Canadian Citizenship by Descent: Genealogy and the New Citizenship Act

Join us for a FREE virtual program on July 28th at 2:30 p.m. ET!
Register here: acpl.libnet.info/event/16709797
When Canada amended its citizenship law in December, 2025, it removed a significant barrier to citizenship by descent – the so-called “First Generation Limit.” Today, if you have a Canadian ancestor, you might be a Canadian citizen. In this session, you’ll find out why the change occurred, how to apply for a certificate of Canadian citizenship, and what genealogical skills and resources you’ll need to prove your descent from a Canadian-born ancestor.
Mike Sainsbury, MA, MLIS, CG®, received his Certified Genealogist® credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists® in 2024. He worked as a public and academic librarian for 20 years before co-founding dfh Research Services. His company specializes in genetic genealogy and Canadian citizenship cases where no official birth record exists for a Canadian-born ancestor. He has helped dozens of people apply for Canadian citizenship certificates using baptism registers, census returns, naturalization records, and other archival sources.