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

Dual citizenship, particularly in Canada, grants individuals the unique privilege of simultaneously enjoying legal rights and fulfilling obligations in two countries. Canada recognizes dual citizenship for its citizens, allowing them to hold Canadian citizenship alongside another without renouncing their previous citizenship.

Dual citizenship comes with many privileges, which can improve the quality of life in many ways. It also enriches personal and cultural identity and allows individuals to maintain strong connections with their heritage while fully embracing Canadian values and traditions.

In this guide, we’ll examine dual citizenship for Canadians, the requirements for obtaining a second citizenship from another country, and the advantages and disadvantages of having dual citizenship.

Does Canada allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Canada allows you to have multiple citizenships. The country has permitted dual citizenship since 1977, allowing its citizens to hold multiple nationalities without losing their Canadian citizenship. Canadians can acquire citizenship in another country or retain a previous nationality, provided the other country also recognizes dual citizenship.

Canada recognizes and allows this form of citizenship, which permits those who qualify to enjoy the rights and fulfill the obligations of both countries without the need to renounce one citizenship for the other.

This status offers practical advantages, including the freedom to live, work, and travel in both countries. Depending on their laws and agreements, dual citizens can also vote in elections and access public healthcare, education, and other services in both countries.

However, dual citizenship also comes with specific responsibilities that vary by country, such as taxes and military duties. To avoid legal issues, dual citizens must understand and comply with the laws of both countries.

Overall, Canadian dual citizenship provides a formal link to two nations, allowing individuals to benefit from the rights and privileges each offers while navigating the responsibilities of being a citizen of more than one country.

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

Canadian citizenship for children of dual citizens is facilitated by Canadian dual citizenship laws. Automatic Canadian citizenship by birth allows a child born in Canada to hold dual citizenship if their parents are from a country that will enable them to pass on their nationality by descent. For example, a child born in Canada to U.S. parents would automatically have Canadian citizenship and could also claim U.S. citizenship through their parents, depending on U.S. citizenship laws.

Naturalization through residency

By descent or ancestry

Canada allows citizenship by descent for a first-generation child born abroad to Canadian citizens, giving rise to dual citizenship if the country of birth also grants citizenship. This process requires proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

The main criteria for maintaining dual citizenship in Canada involve respecting the laws and obligations of both countries. This might include tax responsibilities, military service, and adherence to any travel or residency requirements each country imposes.

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, you 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 grant citizenship when you 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

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 sometimes tend to be grouped because of their geographical proximity, shared language, cultural similarities, and some of the leeways offered to residency or citizenship. For instance, it can be a bit easier for Canadians to get U.S. citizenship because of the special Work Visa, also known as the TN visa.

Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) (formerly NAFTA), Canadians have access to the TN visa, which allows professionals in specific fields to work in the U.S. without going through the more complex H-1B visa process. This visa can be renewed indefinitely, and after gaining permanent residency (green card) and holding it for five years, Canadians can apply for U.S. citizenship.

Due to options like the TN visa, Canadians 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

This option includes the sponsorship of both spouses or immediate family, meaning Canadians married to U.S. citizens can be sponsored for a green card. After three years of permanent residency, they can apply for U.S. citizenship.

Similarly, U.S. citizens can also sponsor their Canadian children, parents, or siblings for a green card, but this process generally takes longer for family members who are not spouses.

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) requires 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 application process includes:

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.

Advantages of Dual Citizenship

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

Increased mobility and travel: Double citizens have the advantage of being able to reside, work, and travel freely between Canada and their country of citizenship. This simplifies travel plans, reduces visa requirements, and provides greater flexibility in selecting a place to live or work. For example, holders of Canadian passports with citizenship in a European Union country have the right to reside and work anywhere within the EU, greatly expanding their options.

Additional education opportunities: Access to educational systems in different countries can provide double citizens with a broader range of options for schooling and higher education, often at reduced tuition rates available to citizens. This can open doors to prestigious programs, diverse educational experiences, and the ability to pursue degrees or qualifications that are recognized and respected globally. Canada is recognized as one of the countries with the best education systems globally.

Extended employment prospects: Dual citizenship can positively impact your employment prospects. It makes you legally eligible to work in different countries, expanding your job options. This can be especially beneficial in fields where international experience is highly valued. Moreover, it eliminates the need for employers to sponsor work permits, making dual citizens more attractive candidates for job openings.

Disadvantages of 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 have to comply with tax laws from both countries. In Canada, taxes are imposed based on residency and global income, but some countries tax their citizens regardless of residence. This can create tax implications, necessitating double citizens to file tax returns in both nations and potentially face double taxation. However, numerous countries have tax treaties with Canada to avoid this scenario.

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.

It’s possible to encounter several limitations on consular assistance: Double citizens may encounter restrictions on consular assistance when they are in the country of their other citizenship. For example, if a Canadian citizen holds dual citizenship and is currently present in their other country of citizenship, the Canadian government’s ability to provide consular support may be limited or non-existent, depending on the agreements between the two countries.

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: Both countries have restrictions on becoming dual citizens. However, exceptions exist, such as if a person cannot renounce their original nationality or is from an EU or Swiss background. Naturalized Canadians of German or Austrian origin should check the current laws, as they may be allowed to retain their original citizenship under certain conditions, effectively making them dual citizens.

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

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