Since Bill C-3 came into effect on December 15, 2025, Americans have been applying for Canadian citizenship in record numbers. As of March 2026, nearly 48,000 people were waiting for decisions on citizenship certificate applications — and the number keeps growing.
What's Driving the Surge?
Several factors are converging to create unprecedented demand for Canadian citizenship by descent:
1. Bill C-3 Removed the Generational Limit
Before December 2025, only first-generation Canadians born abroad could claim citizenship by descent. Bill C-3 eliminated that restriction entirely. Now, if you can trace your lineage to a Canadian ancestor — whether a parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, or further back — you may already be a Canadian citizen.
2. Political Uncertainty in the United States
CNN reported that many Americans are applying "just in case," motivated by a desire for dual citizenship as a form of insurance. The demand for second passports has surged globally, and Canada's new law provides an accessible pathway for millions of Americans.
3. The Canadian Passport Advantage
A Canadian passport provides visa-free access to over 185 countries, the right to live and work anywhere in Canada, and access to Canadian healthcare and social services once resident.
4. Massive Ancestry Overlap
Millions of Americans have Canadian ancestry they may not even know about. Centuries of cross-border migration — especially French Canadians to New England, Scottish and Irish settlers through the Maritimes, and prairie settlers moving between the northern Great Plains and Canadian provinces — created deep family connections.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Requests for certified copies of vital records from Canadian provinces have exploded. Some provinces reported a 3,000% increase in requests — from 32 in January 2025 to over 1,000 in January 2026. Provincial vital statistics offices are struggling to keep up with demand.
The current processing time for citizenship applications is approximately 11 months, up from previous averages. IRCC has acknowledged the backlog and is working to increase processing capacity.
What This Means for You
If you're considering applying, the best time to start is now. Processing times are likely to increase as more applications come in. Getting your documents ordered early — especially provincial birth certificates, which can take 4-8 weeks — gives you a head start.
MaplePass can help you check your eligibility in under 2 minutes and guide you through the entire application process, from document ordering to a ready-to-submit CIT 0001 package.