Can I Have Dual Citizenship if I Immigrate to Canada?

Many immigrants to Canada aim to obtain dual citizenship to enjoy the benefits of being a citizen in their home country while becoming Canadian citizens.

What is Dual Citizenship?
Dual citizenship means holding two passports at the same time, granting legal status in both the home country and Canada.

Pros and Cons of Dual Citizenship

Pros:

• Hold two passports simultaneously.
• Access rights and programs in both countries.
• Simplified travel between both countries and any allied countries.

Cons:

• May need to pay taxes in both countries.
• Other obligations, like military service, may complicate life in Canada.
  
  

Can I Be a Dual Citizen?
Your ability to be a dual citizen depends on your home country’s rules. Canada allows foreign nationals to keep their original citizenship when obtaining Canadian citizenship. However, this depends on whether your home country allows dual citizenship.

Before applying for Canadian citizenship, check your home country’s rules to understand your current citizenship status.

Dual Citizenship Rules in Canada’s Top 10 Source Countries

India:

• Indian immigrants cannot hold dual citizenship with Canada.
• Holding an Indian passport after becoming Canadian is illegal.
• Indian nationals can apply for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status.
  
  

USA:

• The USA allows dual citizenship.
• American nationals can become Canadian citizens without losing their US citizenship.
  
  

China:

• Dual citizenship is not recognized.
• China may refuse Canadian consular services if you are considered a Chinese citizen.
• Travel with a valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian.
  
  

Philippines:

• Dual citizenship is allowed.
• Filipino-born Canadians can retain or regain Philippine citizenship if born before 1973 with a Filipino parent.
• Canadian-born individuals with a Filipino parent are already dual citizens.
  
  

Afghanistan:

• Dual citizenship is not recognized.
• Afghan officials may refuse Canadian consular services if you are considered an Afghan citizen.
  
  

Nigeria:

• Dual citizenship is allowed for Nigerian-born immigrants.
• Canadian citizens cannot become naturalized in Nigeria.
  
  

Pakistan:

• Dual citizenship is not recognized.
• Pakistani-born immigrants must revoke their home country citizenship upon becoming Canadian.
  
  

Cameroon:

• Dual citizenship is not recognized.
• Cameroonian officials may refuse Canadian consular services if you are considered a Cameroonian citizen.

Iran:

• Dual citizenship is not recognized.
• Canadian-Iranian citizens must enter and exit Iran using their Iranian passport.
• You may face restrictions on leaving Iran.
  
  

Eritrea:

• Dual citizenship is not recognized.
• Eritrean officials may refuse Canadian consular services if you are considered an Eritrean citizen.