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Please Note:
Due to a high volume of projects, my current waitlist is approximately 8 to 10 weeks. Response times may also be delayed, but I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Canadian Citizenship Enquiries (U.S. Citizens)

 The information below applies to U.S. citizens seeking Canadian citizenship by descent under recent amendments to Canada’s Citizenship Act (Bill C-3). Please review this carefully before submitting an enquiry.

Current Status of Bill C-3 (March 2026)

Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025), received Royal Assent on November 20, 2025, and came into force on December 15, 2025.

Under the new law:

  • Canada has removed the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent that previously restricted transmission of citizenship beyond the first generation born outside Canada.

  • Those born outside Canada before December 15, 2025, who would have been Canadian had the first-generation limit not existed are now considered Canadian and can apply for proof of citizenship.

  • For people born or adopted abroad on or after December 15, 2025, citizenship beyond the first generation depends on a substantial connection test. This means a Canadian parent born abroad generally must demonstrate a meaningful physical presence in Canada (typically at least 1,095 cumulative days) prior to the child’s birth or adoption in order for the child to qualify.

IRCC continues to update its information and processing guidance as the new regime is implemented, so careful preparation of documentation remains important. 

What Applicants Should Do Before Contacting Me

To ensure that enquiries can be assessed efficiently and meaningfully, applicants are expected to complete the following steps before requesting genealogical verification or certified copies of Canadian archival records.

1. Gather certified civil documents

Applicants should obtain certified copies of U.S. vital records (births, marriages, and deaths) for each generation in their direct line of descent. This is done through the appropriate state or county vital records office. Procedures and timelines vary by jurisdiction, so initiating requests early is strongly recommended. Some applicants choose to consult a local genealogist familiar with their specific U.S. jurisdiction for guidance on locating and ordering records.

2. Genealogical review and lineage readiness

Once core documents are assembled, the lineage should be reviewed to confirm that each generational link is supported and that there are no gaps, inconsistencies, or unsupported assumptions. A Canadian genealogist can assist at this stage by verifying the Canadian ancestral line, identifying required Canadian records, and ensuring that evidence aligns with Canadian genealogical standards.

If a line is not yet documented, the first step is to assemble the basic civil records listed above. Applicants may find it helpful to work with a local genealogist in the relevant U.S. jurisdiction to assist with early-stage organization and documentation before proceeding to a Canadian-based review.

3. Consult a Canadian immigration lawyer

After the lineage has been verified—or in parallel, depending on individual circumstances—applicants should consult a Canadian immigration lawyer to understand how the confirmed facts align with the amended legal framework and IRCC’s current guidance. Legal counsel can advise on eligibility, evidentiary thresholds, and application strategy.

4. Avoid speculative or premature filings

Applications that are incomplete, speculative, or unsupported by documentation often result in refusals or significant delays. Preparing a complete and well-supported file before submission is the most effective way to move forward.

Important Note Regarding Québec Document Certification Fees

For applicants requiring certified copies of Québec civil documents from Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ), the fee per certified document has increased to CAD $350 plus shipping.

 

Before You Get in Touch

Enquiries are most productive once:

  • core civil documents have been gathered, and

  • a documented family line to a Canadian ancestor is available for review.

This allows me to assess scope efficiently and determine whether genealogical verification can proceed.

Thank you for reaching out!
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