A recent report reveals that nearly half of new Canadian citizenship certificates issued since December 2025 are going to Americans, driven by changes in immigration laws. The surge in applications has created significant delays, with wait times now exceeding 25 months. Bill C-3, known as the 'Lost Canadians Act,' allows individuals with Canadian ancestors to claim citizenship, leading to a 50% increase in applications from the U.S. Immigration officials note that the influx of requests, particularly from American residents, is straining federal processing systems. Data shows a sharp rise in applications, with 8,900 submissions in January 2026 compared to 5,940 the previous year. Meanwhile, archives and genealogists in Canada have seen a flood of inquiries from Americans seeking to prove their eligibility. This trend contrasts with other countries tightening citizenship rules, highlighting Canada's unique approach. The backlog has also led to temporary suspensions of some certificates due to documentation concerns, further prolonging delays. Experts warn that the situation could worsen as more applicants navigate the complex process.

According to the Canadian government’s processing-time estimator, applicants for Canadian citizenship certificates are now facing waits of up to a year due to a significant increase in applications from U.S. citizens. This surge follows recent changes to Canada’s citizenship laws that expanded eligibility for individuals who can trace their ancestry to a Canadian forebear. Millions of Americans, particularly in New England, are estimated to qualify because of historical migration patterns from Canada to the United States between 1870 and 1930. In the first few months of 2026, demand from the U.S. added approximately 14,000 applicants to the queue. Those who applied before the surge, such as in December 2025, will experience shorter wait times. The new rules allow individuals born before December 15, 2025, who can demonstrate lineage to a Canadian ancestor, to automatically apply for proof of Canadian citizenship. Obtaining dual citizenship provides Americans with the benefits of both nations, including the ability to live and work in Canada permanently and access Canadian passports. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada determines processing times based on application volume, current backlog, staffing levels, and anticipated future demand, updating estimates monthly. The department offers expedited processing in urgent cases, such as situations involving harm related to race, religion, gender identity, family emergencies, employment needs, or access to social benefits. This development highlights the strong cross-border ties and the appeal of Canadian citizenship for many with ancestral connections.

The IRCC has made significant strides in tackling its immigration backlog, reducing the number of pending applications by an impressive 64,200 between November and December 2024.