Canadian law allows people to hold citizenship in more than one country. This means a person can be a citizen of Canada and another country at the same time. In recent years, dual citizenship has become more popular. Many people see it as a way to gain security and more freedom during times of global uncertainty.
For example, many citizens of the United States have explored ways to claim Canadian citizenship and become dual citizens. Canada’s laws make this possible, as long as the other country also allows dual citizenship.
If the laws of a person’s current country permit it, there are two main ways to become a dual citizen with Canada. One way is through descent, if there is a Canadian ancestor in the family. The other way is by first moving to Canada as a permanent resident and later becoming a Canadian citizen through naturalization.
If a person qualifies for Canadian citizenship by descent, an application can be made to the Canadian government for proof of citizenship. The application must include documents that show a clear family connection to a Canadian ancestor.
To become a Canadian citizen through naturalization, a person must first become a permanent resident. After living in Canada for at least three years, the person must pass a language test, take a citizenship exam, and attend a citizenship ceremony.
When Can Dual Citizenship Be Held?
Dual citizenship is only possible if both countries involved allow it. Canada permits dual citizenship under its law. This means a Canadian citizen can also keep another nationality, if the other country’s laws allow the same.
Many countries around the world allow dual citizenship. Because of this, many new Canadians are able to keep their original citizenship after becoming Canadian citizens.
The following ten countries allow dual citizenship and are popular sources of new Canadians. This list is not exhaustive; other countries also allow dual citizenship with Canada.
Countries Allowing Dual Citizenship With Canada
- The United States of America
- The Philippines
- Nigeria
- France
- Pakistan
- Brazil
- The United Kingdom
- Germany
- Syria
- Mexico
Claiming Canadian Citizenship By Descent
A person may be able to gain Canadian citizenship by descent if there is at least one Canadian ancestor in the family line.
Citizenship by descent can apply even if the person was born outside Canada. It can also apply if the parent never held a Canadian passport. Both birth and adoption can qualify a person for citizenship by descent.
Canada recently expanded its rules about citizenship by descent. These changes have made many more people eligible. Citizenship can now pass down through more than one generation. This means a person may qualify through not only a parent, but also a grandparent, great-grandparent, or even earlier generations, as long as there is a direct line of descent by birth or adoption.
Moreover, if a person qualifies, an application can be submitted to the federal government for proof of Canadian citizenship. After the application is approved, a citizenship certificate is issued. This certificate serves as official proof of Canadian citizenship.
Becoming A Canadian Citizen Through Naturalization
Another one of the two pathways to dual citizenship in Canada is to become a citizen through naturalization.
Many dual citizens with Canada have gained their citizenship through naturalization.
The first step in this process is to become a permanent resident of Canada. Permanent residence gives a person the right to live and work in Canada on a long-term basis.
After becoming a permanent resident, the person must live in Canada for at least three years. This is known as the physical presence requirement. Only after meeting this rule can an application for citizenship be submitted.
Permanent residents can use an online calculator provided by the government to check if they have met the required number of days in Canada.
The naturalization process also requires proof of basic language skills in English or French. In addition, applicants must pass a citizenship test. This test checks knowledge about Canada’s history, values, government, and rights and responsibilities. Finally, successful applicants must attend a citizenship ceremony and take the oath of citizenship.
If the person already holds another nationality and is not required to give it up under the laws of that country, dual citizenship will be granted once Canadian citizenship is approved.
Applying For Canadian Permanent Residence
For those who do not qualify for citizenship by descent and are not yet permanent residents, the first step toward Canadian citizenship is to apply for permanent residence.
One of the simplest ways to become a permanent resident is through family sponsorship. A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian may sponsor certain family members.
Sponsorship is possible for a spouse or common-law partner. In some cases, a parent may sponsor a dependent child under Canadian immigration rules.
For many foreign nationals who cannot be sponsored and are not refugees, economic immigration programs are often the best option. These include Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, and Quebec immigration for those planning to settle in Quebec.
Applying For A Canadian Passport
Becoming a Canadian citizen does not automatically result in receiving a Canadian passport. A separate application must be made.
To apply for a first Canadian passport, several documents are required. These include proof of Canadian citizenship, proof of identity, two references, and a guarantor who already holds a valid Canadian passport.
Applicants can choose between a 5-year passport and a 10-year passport.
As of the time of writing, the following service standards are in place for passport applications:
| Submission | Service Standard |
| Within Canada, at passport office | 10 business days |
| Within Canada, at regular Service Canada Centre | 20 business days |
| Mailed from the United States | 20 business days + mailing time |
| Mailing from outside Canada and the United States | 20 business days + mailing time |
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