Your Canadian Ancestry Could be Worth Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars – Here’s How

June 5, 2026 · WOWERI

Since Bill C-3 came into effect, thousands of Americans have been rediscovering their Canadian ancestry. The bill eliminated Canada’s first-generation limit, making anyone born before December 15, 2025, who can trace a continuous line of descent to a Canadian ancestor, a Canadian citizen by descent.

Introduction

Bill C-3, which came into effect on December 15, 2025, has significantly expanded the eligibility for Canadian citizenship. According to the new rules, anyone born before December 15, 2025, and having a continuous line of descent from a Canadian ancestor, can claim Canadian citizenship by descent.

What is Canadian Citizenship by Descent?

Canadian citizenship by descent is granted to people who can prove their connection to a Canadian citizen. Before Bill C-3 came into effect, this right only applied to the first generation of Canadians born abroad. Now, it applies to anyone who can trace their ancestry back to a Canadian ancestor.

Source: cicnews.com