A growing number of Americans are exploring whether they qualify for Canadian citizenship after Canada made major changes to its citizenship-by-descent rules in December 2025.
The change has drawn attention across the United States, especially in parts of New England where many families have deep historical ties to Canada. In some states, a large share of residents may now qualify for Canadian citizenship because of ancestors who were born in Canada.
On December 15, 2025, Canada removed the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. As a result, individuals born before that date may be eligible for Canadian citizenship if they can prove a direct family connection to at least one Canadian ancestor, regardless of how many generations separate them.
This change has created new opportunities for millions of Americans whose family histories trace back to Canada.
Many of these family connections can be linked to a major migration movement that took place between 1840 and 1930. During that period, nearly one million French Canadians left Quebec and settled across the Northeastern United States in search of work and better economic opportunities. Historians often refer to this period as the “Great Hemorrhage.”
Because of this migration, several New England states continue to have strong Canadian roots today.
States With The Highest Levels Of Canadian Ancestry
The following states have the highest percentage of residents reporting Canadian ancestry:
| State | Share Of Population With Canadian-Born Ancestry |
| New Hampshire | 8.06% |
| Vermont | 7.59% |
| Maine | 7.00% |
| Rhode Island | 4.05% |
| Massachusetts | 3.40% |
Note that these figures are based on self-reported ancestry data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2024.
Researchers believe the true number of people with Canadian ancestry may be much higher. Many families have lost track of their Canadian roots over generations, while others may simply be unaware that an ancestor was born in Canada.
New Hampshire
Among all American states, New Hampshire has the highest reported percentage of residents with Canadian ancestry.
Experts estimate that nearly one in three residents may be eligible for dual Canadian and American citizenship under Canada’s updated citizenship rules.
The state’s strong Canadian connection is largely due to its close proximity to Quebec. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, thousands of French Canadians crossed the border to work in New Hampshire’s growing industrial economy.
Manchester became one of the most popular destinations. Large textile mills created steady employment opportunities, attracting families from across Quebec.
Genealogical records show that by 1910, approximately 23,000 French Canadians lived in Manchester. They represented nearly 38% of the city’s population.
Their influence became so significant that a unique local French dialect developed within the community.
According to 2024 Census Bureau data, 8.06% of New Hampshire residents identify Canadian ancestry as part of their family background.
For descendants of these families, Canada’s updated citizenship rules may provide a pathway to obtaining proof of Canadian citizenship and eventually a Canadian passport.
Vermont
Vermont has long shared close cultural and family connections with Quebec.
Today, experts estimate that roughly 30% of Vermont residents have French-Canadian ancestry. This means a significant number of residents may qualify for Canadian citizenship through descent.
The connection between Vermont and Quebec dates back generations. The two regions share a border, making migration relatively easy during the nineteenth century.
Historical records suggest that by 1860, more than 16,000 French Canadians had settled in Vermont. At the time, that number exceeded the French-Canadian population of any other New England state.
Many families established roots that continue to shape Vermont communities today.
According to U.S. Census Bureau figures, 7.59% of Vermont residents currently report Canadian ancestry.
For many families, tracing these connections may uncover eligibility for Canadian citizenship under the updated law.
Maine
Maine ranks third among states with the strongest Canadian ancestry connections.
The state’s location directly beside Quebec made it one of the easiest destinations for French-Canadian migrants during the Great Hemorrhage.
Many newcomers settled in mill towns and industrial centres where jobs were available.
One of the best-known examples is Lewiston.
Historical records show that by 1920, Franco-Americans accounted for nearly half of Lewiston’s population. The community became a major centre of French-Canadian culture in the United States.
Even today, parts of Lewiston are known as “Little Canada,” reflecting the city’s historical roots.
According to Census Bureau data, approximately 7% of Maine residents report Canadian ancestry.
As interest in Canadian citizenship grows, many Maine families are beginning to research their family histories to determine whether they have a Canadian-born ancestor.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island also has a strong connection to French-Canadian immigration.
Experts estimate that around one in seven Rhode Island residents may qualify for Canadian citizenship through family ancestry.
Woonsocket, located in northern Rhode Island, became one of the most important French-Canadian communities in the United States.
By 1900, French Canadians made up approximately 60% of the city’s population.
The city’s French heritage remains visible today. Woonsocket is often referred to as la ville la plus française aux États-Unis, meaning “the most French city in the United States.”
Current Census Bureau figures show that 4.05% of Rhode Island residents report Canadian ancestry.
Individuals researching family roots may find valuable resources through the American-French Genealogical Society in Woonsocket. The organization maintains a large collection of historical records and family documents focused on French-Canadian ancestry.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts rounds out the top five states with the highest levels of Canadian ancestry.
While Census Bureau data indicates that 3.4% of residents report Canadian ancestry, experts believe the true figure may be significantly higher.
Some estimates suggest that as many as 10% of Massachusetts residents may have Canadian family roots.
During the Great Hemorrhage, Massachusetts attracted large numbers of French-Canadian migrants because of its growing manufacturing sector.
The state eventually became one of the most important destinations for French-Canadian communities in the United States.
According to historical estimates, Massachusetts had more Franco-Americans than any other state by 1990, with a population of more than 310,000 people.
Family names can sometimes provide clues about Canadian ancestry. French surnames or names that were later translated into English may point to Canadian roots.
Examples include:
- Charpentier becoming Carpenter; and
- Leblanc became White.
These types of surname changes were common as immigrant families adapted to life in English-speaking communities.
How Can Americans Confirm Their Eligibility?
For Americans who discover a direct line of descent from a Canadian ancestor, the updated citizenship law may already recognize them as Canadian citizens by descent.
However, obtaining a Canadian passport requires additional steps.
The first step is applying for a proof of Canadian citizenship certificate.
Applicants must gather official records that demonstrate an unbroken family connection to their Canadian-born ancestor. These documents often include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death records
Collecting these records is often the most time-consuming part of the process, particularly when multiple generations are involved.
Once the required documents are assembled, applicants can submit their proof of citizenship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
In recent months, interest in citizenship by descent has increased sharply. Many Americans are pursuing Canadian citizenship not because they plan to move immediately, but because they value having another option for travel, work, education, or future opportunities.
As awareness of Canada’s citizenship changes continues to grow, more families across New England and beyond are beginning to explore their Canadian heritage and discover connections that may have been hidden for generations.
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