How to Immigrate to Canada from the US - Citizenship from Parent or Grandparent

Canadian Immigration Options Available to Americans (and potentially other foreign nationals).

At COMPASS Immigration Solutions, we understand the growing demand for clear, reliable guidance on Canadian immigration for US citizens. It is important to note that no specific immigration programs exist solely for Americans; however, a variety of pathways are available. This blog series will identify the programs applicable to US citizens to move to Canada, detailing the pros and cons of each, and providing the essential knowledge required to navigate your potential move to Canada successfully.

In this post we shift our focus to the easiest option available to a very specific demographic, American citizens with a Canadian parent or grandparent. Keep reading for more information on who can bypass the temporary and permanent resident stages.

Citizenship

Canada’s citizenship legislation limiting citizenship to the first generation born abroad was successfully challenged in 2023; however, new legislation is pending. In the meantime, if you have a parent or grandparent who was Canadian, you may be Canadian. You could also be Canadian if you were born in Canada and never applied for citizenship in the past. This right to citizenship could extend to your children. Limitations to this provision still apply to those born in Canada to foreign diplomats.

Pros of Immigrating to Canada through Citizenship route

• By-pass all temporary and permanent

  resident pathways

• Rights and responsibilities of other

  Canadians

• Dual citizenship is recognized by both 

  countries

Cons of Immigrating to Canada through Citizenship route

• Could be a lengthy process

• Only available to people who were born to Canadian parents, have Canadian grandparents, or who were born in Canada but never applied for citizenship

Although the process of obtaining proof of citizenship can be lengthy, IRCC is considering urgent cases on a discretionary basis, depending on the specific situation. 

Reach out to us at COMPASS Immigration Solutions for support to navigate this process and we can be your guide to getting started on the process.