Amid rising tensions in the United States, many Americans are looking to Canada – and their roots – for a possible alternative. Lynn Rutman, a resident of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with family ties to Quebec and Nova Scotia dating back centuries, expressed concern about the political situation in the U.S., citing recent events surrounding immigration enforcement policies and long-standing ideological divides. “It’s not just me, many of us are concerned,” she said.
New Pathway to Citizenship
Recent changes to Canada’s citizenship rules, specifically Bill C-3, are now allowing thousands, like Rutman, to apply for proof of Canadian citizenship. Prior to Bill C-3, citizenship by descent for those born abroad was limited to the first generation. Now, Canadian citizenship is being retroactively granted to individuals born before December 15, 2025, who would have qualified had this limitation not existed.
Cassandra Fultz, a regulated Canadian immigration consultant, described the certificate as “the hottest ticket in 2026.” Fultz also noted that the legislative changes coincide with a period of increased global volatility, leading many Americans to seek a second passport.
For Mary and Ryan Hamel, the new legislation offers a sense of relief. The family of four came to Quebec from Massachusetts as temporary foreign workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ryan stated, “I thought Montreal would be the best place for me and my kids and my job allowed me to do that,” adding that becoming a Canadian citizen was their goal. Both Mary and Ryan, with French Canadian roots, are now gathering documents to prove their lineage.
Applicants typically need baptismal or birth certificates to demonstrate parentage and place of birth, as well as marriage certificates to document any name changes. Fultz explained that name changes were common, with French names like Pierre sometimes anglicized to Pete when individuals moved to the United States. Supporting documentation, such as death certificates, census records, property deeds, court records, or criminal records, can support establish ancestral identity.
Surge in Document Requests
The Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) has seen a dramatic increase in requests for certified copies of vital records. Sarah Hanahem, an archivist with BAnQ in Montreal, reported receiving 32 requests in January 2025, compared to over 1,000 in January 2026, with most requests coming from Americans. Similar increases have been reported by archives in New Brunswick, British Columbia, Newfoundland, and Ontario.
Due to the high demand, Hanahem cautioned international applicants to expect delays, as priority is given to Quebec residents. She also emphasized that the process is lengthy and requires thorough research, often involving discrepancies in names or incomplete historical records.
The Hamels obtained their Quebec documents – a birth certificate – through the Directeur de l’état civil, but acknowledged the process was time-consuming and required multiple steps, including a sworn statement.
David Vermette, an author and researcher specializing in Franco-American history, noted the legislative change is generating buzz on social media, not only among those seeking an exit strategy, but also among those seeking to affirm their Québécois heritage. Between 1840 and 1930, approximately one million French-speaking Canadians emigrated to the United States, largely settling in New England factory towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the change in Canadian citizenship rules?
A 2023 Supreme Court of Canada decision found the previous first-generation limit on citizenship by descent to be unconstitutional.
What documents are typically required to prove Canadian citizenship by descent?
Baptismal or birth certificates to show parentage and place of birth, and marriage certificates to show any name changes are the main documents required, according to Cassandra Fultz.
How many people are currently waiting for a decision on their Canadian citizenship certificate application?
As of the beginning of March, almost 48,000 people were waiting for a decision, with an estimated processing time of 11 months, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
As more Americans explore their family histories and navigate the application process, will this renewed interest in Canadian citizenship lead to a significant demographic shift or a stronger cultural connection between the two nations?
