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If you have Canadian roots in your family tree, 2026 could be the year you gain new legal status in Canada. If you are unsure of your lineage, it would be best to start researching it.
The Latin American diaspora that came to the United States seeking security and stability, and now has U.S. citizenship, even in other parts of the world, could have Canadian citizenship and not yet know it, thanks to the new law on family lineage.
In this blog, I will provide you with practical, up-to-date, and reliable information to help you find out if you are eligible for Canadian citizenship. We invite you to read to the end to discover tips and recommendations on how to successfully navigate the process by making informed decisions.
To begin with, let's talk about a reality that few mention: Latinos living in the United States who have U.S. citizenship and who, without knowing it, could already be citizens of Canada.
Note: Americans are often mentioned because it is estimated that there are 6 million of eligible voters in that country due to historical migration, but a Latino in South America has exactly the same rights under the Bill C-3.
Thanks to new Canadian regulations, you can not only diversify your immigration status, but you can also consolidate triple citizenship (your country of origin, the United States, and Canada).
Unlike a native American who may not see the urgency of change, you understand the value of a "Plan B."
As Latinos, we know that stability outside of home is often not a given. Obtaining Canadian citizenship through descent allows you to secure rights for yourself and your children while maintaining your current life in the US.
Important: Does the new law only apply to Americans or does it apply to other nationalities?
Applies to all nationalities worldwide. Anyone, whether from Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, or Spain, who has a Canadian ancestor (father or mother) is covered by this law.
Canada recognizes and allows dual (or multiple) citizenship without requiring you to renounce other citizenships. When you obtain Canadian citizenship, you retain your US passport and can obtain:
In terms of taxes, unlike the US, Canada will not charge taxes for being a citizen, unless you reside in the country.
To prove Canadian ancestry, you must demonstrate an unbroken chain of citizenship from the original ancestor to you. Under the new regulations, there is no generation limit if the birth occurred before December 15, 2025, provided that the legal transmission of the right has not been interrupted in the past by formal renunciations or old laws.
Search in Canada: After conducting a family assessment at home and determining that you indeed had a Canadian ancestor or forebear, go to:
In your country of origin or in the United States, gather recent certificates to connect the line. Name changes, adoptions, or migrations can complicate the test, so specialized advice is recommended from the outset.
This date marks the coming into force of Bill C-3, restoring citizenship to thousands of "lost Canadians" and eliminating the First Generation Cut-off for those born before that day.
December 15, 2025 marks a turning point for citizenship by descent.
Note: The citizenship test (citizenship certificate) is the legal procedure for the government to recognize that you are already a citizen by law. This is an essential requirement.
For more details on how to apply and what documents to prepare, see our specialized article: See blog on the new Citizenship Act C-3.
For a migration process to be successful, it must be planned from start to finish. This helps to avoid rejections due to expired documentation. Check the dates of both your applications and the expiration dates of all your necessary documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.).
Start searching for your ancestors as soon as possible. Talk to your family members at home to gather as much information as possible.
Note: Ask yourself these key questions: Do I know how to apply for Canadian citizenship? Have I thoroughly researched my family lineage to confirm a Canadian ancestor? What will a Canadian passport be useful for?
The average processing time for a citizenship certificate application is approximately 14 months (according to official IRCC data). This means that if you want to see it approved in 2027, you should start the process as soon as possible.
For children born after December 15 , 2025, at least one parent must have resided in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) prior to the birth or adoption.
In the US or your country of origin, gather recent records to connect the family. Name changes, adoptions, or migrations can complicate matters, so start early and seek advice from regulated consultants and lawyers if necessary.
To avoid disputes, it is necessary to accurately document the records of children born after December 15, 2025.
Making a plan will help you complete the process correctly. Stay up to date by visiting the official website and sources on Canadian immigration, such as our blog.
Do you have questions about the Canadian or U.S. citizenship process? At Immiland Law Professional Corporation, we can help.
We are regulated consultants and attorneys specializing in immigration procedures.
If you are interested in applying for U.S. citizenship, you can consult our service: Immigration Applications in the United States - Citizenship.
For immigration services in Canada, you can contact us at https://en.immilandcanada.com/law/contact and request a Free Profile Review or Schedule an Appointment, depending on your needs.
I hope this article motivates you to explore your family tree and find out if you can apply for Canadian citizenship by descent in 2026.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. See you in our next blog post, where we will continue to build your Canadian dream with professionalism and empathy!
With love,
Immiland Law Professional Corporation
