Some Americans who are thinking about leaving the United States may already have another option: Canadian citizenship through their family history.
A June survey found that only 33% of Americans were extremely proud to be American, the lowest share since the survey began in 2001. For people considering a move abroad, this has led to questions about other countries where they could build a future.
Many explore residency options in Portugal or Mexico. However, these routes can involve years of residence, financial requirements, or additional steps before citizenship becomes available.
For Americans with Canadian ancestors, there may be a more direct option. They could already be Canadian citizens under changes to Canada’s citizenship law.
How A Change In The Law May Have Made Someone Canadian?
On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3 came into effect and changed Canada’s rules for citizenship by descent. The law removed the first-generation limit, which had restricted the ability of Canadian citizens born abroad to pass citizenship to their children born outside Canada.
Under the new rules, many people born before the law took effect may qualify for Canadian citizenship through a family line connected to a Canadian ancestor. The number of generations between the applicant and the ancestor does not automatically prevent a claim.
This means some Americans may already be Canadian citizens without moving to Canada, making an investment, taking a citizenship test, or meeting a residence requirement. However, eligibility depends on the individual’s family history and the citizenship rules that apply to their circumstances.
Eligible individuals must apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate to confirm their status. Once they receive the certificate, they can apply for a Canadian passport.
Moreover, Canada and the United States both allow dual citizenship. This means eligible Americans can keep their United States citizenship while also holding Canadian citizenship.
Canadian citizens do not need to apply for permanent residence because that status is intended for people who are not Canadian citizens. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, also cannot apply for a Canadian visa.
How Canadian Citizenship By Descent Compares With Other Options?
Americans planning to live abroad often consider several routes. Each option has different requirements, including family connections, financial resources, or years of residence.
Portugal: Since May 19, 2026, Americans must generally complete 10 years of legal residence before applying for Portuguese citizenship. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, and politics. Portugal’s golden visa offers a residence route for eligible investors, typically requiring an investment or donation of US280,000 to US560,000.
Italy: A law introduced in 2025 narrowed eligibility for citizenship by descent for people born abroad who hold another citizenship. Generally, a qualifying Italian parent or grandparent must have held only Italian citizenship at death or still hold it. Another route may apply when an Italian citizen parent lived in Italy for two consecutive years before the applicant’s birth. Changes introduced in January 2026 also placed annual limits on applications accepted by each consulate.
Ireland: Applicants may qualify through Ireland’s Foreign Births Register if they have an Irish-born grandparent. The Irish government estimates that registration takes about 12 months. Having only a great-grandparent or more distant Irish ancestor does not qualify someone through this route.
Mexico: Temporary residence may require savings of about US$78,000 at some consulates or proof of a regular monthly income. This route provides residency rather than immediate citizenship.
Canada’s Standard Route: Express Entry ranks skilled workers using factors such as language ability, work experience, and education. From November 3, 2026, additional points are planned for certain high-wage Canadian job offers or Canadian work experience. Permanent residents generally need 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada within five years to qualify for citizenship. They must also meet applicable language requirements, pass a citizenship test, and take the oath.
| Route | Must You Move? | Main Requirement | Path To Citizenship |
| Portugal golden visa | Yes | US280,000–560,000 investment or donation | 10 years of residence, plus tests |
| Italy by descent | No | Parent or grandparent who held only Italian citizenship | Recognition of citizenship |
| Ireland by descent | No | Irish-born grandparent | About 12 months to register |
| Mexico residency | Yes | About US$78,000 in savings, or income | Residency first, citizenship later |
| Canada, Express Entry | Yes | Skills, language, education | Three years in Canada, plus tests |
| Canada, citizenship by descent | No | Proof of an unbroken line to a Canadian ancestor | You may already be a citizen |
Unlike routes that require residence or investment, Canadian citizenship by descent focuses on proving a qualifying family connection. Applicants need documents such as birth and marriage certificates that link each generation to their Canadian ancestor. Canadian immigration authorities review the evidence before confirming citizenship.
What Canadian Citizenship Offers?
Canadian citizens can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada without needing a work or study permit. Their citizenship does not expire simply because they continue living in the United States.
Canada may also offer a practical option for Americans who want to remain close to family and friends. Several of its largest cities are within driving distance of the United States border, making travel between the two countries more convenient than relocating overseas.
Political conditions may also influence decisions about moving abroad. A June survey found that 52% of American adults had little or no confidence in the federal government. Another 58% believed the country’s best years were behind it, while 78% felt the American Dream was harder to achieve than it had been for the previous generation.
Research from the Swedish institute V-Dem also highlighted political division in the United States. Its 2025 data placed the country among the 20 most politically polarised countries out of 175. Canada recorded a lower score, indicating less political polarisation under the same measure.
Canadian citizenship may also benefit an applicant’s family. Children born before December 15, 2025, may qualify through the same family line, depending on the applicable rules. For children born outside Canada after that date, an additional requirement may apply when their Canadian parent was also born abroad. In such cases, the parent generally needs to have spent 1,095 days in Canada before the child’s birth.
Citizenship alone does not automatically create a Canadian tax filing obligation for someone living in the United States. Canadian tax obligations generally depend on tax residency and individual circumstances. American citizens and other people required to file United States tax returns must continue meeting their obligations under United States tax law.
How To Get Started?
Americans with family roots in several parts of the country may want to investigate whether they have a Canadian ancestor.
Between 1840 and 1930, nearly 900,000 French-speaking Canadians left Quebec for mill towns in New England. Families in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Louisiana may also have Canadian connections.
Family surnames can offer clues, although a name alone cannot establish eligibility. Names such as Tremblay, Ouellet, and Roy may point towards French Canadian roots. Family stories about a great-grandparent from Quebec or relatives in Ontario may also help identify where to begin researching.
Applicants should gather official records that connect each generation to the Canadian ancestor. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other relevant documents can help establish the family line. Canadian immigration authorities make the final decision based on the evidence and applicable citizenship law.
Planning ahead is important because obtaining proof of citizenship can take considerable time. As of October 2026, the estimated wait for a new citizenship certificate application was 34 months. Someone applying in autumn 2026 could therefore receive confirmation in the summer of 2029, although actual timelines may change.
For eligible Americans, Canadian citizenship may already exist under the law. The next step is to establish eligibility, gather the required family records, and apply for the certificate that confirms their status.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
