A recent change to Canada's citizenship requirements, effective December 15, has opened the door for millions more Americans to qualify for dual citizenship, leading to an unprecedented surge in applications and overwhelming immigration lawyers in both countries. Driven by political climate, family ties, and job prospects, thousands are now exploring this easier path to Canadian nationality.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Millions more Americans might qualify for dual Canadian citizenship under a recent change to Canada’s requirements that has led to a surge in applications from its southern neighbor. Since the new law took effect Dec. 15, immigration lawyers in the United States and Canada say they have been overwhelmed by clients seeking help submitting proof of citizenship applications. Driven by politics, family heritage, job opportunities and other factors, thousands of Americans are exploring whether the easier process makes now the right time to gain dual citizenship. Nicholas Berning, an immigration attorney at Boundary Bay Law in Bellingham, Washington, said his practice is “pretty much flooded with this.” “We’ve kind of shifted a lot of other work away in order to push these cases through,” he said. RELATED STORIES Trump gives go-ahead to major new Canada-US oil pipeline 3 MIN READ 50 Canadian official backs up report that Iranian soccer chief was denied entry for FIFA event 1 MIN READ Canada will be the headquarters for a future NATO-linked financial institution, official says 1 MIN READ 50 Immigration attorney Amandeep Hayer said his Vancouver, British Columbia-area practice went from about 200 citizenship cases a year to more than 20 consultations per day. This image made from video shows Zack Loud looking through his application for Canadian citizenship at his family’s home in Farmington, Minn., April 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Vancleave) CORRECTION: Zack instead of Zach
