Many immigrants to Canada aspire to obtain dual citizenship, allowing them to maintain the benefits of being a citizen in their home country while becoming Canadian citizens.
What is Dual Citizenship?
Dual citizenship occurs when an individual legally holds two different passports simultaneously. This status grants them the legal rights and obligations of a citizen in both their home country and Canada.
Dual Citizenship: Pros and Cons
Many Canadian immigrants aim to maintain dual citizenship after becoming Canadian citizens for several reasons, including:
- The ability to hold two passports simultaneously.
- The ability to access rights and programs available to citizens of both countries.
- Simplified travel between the two countries and any relevant allied countries.
For instance, dual citizens can access Canada’s social programs, some of which are only available to citizens, and own property in either country.
However, there are considerations to keep in mind before becoming a dual citizen. For example, dual citizens may be required to follow the tax laws of both countries, potentially paying taxes twice. Additionally, obligations like military service in one country may complicate the new life an immigrant is trying to build in Canada.
Can I be a Dual Citizen?
An immigrant’s ability to hold dual citizenship depends primarily on the rules and regulations established by their home country’s government.
Canada allows foreign nationals to maintain their original citizenship when obtaining Canadian citizenship. However, immigrants can only become dual citizens if their country of origin also permits it.
Therefore, immigrants seeking Canadian citizenship are advised to first consult the rules and regulations of their home country to understand what will happen to their current citizenship status if they become Canadian citizens.
Dual Citizenship Policies of Canada’s Top 10 New Permanent Resident (PR) Source Countries
India: Canadian immigrants from India cannot hold dual citizenship upon becoming citizens of Canada. According to Indian law, applying for Indian citizenship after becoming a citizen of a foreign country or continuing to hold an Indian passport is a punishable offense. However, Indian nationals who obtain Canadian citizenship may pursue an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) designation.
United States of America (USA): The USA permits dual citizenship for American nationals who become Canadian citizens. This means that US citizens can pursue Canadian citizenship without worrying about any impact on their status as US citizens.
China: China does not legally recognize dual citizenship. According to a Canadian government travel advisory, China may refuse Canadian travelers access to Canadian consular services if they consider them Chinese citizens. Therefore, Chinese nationals are advised to travel to China with a valid Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadians to foreign authorities at all times.
Philippines: Canadian citizens from the Philippines are allowed to maintain dual citizenship. Filipino-born Canadian citizens born before 1973 may apply to retain or regain their Filipino citizenship if they had at least one Filipino parent at birth. Additionally, Canadian-born individuals with at least one Filipino parent are already considered dual citizens of Canada and the Philippines.
Afghanistan: Afghanistan does not recognize dual citizenship. Afghan government officials may refuse Canadian citizens access to Canadian consular services if they consider them Afghan citizens.
Nigeria: Nigerian-born immigrants who become Canadian citizens can maintain dual citizenship. However, the Nigerian government does not allow Canadian citizens to become naturalized in Nigeria.
Bangladesh: Canadian citizens of Bangladeshi origin must obtain a Bangladesh Dual Nationality Certificate (DNC) to maintain dual citizenship. Without this certificate, they will lose their Bangladeshi citizenship.
Pakistan: Pakistan does not recognize dual citizenship. Despite a dual citizenship agreement with Canada, Pakistani-born immigrants who obtain Canadian citizenship must revoke their Pakistani citizenship.
Cameroon: Cameroon does not legally recognize dual citizenship. Cameroonian government officials may refuse Canadian citizens access to Canadian consular services if they consider them Cameroonian citizens.
Iran: Iran does not recognize dual citizenship. Canadian-Iranian citizens must enter and exit Iran using their Iranian passports. The Canadian government warns that Canadian citizens traveling to Iran may not be permitted to leave unless they meet certain conditions.
Eritrea: Eritrea does not recognize dual citizenship. Canadian citizens traveling to Eritrea may be denied access to Canadian consular services if local authorities consider them Eritrean citizens.
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