Americans Seek Canadian Citizenship Amidst U.S. Political Uncertainty

Amid rising political tensions in the United States, a growing number of Americans are exploring their Canadian roots and applying for citizenship. Driven by concerns over recent events, including immigration policies and ideological divides, many are seeking a “Plan B” in the form of Canadian citizenship, particularly following changes to Canada’s citizenship rules.

New Pathway to Citizenship Through Bill C-3

Recent changes to Canada’s citizenship laws, specifically through Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025), have opened a pathway for individuals born abroad to claim citizenship by descent. Prior to this legislation, citizenship by descent was limited to the first generation. Now, the law retroactively grants citizenship to those who would have qualified had this limitation not existed, effective December 15, 2025. This change followed a 2023 Ontario Superior Court of Justice decision that deemed the first-generation limit unconstitutional.

Cassandra Fultz, a regulated Canadian immigration consultant, notes that the certificate of Canadian citizenship has become “the hottest ticket in 2026,” coinciding with a period of increased global instability and a broader interest in obtaining a second passport.

Stories of Seeking Canadian Roots

For Lynn Rutman, a resident of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with long-standing family ties to Quebec and Nova Scotia, the decision to pursue Canadian citizenship stems from anxieties about the political climate in the U.S. “We experience like we wish that Plan B so that we recognize we have a place to go in the event that things get even worse here,” she said.

Mary and Ryan Hamel, who moved to Quebec from Massachusetts as temporary foreign workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, are as well taking advantage of the new legislation. With French Canadian ancestry, they are actively gathering documentation to support their claim.

Navigating the Application Process

The application process requires documentation such as baptismal or birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other records proving parentage and place of birth. Immigration consultant Fultz highlights that discrepancies in names – for example, anglicized versions of French names like Pierre becoming Pete – are common challenges, and supporting documentation like census records or property deeds can be helpful.

The Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) has experienced a significant surge in requests for certified copies of vital records. In January 2025, BAnQ received 32 requests; in January 2026, that number jumped to over 1,000, with the vast majority coming from American citizens. Similar increases in requests have been reported by archives in New Brunswick, British Columbia, Newfoundland, and Ontario.

Archivist Sarah Hanahem at BAnQ cautions applicants to expect delays due to the high demand, emphasizing that priority is given to Quebec residents. She also notes the time-consuming nature of the research process, which often involves resolving discrepancies in names and locating specific records.

Historical Ties and Franco-American Identity

The current surge in interest is rooted in a long history of migration between the U.S. And Canada. Between 1840 and 1930, approximately one million French-speaking Canadians, primarily from Quebec and Acadia, emigrated to the United States during a period known as the Great Hemorrhage. They largely settled in New England factory towns, creating French Canadian communities often referred to as “Little Canadas.”

David Vermette, an author and researcher specializing in Franco-American history, believes Bill C-3 presents an opportunity for Quebec to reconnect with its diaspora. He suggests that many Franco-Americans maintain a strong connection to their Québécois heritage and identity.

For Patricia Evan Martins, whose grandmother emigrated from Quebec to Maine as a child, obtaining Canadian citizenship represents a validation of her long-held sense of belonging. Ryan Hamel echoes this sentiment, stating, “My mindset is much more Canadian than American. So it will feel very natural for me.”

Looking Ahead

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) anticipates receiving tens of thousands of applications for Canadian citizenship certificates as a result of Bill C-3. As of early March, nearly 48,000 applications were already pending, with an estimated processing time of 11 months. The increased demand underscores a growing trend of Americans seeking alternative citizenship options amidst political and social uncertainty.