Turn Your Family History Into Canadian Citizenship

If your parent, grandparent, or any Canadian relative was born in Canada, you may qualify for Canadian citizenship (and a Canadian passport). Get clear legal guidance from a licensed immigration lawyer, and proof of your Canadian heritage from a professional genealogist.
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Who We Help Move to Canada

If you are an American with a parent, grandparent, great-grandparent or another ancestor born in Canada, you may already be a Canadian citizen.

We can help you:

  • Claim Canadian citizenship
  • Obtain a Canadian passport
  • Prove your Canadian heritage with a professional genealogist
  • Trace your ancestry and find the documents you need
  • Understand recent changes, including Bill C-3, and whether you qualify
Meet with Cédric
Man in blue jacket with backpack standing on rocks by turquoise lake with forest and snow-capped mountains in the background.

How it Works

1. Consultation

Book a paid consultation with Cédric Marin, our licensed Canadian immigration lawyer. He will assess your chances of success, identify risks in your application and how to protect against refusals, review the documents you have to identify any gaps that might weaken your application, and provide clear legal advice on how to proceed.

2. Onboarding & Lineage Confirmation

If you decide to work with us, this is where we do what other lawyers do not. We contract a professional genealogist (included in the Proof of Canadian Citizenship flat fee) to locate baptismal records, census documents, and historical records that confirm your Canadian lineage.

From there, we take full ownership of your file: completing forms, reviewing and gathering documents, mailing your application, and handling all matters (except fraud) until a decision is made.

3. Build Your Case

With confirmed genealogical evidence, we prepare a complete application with legal submission letters explaining why it should be approved. We handle filing fees, registered mail, and all administrative details.

4. Submit & Support

Processing typically takes 10–12 months. If approved, you receive a Canadian citizenship certificate and can apply for a passport, enjoying full rights as a Canadian citizen.

Claim the Canadian Citizenship You Inherited

Don’t let missing records or a complex application process stop you from claiming your Canadian citizenship. Book a consultation with Cédric today for honest legal advice on your citizenship by descent and how to proceed.

30 Minute Call

60 Minute Call

Why Choose Marin Immigration Law

Work Directly With Your Lawyer
Experience a dedicated, lawyer-centric approach where your file is never delegated to a junior clerk, external consultant, or automated system. Cédric Marin takes personal ownership of your case, managing every phone call, document review, and legal submission from beginning to end.

Professional Genealogist
We contract a professional genealogist for every citizenship by descent case to confirm the Canadian lineage, locate original-source documents, and provide documentation that immigration officers can easily verify. This is included in your flat fee, not an add-on.

Proven Track Record
Cédric knows how immigration decisions are made from the inside. He clerked at the Federal Court under Justice Mosley and served as a decision-maker at the Immigration and Refugee Board. His extensive experience and knowledge of Canadian law maximize the success of every application we file. We have also been featured for our work in the media.

The Marin Immigration Law Difference

What our clients say

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back can my Canadian ancestor be?

Bill C-3 removed the previous first-generation limit, meaning you can now claim citizenship even if your Canadian ancestor is your great-great-great-grandparent. It also addressed maternal discrimination and retention requirements. Our consultation will determine whether your specific lineage qualifies under current law.

What if I don't have documents proving my ancestor was Canadian?

That is exactly why we hire a genealogist. They will locate baptismal records, census entries, and historical documents to confirm the lineage. Our approach is to take the time needed to build a thorough, well-documented file instead of just submitting what you have on hand.

What happens if my application is refused?

You remain a U.S. citizen. An unsuccessful citizenship application has no negative impact on your immigration status, your ability to visit Canada, or any future applications you might make (barring fraud, etc). If your application is returned as incomplete (for example, missing a document), we will resubmit it at no additional cost. The downside is limited.

How long does the whole process take?

Our legal preparation typically takes a minimum of four weeks, depending on how quickly genealogical records can be obtained. We prioritize completeness and giving your application the best chance of success, rather than rushing to file. Once submitted, the government takes approximately 10–12 months to render a decision.

Can I buy property in Canada with Canadian citizenship?

Yes. Canadian citizens are not subject to the foreign buyer restrictions that apply to non-citizens. Dual citizenship also provides unrestricted access to live and work in Canada.

Ready to Get Started?

Book a call today!