Dual Citizenship Canada: What is it and How Does it Work?

Dual citizenship in Canada allows individuals to hold legal rights and responsibilities in two countries at the same time. Canada recognizes dual citizenship, meaning Canadians can keep their original citizenship while obtaining citizenship in another country.

Understanding the process of obtaining dual citizenship is important for Canadian travelers. The legal process involves applying through the appropriate channels in both countries, with local authorities playing a key role in approval. We will explore the requirements, steps, and benefits of dual citizenship and the impact on current citizenship status.

This guide will be multi-dimensional and explain how Canadians can get U.S. citizenship and how Americans can get Canadian citizenship, focusing on the close proximity and strong relationship between the two countries. Here is more of what to expect:

• Does Canada allow dual citizenship?
• Benefits of Canadian Dual Citizenship
• How to Get Dual Citizenship in Canada
• Requirements for Canadian Dual Citizenship
• How to Obtain U.S Citizenship as a Canadian
• How to Obtain Canadian Citizenship as an American
• Disadvantages of Canadian Dual Citizenship

What is dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship, often referred to as dual nationality, is a legal identity that recognizes a person as a citizen of two or more countries at the same time. As a dual citizen, that person can work, reside, or travel between their home country and the foreign country where they hold citizenship.

Not all countries permit more than one nationality. So, it is essential to check with your home country’s laws and regulations before you seek dual citizenship.

Does Canada allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Canada allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold more than one nationality without losing your Canadian citizenship.

Canadians can acquire citizenship from another country or keep a previous nationality if the other country allows dual citizenship.

This means you can enjoy the rights and benefits of both countries, such as living, working, and traveling freely. After you obtain citizenship, you may also be able to vote in elections and access public healthcare, education, and other services in both countries.

Benefits of Canadian Dual Citizenship

Canadian dual citizenship combines the advantages of two national identities. Here are three benefits:

Increased mobility and travel

Dual citizens enjoy the freedom to live, work, and travel between Canada and their other country of citizenship without needing visas.

Additional education opportunities

Dual citizenship offers access to educational systems in both countries, often at lower tuition rates for citizens. Canada has some of the best educational systems worldwide.

Extended employment prospects

Dual citizenship broadens job opportunities for Canadians by allowing them to work in both Canada and another country. This is especially advantageous in industries that value international experience. Additionally, it removes the need for employers to sponsor work permits, making dual citizens more attractive candidates.

Dual rights and privileges

Anyone obtaining Canadian citizenship gains legal rights in Canada and their second country. They can access healthcare, social services, and other benefits.

How to Get Dual Citizenship in Canada

To become a dual citizen in Canada, you must be a Canadian citizen. You get dual citizenship when the government of Canada and another country allow you to have citizenship. The methods below provide a pathway to Canadian citizenship and more than one nationality.

Automatic acquisition by birth

Children of dual citizens can easily obtain Canadian citizenship under dual citizenship laws. If you were born in Canada, your Canadian birth certificate is often sufficient proof of citizenship. A child born in Canada may also be eligible for their parents’ nationality, depending on their home country’s laws. For example, a child born in Canada to U.S. citizen parents would gain Canadian citizenship and could claim U.S. citizenship through their parents.

Naturalization through residency

To become a Canadian citizen, individuals must meet naturalization criteria set by the government of Canada. They also must meet the permanent resident status, which includes living in Canada for three of the last five years, speaking English, and passing a citizenship test. If allowed by their home country, they can retain their original citizenship.

By descent or ancestry

Canadian citizenship by descent is granted to first-generation children born abroad to Canadian citizens, enabling dual citizenship if the other country also offers it. To maintain dual citizenship, individuals must follow the laws of both countries, including tax obligations and residency requirements.

Citizenship by investment

Canada citizenship by investment programs offer an additional path to citizenship. Many investors seek dual citizenship by making economic contributions to a foreign country. One of the most popular programs is the Canada Startup Visa, designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs. The basic requirements are venture capital of CAD 200,000 and an angel investor group investment of CAD 75,000.

