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 nations. Here is more of what to expect:

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

Does Canada allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Canada allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold multiple nationalities 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. You may also be able to vote in elections and access public healthcare, education, and other services in both countries.

However, dual citizenship also comes with certain responsibilities. These might include paying taxes and following the laws of both countries, such as military service requirements or residency obligations.

Advantages of Canadian Dual Citizenship

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

Increased mobility and travel

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

You don’t need to meet special requirements for dual citizenship in Canada. Instead, it happens when the citizenship laws of Canada and another country allow you to hold citizenship in both.

Automatic acquisition by birth

Children of dual citizens can easily obtain Canadian citizenship under dual citizenship laws. A child born in Canada automatically becomes a Canadian citizen and may also be eligible for their parents’ nationality, depending on their home country’s laws. For instance, a child born in Canada to U.S. parents would gain Canadian citizenship and could claim U.S. citizenship through their parents.

Naturalization through residency

By descent or ancestry

Canada grants citizenship by descent 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’s citizenship-by-investment programs offer an additional path to citizenship. One of the most popular programs is the Canada Start-up 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

The method of obtaining a Canadian passport will vary, but some general requirements must be fulfilled. To become a Canadian citizen, foreign nationals must:

• be a permanent resident
• have lived in Canada for three out of the last five years
• have filed your taxes, if you need to
• pass a citizenship test on your rights, responsibilities, and knowledge of Canada
• prove your language skills
• demonstrated good moral character

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

Travel requirements for Canadian dual citizenship

For individuals with dual Canadian citizenship, the travel requirements generally include:

1. Travel documents: Dual citizens should enter and exit Canada using their valid Canadian passport. While they can travel on their other country’s passport, it’s recommended that they use the Canadian passport to avoid issues with immigration.
2. Visa requirements: Depending on the other country of citizenship, dual citizens may need a visa to enter certain countries. They should check the visa requirements based on which passport they are using.
3. Residency obligations: Dual citizens must adhere to the residency obligations of both countries, ensuring they maintain their citizenship status in each nation.
4. Returning to Canada: When returning to Canada, dual citizens must present their valid Canadian passport to re-enter the country without complications.
5. Legal responsibilities: They are subject to the laws and regulations of both countries, including any taxation or military service obligations that may apply.

Dual Citizenship Application Process in Canada

Applying for dual citizenship is similar to applying for standard Canadian citizenship, as the government doesn’t have a separate process for dual nationality. Either way, you must go through the official Application for Canadian Citizenship channels. This can be done online or through a paper application.

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

• You are a permanent resident and 18 years 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.

You must pay the processing fee and the right-of-citizenship fee with your application. The fee amount changes depending on your situation and application type. However, for a single (non-family) Canadian citizenship applicant who is over 18 years old, there is a $530 processing fee and a $100 right-of-citizenship fee.

How to Obtain U.S Citizenship as a Canadian

Canadian and U.S. citizenship are often grouped due to their geographical proximity, shared language, and cultural similarities. For Canadians, obtaining U.S. citizenship can be easier through the TN visa, part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly NAFTA. This visa allows certain professionals to work in the U.S. without the complex H-1B process. Canadians can apply for U.S. citizenship after obtaining a green card and holding it for five years.

Due to options like the TN visa, Canadian dual citizens have a more streamlined path to gaining a U.S. passport, but other routes include: 

Automatic U.S. citizenship (Birthright Citizenship)

Like Canada, any child born on U.S. soil automatically receives U.S. citizenship, regardless of their parent’s nationality. This is guaranteed under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This means 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, though it takes longer for non-spouse relatives.

Employment

Canadians can obtain U.S. citizenship through employment, usually starting with a TN visa or employer-sponsored green card. The visa is usually granted for three years and can be extended if needed. The requirements for the TN visa include:

• The applicant must be a Canadian or Mexican citizen.
• The applicant must be employed in one of the eligible professions listed under the NAFTA/USMCA agreement, such as accountants, engineers, scientists, teachers, and medical professionals.
• The applicant must have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a position that aligns with one of the eligible professions.
• The applicant must have the qualifications required for the profession, such as a degree, diploma, or relevant work experience.
• The purpose of the stay must be temporary, meaning the applicant plans to return to their home country once the visa expires.

After five years of holding permanent residency, they can apply for naturalization.

