Americans show rising interest as Canada widens citizenship rules

Canada’s new citizenship-by-descent rules, in force since December, let more generations claim citizenship if they can prove descent. IRCC data show descent-based approvals rising by over 1,000 per month this year (Jan 1,140; Feb 1,255; Mar 1,405 versus 275 in Dec 2025), with roughly 48% of the extra approvals coming from the United States. Lawyers say American interest reflects tight U.S. politics and close cross-border ties, while noting most new citizens are expected to live abroad; the rule change followed a 2023 court ruling finding first-generation limits unconstitutional.