A recent change to Canada’s citizenship rules is opening the door for millions of Americans to qualify for dual citizenship, sparking a sharp rise in applications and inquiries across both countries.

Immigration attorneys report being overwhelmed since the law took effect on December 15, as Americans rush to determine whether they qualify under the expanded criteria. Legal offices in both the United States and Canada say they have shifted resources to handle the growing volume of citizenship-related cases.

The updated law significantly broadens eligibility by allowing citizenship to be passed down through multiple generations. Previously limited to one generation, the new framework enables individuals with a direct Canadian ancestor — including grandparents, great-grandparents or even more distant relatives — to qualify. Those who meet the criteria are already considered citizens under Canadian law but must apply for official recognition.

Applicants born after December 15 must still meet an additional requirement, proving that their Canadian parent lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days.

The change has fueled widespread interest among Americans motivated by a mix of factors, including political tensions, economic opportunities, and family heritage. Many are exploring whether obtaining a Canadian passport could provide greater flexibility for work, travel, or long-term security.

While the application fee for proof of citizenship is relatively low — about 75 Canadian dollars — costs can increase significantly for those who require legal or genealogical assistance to track down documentation such as birth, marriage, and death records.

Processing times are also lengthy. Canadian authorities say it can take around 10 months to receive a citizenship certificate, with tens of thousands of applications currently pending. In the weeks following the law’s implementation, thousands of individuals had already been confirmed as citizens through descent.

The surge comes after a year in which tens of thousands of Americans obtained dual U.S.-Canada citizenship, a number expected to rise further under the new rules.

In Canada, reaction has been mixed. While many welcome new citizens, some have expressed concern that a spike in applications from Americans could strain the system and slow processing for refugees and asylum seekers. Others have raised questions about individuals obtaining citizenship despite having only limited ties to the country.