Nigerians, Others Seek Canadian Citizenship Through Ancestral Links
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
A growing number of Nigerians and other foreign nationals are exploring new opportunities to obtain Canadian citizenship by tracing their family roots to ancestors born in Canada.
This surge follows a policy update by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which expanded eligibility for citizenship by descent. The revised framework allows individuals to qualify if they can establish lineage to grandparents or great-grandparents who were either born in Canada or later naturalised.
Since the policy was introduced in mid-December 2025, interest has intensified globally. Official figures show that more than 6,200 applications were submitted within the first six weeks of the programme, reflecting strong demand from applicants seeking alternative migration pathways.
Authorities have also observed a spike in requests for historical documentation. The Nova Scotia Archives reported a sharp rise in inquiries, with over 1,500 record requests filed in early 2026 alone, far exceeding previous annual figures.
The citizenship-by-descent pathway builds on earlier provisions that limited eligibility to first-generation descendants. Under the revised rules, individuals born outside Canada before the policy’s introduction date may apply, provided they can supply verifiable documentation linking them to a Canadian ancestor.
However, the process comes with strict requirements. Applicants must present official records such as birth certificates, naturalisation papers, and other documents proving family relationships. Canadian authorities have made it clear that DNA or genetic evidence will not be accepted as proof.
For families seeking to extend citizenship to children born after the policy took effect, additional conditions apply. Parents must demonstrate that they have resided in Canada for at least three years before transferring citizenship rights.
Migration experts note that the development is particularly attractive to diaspora communities, including Nigerians, who are increasingly pursuing legal migration options that offer long-term stability and access to global opportunities.
Despite the enthusiasm, officials stress that the burden of proof rests entirely on applicants, and incomplete or unverifiable claims are unlikely to succeed under the tightened documentation standards.
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