Alfie Jones, a talented football player born in England, recently became a Canadian citizen and secured a spot on Canada’s national soccer team, all thanks to his grandmother’s roots in Hillcrest, Alberta.

Until recently, having a Canadian grandparent did not automatically grant citizenship. However, changes in Canada’s citizenship laws have made it possible for individuals like Jones to benefit from their ancestral ties.

At 28, Jones, a defender from Bristol playing for England’s Middlesbrough FC, never imagined he would one day hold Canadian citizenship. It was a casual conversation with Canadian midfielder Liam Millar that sparked the realization of his eligibility.

Following Millar’s tip, the process to confirm Jones’s eligibility and pursue Canadian citizenship began. Legal counsel was engaged, family documentation was gathered, and necessary checks were completed to fulfill the requirements under the new legislation.

Despite the pending Bill C-3 in Parliament, Jones qualified for citizenship under recent changes that addressed the issue of denying citizenship to children born abroad to Canadian parents born outside the country.

In March 2025, interim measures were introduced to grant citizenship to individuals like Jones who were previously ineligible due to the first-generation limit. This rule, which prevented citizenship from passing to grandchildren born outside Canada, was a barrier that was finally overcome.

On November 17, 2025, Jones officially became a Canadian citizen, just in time to represent Canada in a pre-World Cup friendly match against Venezuela. His journey culminated in being named to Canada’s roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in May 2026.

Unlocking Citizenship: The Impact of Canadian Ancestry

Understanding the significance of having a Canadian grandparent or ancestor in today’s citizenship landscape…