John Richardson, J.D. – August 13, 2026
Introduction and purpose
This is the third of a series of posts to help you understand Canadian citizenship by descent. Canada’s Bill C-3 which took effect on December 15, 2025 made major changes to Canada’s citizenship laws. By changing it’s “citizenship by descent” rules, Canada has created an opportunity for many U.S. citizens to be formally recognized as Canadian citizens. This series of posts has been designed to understand Canada’s Bill C-3 (effective December 15, 2025) and understand how and why these changes are so valuable for many U.S. citizens.
A series of posts
The first post focused on Understanding The Citizenship By Descent Provisions Of Bill C-3 – The Canada Citizenship Act. Specifically what factual conditions would result in an indiviudal being a Canadian citizen and therefore entitled to a Certificate of Canadian citizenship? (Note that with the exception of naturalization or direct grant, one would, under Canadian law, be a Canadian citizen from birth. Those born in the United States are U.S. citizens from birth. Hence, many people, recognized as Canadian citizens from birth, would be Canada/U.S. dual citizens from birth.)
Understanding The Citizenship By Descent Provisions Of Bill C-3 – The Canada Citizenship Act
The second post is a discussion of “Canadian Citizenship By Descent – A Search For Proof (To Prove The Truth)”
Canadian Citizenship By Descent – A Search For Proof (To Prove The Truth) – 4 Perspectives
If citizenship cannot be proven, it has no functional or practical existence. Therefore, those seeking a Certificate of Canadian citizenship embark on “a search for proof”. Although the law does not establish a formal deadline to submit the application for a “Certificate of Canadian Citizenship”, I suggest applying as quickly as possible. Laws can and do change!
This third post is to explore why eligibility for a “Certificate of Canadian Citizenshp” matters. What good is it to be a Canadian citizen? What role could Canadian citizenship play in your life. So, you are a Canadian citizen? What do you do with it? How can it benefit you and your descendants? I suggest that (particularly as a U.S. citizen) that there are (at least) six ways that having a Canadian passport could enhance your life.
What does it mean to be a Canadian citizen? What does it mean to move to Canada as a Canadian citizen?
This post is organized in the following Parts.
Part A – Taxation is destiny – moving to another country always has tax implications
Part B – If you move to Canada and renounce U.S. citizenship you may be subject to the U.S. “Exit Tax” rules
Part C – A review of who IS a Canadian citizen and entitled to a Certificate of Canadian citizenship”
Part D – I have my certificate of Canadian citizenship – what do I do with it? How do I turn it into a family heirloom? How can I sponsor my spouse?
Part E – Six specific opportunities Canadian citizenship provides to U.S. citizens
Part F – Renouncing U.S. citizenship and having access to the United States as a Canadian citizen
Conclusion
Appendix A – The 877A U.S. Exit Tax Rules
Appendix B – The 877A “dual citizen from birth” exemption to the Exit Tax Rules
Appendix C – The legislative text of the “dual citizen from birth” exemption to “covered expatriate” status
Here we go …