Millions of Americans May Now Qualify for Dual Canadian Citizenship Under New Law
A recent change to Canada's citizenship requirements has led to a surge in applications from American citizens.
SIOUX FALLS: A new law in Canada has caused a significant increase in dual citizenship applications from the United States.
This development affects millions of Americans who may now be considered Canadian citizens due to their ancestry.
The change in legislation, which took effect on Dec. 15, relaxes the criteria for obtaining Canadian citizenship by descent, making it easier for those with Canadian ancestors to apply.Immigration lawyers in both countries report a substantial influx of clients seeking assistance with proof of citizenship applications.
This surge is driven by various factors, including politics, family heritage, and job opportunities.
For instance, Zack Loud from Farmington, Minnesota, was surprised to learn that his entire family, based on their grandmother's Canadian citizenship, are already considered Canadian citizens.
This realization has prompted him and his wife to consider relocating to Canada for better job prospects.The new law permits individuals to prove their Canadian ancestry, extending the eligibility beyond one generation.
Those born before Dec. 15 can establish citizenship by proving direct lineage to a Canadian ancestor.
Individuals born on or after that date must demonstrate that at least one parent lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days.
The requirement is to provide proof of existing Canadian citizenship and obtain a certificate of citizenship.Amandeep Hayer, an immigration attorney based in Vancouver, British Columbia, has seen a dramatic increase in consultations and applications.
His practice went from handling approximately 200 citizenship cases annually to receiving over 20 inquiries per day following the law change.
Hayer estimates that millions of Americans qualify for dual citizenship under the new legislation.The decision to seek Canadian citizenship varies among American applicants.
For some, such as Michelle Cunha of Bedford, Massachusetts, political activism and dissatisfaction with U.S. policies have driven their interest in Canada.
Troy Hicks from Pahrump, Nevada, was inspired by a trip abroad, where he encountered negative comments about President Donald Trump and the United States.
Maureen Sullivan of Naples, Florida, sees Canadian citizenship as a security measure given the current immigration climate in the U.S.The cost of applying for Canadian citizenship is relatively low at 75 Canadian dollars ($55).
However, additional costs may be incurred if applicants require legal assistance to locate necessary documents that establish their lineage.
The processing time for applications can take around 10 months, with a backlog of over 56,000 pending cases as of January.In Canada, while the population is generally welcoming, some are concerned about potential delays in processing refugee and asylum-seeker applications due to increased demand from Americans seeking dual citizenship.
Critics argue against granting citizenship to individuals with thin ties to Canada, referred to as 'Canadians of convenience.'The new law presents both opportunities for Americans looking to secure their status abroad and challenges for Canadian authorities managing the influx of applications.
This development affects millions of Americans who may now be considered Canadian citizens due to their ancestry.
The change in legislation, which took effect on Dec. 15, relaxes the criteria for obtaining Canadian citizenship by descent, making it easier for those with Canadian ancestors to apply.Immigration lawyers in both countries report a substantial influx of clients seeking assistance with proof of citizenship applications.
This surge is driven by various factors, including politics, family heritage, and job opportunities.
For instance, Zack Loud from Farmington, Minnesota, was surprised to learn that his entire family, based on their grandmother's Canadian citizenship, are already considered Canadian citizens.
This realization has prompted him and his wife to consider relocating to Canada for better job prospects.The new law permits individuals to prove their Canadian ancestry, extending the eligibility beyond one generation.
Those born before Dec. 15 can establish citizenship by proving direct lineage to a Canadian ancestor.
Individuals born on or after that date must demonstrate that at least one parent lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days.
The requirement is to provide proof of existing Canadian citizenship and obtain a certificate of citizenship.Amandeep Hayer, an immigration attorney based in Vancouver, British Columbia, has seen a dramatic increase in consultations and applications.
His practice went from handling approximately 200 citizenship cases annually to receiving over 20 inquiries per day following the law change.
Hayer estimates that millions of Americans qualify for dual citizenship under the new legislation.The decision to seek Canadian citizenship varies among American applicants.
For some, such as Michelle Cunha of Bedford, Massachusetts, political activism and dissatisfaction with U.S. policies have driven their interest in Canada.
Troy Hicks from Pahrump, Nevada, was inspired by a trip abroad, where he encountered negative comments about President Donald Trump and the United States.
Maureen Sullivan of Naples, Florida, sees Canadian citizenship as a security measure given the current immigration climate in the U.S.The cost of applying for Canadian citizenship is relatively low at 75 Canadian dollars ($55).
However, additional costs may be incurred if applicants require legal assistance to locate necessary documents that establish their lineage.
The processing time for applications can take around 10 months, with a backlog of over 56,000 pending cases as of January.In Canada, while the population is generally welcoming, some are concerned about potential delays in processing refugee and asylum-seeker applications due to increased demand from Americans seeking dual citizenship.
Critics argue against granting citizenship to individuals with thin ties to Canada, referred to as 'Canadians of convenience.'The new law presents both opportunities for Americans looking to secure their status abroad and challenges for Canadian authorities managing the influx of applications.
