Nigerians, Americans, and other foreigners are rushing to apply for Canadian citizenship under a new law that allows individuals to claim citizenship by descent if they can prove ancestry from grandparents or great-grandparents born in Canada or from a naturalised Canadian citizen. The policy, expanded in December 2025, has triggered a surge in applications and record-breaking demand for historical documents from Canadian archives. This new pathway has opened doors for thousands who were previously ineligible, especially those born outside Canada before December 15, 2025.
The Nova Scotia Archives, which received only 260 requests in 2024, saw over 1,500 requests in the first quarter of 2026 alone, according to manager John Macleod. Many applicants are tracing their roots through birth certificates, citizenship records, naturalisation papers, and other official documents to establish family ties. The sudden spike in demand reflects the urgency among people worldwide to secure Canadian citizenship before potential changes to the policy.
Canada’s immigration ministry reported receiving 6,230 applications between December 15, 2025, and January 31, 2026, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. The citizenship by descent program allows individuals to claim citizenship if their ancestors were born in Canada or became naturalised citizens. For children born after December 15, 2025, parents must have lived in Canada for at least three years to pass on citizenship.
Applicants bear the full responsibility of proving their lineage. The Canadian government does not accept genetic testing or DNA results as valid evidence. Instead, they require official documents such as birth certificates, marriage records, and naturalisation papers that clearly establish familial relationships. This has led many to dig deep into family histories, often reaching out to distant relatives or seeking help from genealogical experts.
The new policy has particularly benefited Americans with Canadian ancestry, as well as Nigerians and other Africans who can trace their roots to Canadian-born or naturalised ancestors. Many are now exploring their heritage more seriously, with some even travelling to Canada to access records or consult with immigration lawyers. The demand for archival research has become so intense that the Nova Scotia Archives is working to manage the influx efficiently.
As the Canadian government continues to process applications, experts warn that the window for citizenship by descent may narrow in the future. The policy remains open for now, but applicants are urged to act quickly. The surge in interest highlights how ancestral ties are being redefined in modern immigration policy, offering a new path to citizenship for millions worldwide. This shift could reshape Canada’s demographic landscape in the coming years.
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