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 EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program requires: 

• A minimum of $1.05 million in a commercial enterprise in the U.S.
• A minimum of $800,000 is reduced for investments in areas with high unemployment or rural regions.
• The investment must create or preserve at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years of the investment.

The EB-5 Visa leads to conditional permanent residency for two years, after which the investor can apply to remove the conditions and obtain a permanent Green Card.

Naturalization

After obtaining a green card through one of the above methods, Canadians can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization after 3-5 years, depending on their status.

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. However, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) require Americans to obtain permanent residency first (through work, family sponsorship, or investment). 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. Post-graduation work permits allow students to gain the experience necessary to qualify for PR through Express Entry.

Work permits

 As highlighted, U.S. citizens on work permits (e.g., NAFTA/USMCA work permits) may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after gaining Canadian work experience.

The NAFTA/USMCA Work Permits refer to special work permits available under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). These permits allow U.S., Canada, and Mexico citizens to work in each other’s countries without needing a traditional work visa, simplifying cross-border employment.

Residency requirements

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. Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident (such as on a study or work permit) can sometimes count toward this requirement.

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.  This is the overview of the application: 

1. Filling out a citizenship application and submitting the required documents such as: 

• Proof of permanent residency
• Identity documents
• Copies of your tax returns or Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for at least three years during the last 5-year period.
• A detailed record of your travel outside Canada over the past five years (using your passport stamps or other travel documents).
• Two citizenship photos that meet Canadian passport photo specifications.
• Documents showing physical presence in Canada for at least 1,095 days, such as utility bills, leases, or employment records.

2. Applicants between 18 and 54 must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French.

3. Applicants must pass a test on Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols. The test assesses knowledge of Canada’s government, laws, and rights.

4. Applicants must show that they have not committed serious crimes and have followed Canadian laws while residents.

Disadvantages of Canadian Dual Citizenship

While dual Canadian citizenship offers numerous benefits, it has certain challenges and complications. Here are five disadvantages associated with holding dual citizenship in Canada and another country:

There could be complex tax obligations

Dual citizens may need to follow tax laws in both countries. Canada 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 might be a requirement

In some countries, citizenship requires military service. If you are a dual Canadian citizen, depending on the country’s laws, you may have to fulfill military service requirements in your original country of citizenship. This could affect your freedom to travel or choose where to live during the service period.

Some countries pose political and legal implications

Dual citizenship can be challenging as it requires adhering to the laws and regulations of two countries, which can sometimes be contradictory. For instance, an activity that is lawful in one country might be illegal in the other.

Maintaining citizenship can be an administrative burden

Maintaining dual citizenship requires significant administrative work, such as renewing passports, keeping up with legal changes in both countries, and ensuring compliance with each country’s requirements for expats.

Countries that Don't Allow Canadian Dual Citizenship

Globally, hundreds of countries allow you to become a dual citizen. However, several countries only sometimes permit dual citizenship, including holding Canadian citizenship alongside their own. If individuals acquire a second nationality, these countries might require them to renounce their original citizenship. Here are a few notable examples:

Japan: Japan requires Japanese nationals who voluntarily acquire another nationality to choose one citizenship, typically by the age of 22.

China: China does not recognize dual citizenship. Chinese nationals who acquire foreign citizenship are considered to have automatically lost their Chinese citizenship.

Germany and Austria: These countries have restrictions on dual citizenship, but exceptions exist for individuals who can’t renounce their original nationality or are from the EU or Switzerland. Naturalized Canadians from these countries should check current laws, as they may be allowed to retain their original citizenship.

Singapore: Singapore does not permit dual citizenship, and citizens must renounce any foreign citizenship acquired.

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 allows you to have multiple citizenships while keeping your Canadian citizenship. However, not all countries do allow this. Some countries may even consider it illegal for you to have another citizenship.

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

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.

Can I have dual citizenship in Canada and another country?

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

Are there any disadvantages to holding dual Canadian citizenship?

While dual citizenship offers many benefits, there are potential challenges, such as the need to comply with the laws of both countries, which might include tax obligations and military service. Additionally, managing paperwork and understanding your rights and responsibilities in two countries can be complex.

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.

Which countries allow dual citizenship with Canada?

Here are ten countries that allow dual citizenship with Canada:

1. United States
2. United Kingdom
3. France
4. Germany
5. Italy
6. Australia
7. New Zealand
8. Ireland
9. Switzerland
10. Portugal