What happened?

This update is part of the Bill C-3 citizenship by descent hub, with the Citizenship guide. A recent amendment to Canada's citizenship law, Bill C-3, has significant implications for some Americans. This change, effective December 15, 2025, allows individuals born before that date with an unbroken family line to a Canadian ancestor to be Canadian citizens. This offers a new perspective on the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday, observed on October 12, compared to the American observance on November 26.

Bill C-3 amended Canada's citizenship law by removing the previous first-generation limit on citizenship by descent for individuals born before December 15, 2025. Consequently, those who can document a direct and unbroken lineage to a Canadian ancestor may now be considered Canadian citizens, regardless of how long their family has resided outside Canada.

Who does this affect?

Historically, US Thanksgiving was declared by President George Washington in 1789 and later by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, settling on the fourth Thursday of November in 1941. Canada's annual proclamations for Thanksgiving began in 1879, fixed to the second Monday of October on January 31, 1957. Between 1840 and 1930, an estimated 900,000 French-speaking Canadians migrated from Quebec to New England's textile mills, impacting towns such as Lewiston, Maine, and Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Families in border states like Michigan, New York, and Minnesota also show these historical connections.

Prior to December 15, 2025, Canada's citizenship law generally prevented a Canadian parent born outside Canada from passing citizenship to a child also born outside the country. Bill C-3 was enacted specifically to remove this limit for individuals born before the effective date.

What does this mean for you?

This legislative change means individuals with Canadian ancestry may already be Canadian citizens under the law. Successful applicants receive a Canadian citizenship certificate, which can then be used to apply for a Canadian passport. There is no language test, citizenship exam, residency requirement, or oath for those already considered citizens. Both Canada and the US permit dual citizenship, so confirming Canadian status does not require relinquishing US citizenship.

Individuals with Canadian ancestry must prove their status by submitting a proof of citizenship application to IRCC, Canada's citizenship department. Upon successful application, they will receive a Canadian citizenship certificate, the document required to apply for a Canadian passport. Families are encouraged to use US Thanksgiving as an opportunity to inquire with older relatives about their family history and potential Canadian connections.