Many immigrants to Canada seek for obtain dual citizenship, even after becoming Canadian citizens, in order to retain the advantages of citizenship in their home country.
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Dual citizenship refers to the legal status of holding citizenship in two countries simultaneously. This means an individual possesses passports from both their home country and Canada, enjoying the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in both nations.
Note: Dual citizens are required to follow the laws of whichever country they are residing in at any given time.
Dual Citizenship: Pros and Cons
Canadian immigrants from China cannot hold dual citizenship, as China does not legally recognize this status. According to a Government of Canada travel advisory updated in July 2024, China might deny Canadian travelers access to Canadian consular services abroad if they are deemed to be Chinese citizens. Consequently, the Canadian government recommends that Chinese nationals always travel to China with a valid Canadian passport and consistently present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities.
Philippines
Canadian immigrants from the Philippines are allowed to maintain dual citizenship. Filipino-born Canadians who were born before 1973 can apply to retain or regain their Filipino citizenship, provided they had at least one Filipino parent at birth.
Note: Canadian-born individuals with at least one Filipino parent at the time of their birth are already considered dual citizens of both Canada and the Philippines.There are several reasons why immigrants to Canada may wish to retain dual citizenship after becoming Canadian citizens, including:
- The ability to hold passports from both countries simultaneously.
- Continued eligibility for and access to the rights and benefits available to citizens of both countries.
- Easier travel between the two countries of citizenship, and often with their allied nations as well.
For example, this may include access to Canada’s social programs, some of which are reserved for citizens, and the ability to own property in either country.
However, there are some important considerations before pursuing dual citizenship. In some cases, dual citizens may be required to adhere to tax regulations in both countries, potentially leading to double taxation. Additionally, certain obligations in one country, such as military service, may complicate an immigrant’s new life in Canada.
Can I become a dual citizen?
Whether an immigrant can obtain dual citizenship depends largely on the laws of their country of origin.
Although Canada permits individuals to retain their original citizenship upon becoming Canadian citizens, immigrants can only achieve dual citizenship if their home country allows it.
Therefore, immigrants planning to pursue Canadian citizenship should first review the laws of their country of origin to fully understand the potential impact on their existing citizenship before proceeding.
Here is an overview of whether immigrants from Canada’s top 10 new permanent resident (PR) source countries can retain dual citizenship if they later choose to become Canadian citizens:
India
Immigrants from India cannot hold dual citizenship when they become Canadian citizens. According to Indian law, acquiring Indian citizenship after becoming a citizen of another country or continuing to hold an Indian passport is considered illegal and subject to penalties. However, Indian nationals who gain Canadian citizenship may apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status.
United States of America (USA)
The USA allows dual citizenship for its nationals who become Canadian citizens. Therefore, US citizens can acquire Canadian citizenship without it affecting their status as US citizens.
China
Canadian immigrants from China cannot hold dual citizenship, as China does not legally recognize this status. According to a Government of Canada travel advisory updated in July 2024, China might deny Canadian travelers access to Canadian consular services abroad if they are deemed to be Chinese citizens. Consequently, the Canadian government recommends that Chinese nationals always travel to China with a valid Canadian passport and consistently present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities.
Philippines
Canadian immigrants from the Philippines are allowed to maintain dual citizenship. Filipino-born Canadians who were born before 1973 can apply to retain or regain their Filipino citizenship, provided they had at least one Filipino parent at birth.
Note: Canadian-born individuals with at least one Filipino parent at the time of their birth are already considered dual citizens of both Canada and the Philippines.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan does not legally recognize dual citizenship. As a result, if Afghan government officials view a Canadian citizen traveling to Afghanistan as an Afghan citizen, they may deny the traveler access to Canadian consular services, similar to the situation in China.
Nigeria
Nigerian-born immigrants who become Canadian citizens are allowed to retain dual citizenship. However, the Nigerian government does not permit Canadian citizens to subsequently become naturalized Nigerian citizens.
Pakistan
Pakistan does not recognize dual citizenship. Despite having a dual citizenship agreement with Canada, Canadian citizens can pursue Pakistani citizenship. However, Pakistani-born immigrants who become Canadian citizens must renounce their Pakistani citizenship at that time.
Cameroon
Cameroon does not legally recognize dual citizenship with Canada. As in China and Afghanistan, if Cameroonian government officials consider a traveler to be a Cameroonian citizen, they may deny them access to Canadian consular services abroad.
Iran
Iran does not permit dual citizenship. Consequently, Iranian immigrants who obtain Canadian citizenship cannot hold dual status. This may result in denial of Canadian consular services for travelers who are regarded as Iranian citizens by local authorities. The Canadian government advises Iranian-Canadian citizens to use their Iranian passport for entry and exit from Iran.
The Canadian government also warns that Canadian citizens traveling to Iran might face restrictions on leaving the country unless specific conditions are met.
Eritrea
Eritrea does not legally recognize dual citizenship. As with several other countries on this list, Canadian citizens traveling to Eritrea may be denied access to Canadian consular services if local authorities regard them as Eritrean citizens.
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