Requirements for Canadian Dual Citizenship

To get dual citizenship in Canada, foreign nationals must:

• receive a permanent resident status
• have lived in Canada for three out of the last five years
• proof of filed your taxes, if you need to
• pass a citizenship test to become a Canadian citizen
• provide language proof
• demonstrated good moral character

Like many other countries, Canada doesn’t automatically allow people to acquire dual citizenship or obtain a Canadian passport when they marry a Canadian national. If you’re the spouse of a Canadian citizen, you must meet the same eligibility criteria like everyone else.

Dual Citizenship Application Process in Canada

Applying for dual citizenship is similar to a standard procedure for applying for citizenship, as the Canadian government doesn’t have a separate process for dual nationality. You must go through the official Application for Canadian Citizenship channels and check for additional information.

According to citizenship and immigration services and Canadian law, you can only apply online if:

• You are a permanent resident and 18 years of age or older.
• You are a minor with permanent residency with one parent who is a Canadian citizen or one parent who is simultaneously applying for Canadian citizenship.
• Or you are a minor with permanent residency who does not have one parent who is a Canadian citizen or one parent who is applying for Canadian citizenship at the same time.
• Pay the processing fee and the right-of-citizenship fee.

How to Obtain U.S Citizenship as a Canadian

Canadians can obtain U.S. citizenship with the following methods:

• By birthright. Any child born on U.S. soil automatically receives U.S. citizenship, regardless of their parent’s nationality. For example, if a Canadian gives birth in the U.S., the child is a U.S. citizen by birth, and the child may also be eligible for dual Canadian citizenship through their Canadian parent(s).
• Family sponsorship. Family-sponsored immigration lets Canadian citizens sponsor their spouse or immediate family for a U.S. green card. After three years of residency, they can apply for U.S. citizenship. U.S. citizens can also sponsor Canadian family members.
• Naturalization. After becoming a green card holder, Canadians can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization after three to five years, depending on their status.
• Employment. Canadians can obtain U.S. citizenship through employment, usually with a TN visa or employer-sponsored green card. The visa is often granted for three years and can be extended if needed. Canadians can apply for U.S. citizenship after obtaining a green card and holding it for five years.
• Investment. The investment route also allows Canadians to invest in the U.S. through the EB-5 Investor Visa, gaining permanent residency and eventually applying for U.S. citizenship.

How to Obtain Canadian Citizenship as an American

Getting a Canadian passport as an American almost resembles the U.S. process. For instance, Canada also offers work permits that can eventually lead to citizenship and a Canadian passport. However, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) require Americans to obtain permanent residency first. After meeting residency and other criteria, they can apply for naturalization.
In addition to the routes of getting citizenship through family sponsorship and automatic birth, there are also these options:

• Study-based pathway. U.S. citizens can apply for permanent residency after completing studies in Canada and obtaining a work permit.
• Work permits. U.S. citizens on work permits may be eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
• Physical presence requirement. After obtaining permanent residency, U.S. citizens must live in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) within five years before applying for citizenship.

The Application Process for Canadian Citizenship for Americans

Once the residency requirement is met, U.S. citizens can apply for Canadian citizenship through naturalization. The process includes submitting documents to Canadian consular services and completing required forms.

• Fill out a citizenship application with the required documents (e.g., proof of permanent residency, physical presence, identity documents, copies of tax returns, citizenship photos, etc.)
• Be between 18 and 54 years old.
• Pass the citizenship test on Canadian history, values, institutions to obtain citizenship.
• Provide language proof with adequate proficiency in either English or French to apply for Canadian citizenship.
• Show you haven’t committed serious crimes and have followed Canadian laws while residents.

How long does it take to obtain dual citizenship in Canada?

The processing time for dual citizenship in Canada varies based on your current status and application process. If you are a Canadian citizen applying for a Canadian citizenship certificate, the processing time can take four months.

But, if you are a foreigner from another country seeking dual citizenship, you must first immigrate to Canada and become a permanent resident. You must meet the residency requirements, physical presence requirement, and prove you have the language skills and capacity to pass the citizenship test. In most cases, this entire process can take at least three to five years. Any unfulfilled conditions related to the application process could cause delays.

