A growing number of Americans are seeking dual citizenship, with Canada emerging as a popular choice. Last year, there was a significant increase in U.S. citizens applying for Irish citizenship based on ancestry, setting a new record. However, only a small percentage of Americans actually qualify under Irish law. In contrast, Canada’s recent change to its citizenship law in December 2025 has made millions of Americans eligible. This has led to a surge in applications for proof of Canadian citizenship.

Key Changes in 2025

Data from Ireland’s Foreign Birth Register revealed a substantial spike in applications from U.S. citizens in 2025, with numbers soaring to the highest level since digital records began in 2013. Various factors, such as political tensions, rising living costs, and the appeal of global mobility and remote work, have contributed to this trend. Interestingly, in 2025, more Americans relocated to Ireland than Irish nationals moving to the U.S.

While many Americans sought alternative citizenship options from Ireland, Canada introduced Bill C-3 in December 2025, eliminating the first-generation restriction on inheriting Canadian citizenship. This change allows individuals born before December 15, 2025, with Canadian ancestry, regardless of how many generations back, to claim Canadian citizenship by descent. Consequently, a large number of Americans became dual citizens overnight, tracing their lineage to the French Canadians who settled in the U.S. in the 19th and 20th centuries.

In contrast, Ireland’s citizenship by descent primarily requires a parent or grandparent born in Ireland, excluding those with more distant familial ties. With a broader scope for Canadian citizenship eligibility, Google Trends data indicates a higher interest in Canadian citizenship by descent among Americans compared to Irish citizenship by descent.

Process of Obtaining Canadian Citizenship

Canada’s revised citizenship law has streamlined the immigration process for many Americans considering a move. Individuals uncertain about their familial connections can begin by researching their family history, engaging with relatives, and exploring their lineage.