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

Dual citizenship is legal in Canada. You can be a Canadian citizen and a citizen of another country at the same time. You don’t need to renounce your Canadian citizenship. Instead, you can obtain dual citizenship by birth, naturalization, or descent.

However, the legal process is different in other countries. Some allow their citizens to hold dual nationalities, while others don’t. This article will explore the requirements, steps, and benefits of dual citizenship and the impact on current citizenship status.

Here is more of what to expect:

• Does Canada allow dual citizenship?
• How to Get Dual Citizenship?
• Requirements for 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. A dual citizen can have multiple citizenships simultaneously and not renounce their home country’s nationality.

Canadians can acquire dual citizenship from another country or keep a previous nationality if the other country allows dual citizenship. A dual citizen can enjoy the rights and benefits of both countries.

The benefits of having dual citizenship in Canada include:

• Travel mobility: The freedom to travel between Canada and the other country of citizenship without a visa
• Public education: Access to quality education and lower tuition fees
• Market access: Better job opportunities
• Tax benefits: Access to healthcare and social services
• Voting privileges: After you obtain citizenship, you may also be able to vote in elections in both countries

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. Foreign nationals can get dual citizenship in Canada through: citizenship by birth, naturalization, descent or ancestry, and residence by investment programs.

Canadian citizenship by birth

Canada recognizes birthright Citizenship under “jus soli”. Children of dual citizens can obtain Canadian citizenship under dual citizenship 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.

Citizenship by descent or ancestry

Canadian citizenship by descent is granted to a first-generation child born abroad to Canadian citizens, enabling dual citizenship if the other country also offers it. When applying for citizenship through descent, citizens must provide proof of their parent’s Canadian status at the time of birth. The Government of Canada issues a Certificate of Citizenship as official proof.

Residence by investment

When applying for citizenship in Canada from another country, foreigners must first secure permanent residency. Canada citizenship by investment programs offer an additional path to permanent residency, which can pave the way to Canadian citizenship. Many foreign nationals seek dual citizenship by making economic contributions to a new country. One of the most popular programs is the Canada Startup Visa, designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs.

Dual Citizenship Canada Requirements

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 taxes, if you need to
• pass a citizenship test to become a Canadian citizen
• provide language proof with high language skills
• demonstrated good moral character

In many cases, individuals who already hold citizenship in another country may be eligible for applying for citizenship in Canada without giving up their original nationality. However, it’s important to check whether your home country allows dual citizenship, as some nations require you to renounce your previous citizenship.

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 can start the application process for dual citizenship if:

• You have a permanent resident status and are 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.

Review the official Application for Canadian Citizenship channels and check for additional information before applying for citizenship in another country.

Note: Any unfulfilled conditions related to your dual citizenship Canada 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. Check with local authorities for country-specific information to know what you are missing when applying for citizenship to acquire dual citizenship.

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 born 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. The basic requirements are a minimum capital investment of $800,000 or $1,050,000 in a non-Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project.

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.