However, recent changes in the law provided her with the opportunity to become an American-Canadian dual citizen.

As an amateur genealogist, Susan traced her family lineage back 50 generations, connecting her to Canadian ancestors. With the necessary documents in hand, she engaged legal assistance to facilitate her citizenship application.

Anticipating her proof of Canadian citizenship certificate this fall, Susan’s ties to Canada have deepened over the years, from childhood readings of Anne of Green Gables to visits to Prince Edward Island and plans for the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

Claiming dual citizenship with Canada through ancestry

Many individuals, like Susan, are exploring the pathway to dual citizenship with Canada through their ancestral connections.