On December 15, 2025, Canada eliminated the first-generation limit on Canadian citizenship by descent, for those born before that date. What they do have to apply for is proof of Canadian citizenship, in the form of a Canadian citizenship certificate, a document that confirms their status, and allows them to access the benefits that come with being a Canadian. Those who receive a Canadian citizenship certificate can then use it to apply for a Canadian passport, which ranks higher than the U.S. passport in 2026, as per Henley Passport Index. Benefits of being a Canadian citizenSince Bill C-3 took effect, thousands of Americans have applied for a Canadian citizenship certificate. There are no tax implications of getting a Canadian citizenship certificate for those who don’t move either.