Recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicates a sharp increase in approvals for proof of Canadian citizenship by descent following changes to eligibility rules.

The updated legislation, introduced after a 2023 court ruling found previous restrictions unconstitutional, now allows a broader range of descendants of Canadians—beyond just first-generation born abroad—to claim citizenship.This change has led to approvals rising by more than 1,000 per month so far in 2026.

Monthly figures show 1,140 approvals in January, 1,255 in February, and 1,405 in March, marking a significant increase compared with the 275 additional approvals recorded in December 2025 when the law initially came into effect.

A notable feature of the data is the strong interest from the United States, which accounts for approximately 48 per cent of the additional approvals through February.Immigration lawyers suggest this reflects long-standing familial ties between Canada and the U.S., as well as growing interest among Americans seeking flexibility amid political uncertainty and heightened tensions between the two countries.Factors such as U.S.political polarisation, trade disputes including tariffs, and rhetoric about Canada’s sovereignty have contributed to this trend.

Applicants include individuals tracing ancestry back several generations, often motivated by the desire to secure future options for study, residence, or mobility in Canada.While many new citizens are expected to remain living abroad, they value the ability to relocate if needed.

Lawyers note that while citizenship can provide flexibility, those who obtain it without residing in Canada cannot indefinitely pass citizenship to children born outside the country.Overall, the data highlights both the practical impact of Canada’s updated citizenship laws and their broader geopolitical and social implications.