Does Canada Allow Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship, or dual nationality, means an individual can be a citizen of more than one country at the same time, usually including the country of origin and naturalization. It is available only when the governments of both countries allow it. Otherwise, he/she must renounce the original nationality after obtaining another one. Canada has long been a land of immigrants for a few centuries. Does Canada allow dual citizenship? Are there any advantages and disadvantages? How can one get Canadian dual nationality? In this passage, we are going to find out the answers. 

Canada Dual Citizenship Rules

Multiple citizenship is permitted in Canada. However, not all countries allow it. You don’t need to renounce Canadian citizenship when applying for citizenship from other countries that allow dual citizenship. Here are common ways to obtain Canadian citizenship.

• Naturalization by Birth

Some countries allow those who were born in the territory ruled by the country to automatically obtain their citizenship, such as Canada and the United States.

• Naturalization by Blood

Some countries allow individuals to apply for citizenship if their parents, or even grandparents and great-grandparents are their citizens, such as Canada, Austria, Bulgaria, Ireland, and so forth.

• Naturalization by Marriage

Spouses of citizens of Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Ireland, Colombia, etc are eligible to get instant citizenship. However, although it offers a fast track, you might still need to satisfy other requirements, such as length of residency, taxation, etc.

• Naturalization by immigration

Individuals who immigrate to one country and have obtained permanent residence status can apply for citizenship as long as they meet a series of requirements, such as length of residency, language proficiency, and citizenship test.

Pros & Cons of Dual Citizenship

Dual Citizenship means you not only can enjoy rights but also need to perform obligations in both countries. Let’s see its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Canadian Dual Citizenship

• Live and work in either country without visas.
• Purchase property in either country.
• Apply for two passports and enjoy visa-free travel available to both countries’ citizens.
• Vote in both countries.
• Enjoy public benefits in employment, education, and medical healthcare in both countries. 

Possible Disadvantages of Canadian Dual Citizenship

• Pay tax in both countries. Pay tax in both countries. For example, the US tax system is based on citizenship while Canada on residency. Those with dual citizenship in US and Canada might have to file taxes in both countries.
• Be restricted by laws and regulations of both countries, such as immigration and military service.

Which Countries Allow Dual Citizenship with Canada

Dual citizenship is not always possible although it is permitted in Canada. Citizens of countries that do not support multiple citizenship need to renounce their original citizenship in order to become Canadian citizens. However, the following countries do allow dual Citizenship with Canada.

How to Get Canada Dual Citizenship

If you are already a citizen of a country that allows multiple citizenship, you can become a Canadian citizen without losing your original citizenship. Canadian citizenship can be obtained through automatic acquisition and applications.

Automatic Dual Citizenship

Individuals who might have been another country’s citizens might have been automatically granted Canada dual citizenship in the following conditions without special application processes.

• You were born in Canada even if neither of your parents is a Canadian citizen.
• Your parent(s) were born in or are citizens of Canada even if you were born outside Canada.

Apply for Canadian Citizenship

If you are not eligible for obtaining Canadian citizenship by birth or ancestry, you can apply for it supposing that you:

• have been a permanent resident;
• have lived in the country for 3 years in the last 5 years;
• have filed taxes (if required);
• are proficient in English or French (for applicants aged 18 and 54);
• have passed a citizenship test;
• take the oath of citizenship.

📣Read Also: Canada Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway 2024

Canadian citizenship can be done either online or on paper. In both cases, you have to go through the steps below.

• Gather Required Documents

Application packages are available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. General supporting documents include proof of stay (Physical Presence Calculator Result), passport or travel document, identification documents, language certificate, ID photos, and payment receipt.

• Fill Out the Application Form

The form gathers personal information, work experience, educational background, taxation details, and immigration/PR status/citizenship in other countries. It is included in the application package. Remember to fill it out according to the instruction guide and leave your signature and the date.

• Pay the Application Fees

It costs S$630 to apply for an adult candidate and S$100 for a minor. The application fee should be paid online with credit cards and prepaid cards from Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, and UnionPay, or debit cards from MasterCard or Visa.

• Submit Application

After completing the application form and fulfilling payment, it’s time to submit the form along with supporting documents by post within 90 days after the date on the form.

• Take a Canadian Citizenship Test

After receiving and reviewing your applications, the officer will send you an acknowledgment of receipt and a citizenship study guide. The test, which aims to check your knowledge of English or French, citizens’ rights and obligations, and knowledge of the country, is mandatory for applicants aged 18 to 54.

Leave Canada with Dual Citizenship

If you plan to leave Canada and travel to the country of which you have citizenship, you might face different entry and exit rules. Here are some examples.

• A passport issued by your destination country is needed.
• An exit visa stamped on your passport to exit the country might be required.
• You might be supposed to register your Canadian citizenship on arrival or while you have entered the country.
• You might be prevented from leaving due to an exit ban that investigates criminal and civil records of you, your family, or your employer.
• You might have to register for military service.
• You might need to pay taxes.
• You might need to register your child with the country of citizenship despite his/her birth in Canada.

Return to Canada with Dual Citizenship

Canadian citizens must show a valid travel document (such as a Canadian passport or emergency travel document) to prove their Canadian citizenship while returning to or transiting in Canada by air. Canada dual citizenship holders should carry two passports in case of being rejected for entry. When returning to Canada, an electronic system will automatically scan your travel document at the check-in point of your flight.

FAQ:

Q1: Can you have dual Canadian and US citizenship?

A1: Yes, both the United States and Canada accept dual citizenship, but you are still advised to contact consulates and embassies in each country to confirm your eligibility.

Q2: Can I have dual citizenship in Canada and Philippines?

A2: Yes. However, if you are a Filipino obtaining Canadian citizenship, you need to apply for reacquisition of Philippine citizenship because it will be lost after becoming a Canadian citizen.

Q3: Can I have both Canadian PR and US green card?

A3: There are no expressly stipulated prohibitions on Canadian PR and US green cards at the same time. The immigration authority might revoke your PR status if they find you stay outside the country for too long. Therefore, it is possible to maintain dual PR if you fulfill the obligations of both countries, such as taxation and the required period of residence.

Q4: If I have dual citizenship, which passport do I use?

A4: It depends on where you go. It is suggested to carry both passports and present the one that allows you to enter conveniently.

Q5: Can I have triple citizenship in Canada?

A5: Yes. Canada allows multiple citizenship as long as you satisfy other countries’ requirements.

Q6: In what cases will I lose Canadian citizenship?

A6: It will be revoked on condition that you are applying for citizenship from a country that does not support dual citizenship or you committed fraud on permanent residence or citizenship application.

Summary

After reading this passage, you must have found the answer to the question “Does Canada allow dual citizenship?” It is yes. Becoming citizens of both countries means you can enjoy both countries’ benefits while you need to fulfill obligations. Another 48 countries support multiple citizenships with Canada. You don’t have to renounce any citizenship if you are a citizen of these countries. Canada dual citizenship can be obtained automatically or through application. It is suggested to carry both countries’ passports while traveling between them to prove your identity and citizenship and pass customs checks smoothly.