Disadvantages of Canadian Dual Citizenship

While dual Canadian citizenship offers numerous benefits, it has certain challenges and complications. The cons of dual citizenship include:

• Complex tax obligations. The Canadian government taxes based on residency and global income, while some countries tax citizens regardless of where they live. Tax treaties between Canada and other countries can help prevent double taxation.
• Compulsory military service. In some countries, citizenship requires military service. If you are a dual Canadian citizen, you may have to fulfill military service requirements in your original country of citizenship. Being a dual citizen could affect your freedom to travel.
• Political and legal implications. Dual citizenship can be challenging as it requires adhering to the laws and regulations of two countries. For instance, an activity that is lawful in one country might be illegal in another country.
• Administrative burdens. Maintaining dual citizenship requires significant administrative work, such as renewing Canadian passports and keeping up with legal changes in both countries.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Dual Citizenship

Does Canada allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Canada, like the United States, allows you to have dual nationality while keeping your Canadian citizenship. However, not all countries allow this. Other countries may even consider dual nationality illegal for you to have another citizenship.

Which countries allow dual citizenship with Canada?

Many countries in Europe, Africa, and the Americas allow dual nationality. Some areas where Canadian citizens can hold dual citizenship are the United Kingdom, United States, Greece, Belgium, Nigeria, South Africa, Israel, Armenia, and Jamaica. These regulations can change, so contact the country’s consulate or embassy before you leave Canada.

Which countries don't allow Canadian dual citizenship?

Some countries do not allow dual nationalities or more than one nationality. These countries are India, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria. To become citizens, applicants must choose a new nationality or renounce their previous one.

How long does it take to get permanent resident status in Canada?

In most cases, for skilled workers applying through the Express Entry system, the processing time is typically around six months once an application is submitted. However, this timeline can change based on the volume of applications received, the complexity of cases, and the completeness of the application.

My father was born in Canada can I get dual citizenship?

If your parents became Canadian citizens through naturalization, they must have gained citizenship and passed the citizenship test before you were born. Currently, only the first generation born abroad to citizen parents automatically gets citizenship. If a Canadian parent was born in Canada, then the child born is automatically a Canadian citizen.

Can I have dual citizenship in Canada and another foreign country?

Yes, Canada allows its citizens to hold dual or multiple citizenship. You can be a Canadian citizen and also a citizen of another foreign country, provided the foreign country also permits dual citizenship.

Will I lose my Canadian citizenship if I become a citizen of another country?

No, when you gain citizenship of another country does not mean you’ll lose your Canadian citizenship. Canada recognizes dual citizenship, so you can hold citizenship in another country without affecting your Canadian status.

Do I need to renounce my citizenship to become a Canadian citizen?

No, Canada does not require you to give up your original citizenship to become a Canadian citizen. However, your country of origin may have rules about holding dual citizenship, so it’s important to check with the country’s citizenship and immigration services.

Does Canada allow dual citizenship for US citizens?

Yes, Canada allows dual citizenship for U.S. citizens. If a U.S. citizen becomes a naturalized Canadian citizen, they can retain their U.S. citizenship, as both countries permit dual citizenship.

Can a green card holder obtain citizenship in Canada?

Not directly. The green card is designed for the United States. To become a Canadian citizen or obtain dual citizenship in Canada, applicants from a foreign country must first obtain a Canadian permanent residence, live in Canada for some time, and then apply for Canadian citizenship.

What could delay my dual citizenship application in Canada?

Any unfulfilled conditions related to your application could cause delays in processing times. These factors can include: missing documents, failing the citizenship test, not meeting the residency requirements, pending background checks, etc.

If I'm a U.S. citizen with dual citizenship, can the Canadian government issue a removal order against me?

If you are a U.S. citizen with Canadian dual citizenship, the Canadian government cannot issue a removal order for you to leave Canada. Immigration authorities issue a deportation order if the person unlawfully resides in Canada. Dual citizenship makes you a legal citizen.