Can I Be a Dual Citizen if I Immigrate to Canada?

Many immigrants to Canada seek dual citizenship to retain the benefits of being a citizen in their home country while also becoming Canadian citizens.

What is Dual Citizenship?

Dual citizenship occurs when an individual legally holds citizenship in two countries simultaneously, possessing passports from both. This status grants the individual the legal rights and responsibilities of a citizen in both their home country and Canada.

Note: Dual citizens must adhere to the laws of the country in which they currently reside.

Pros and Cons of Dual Citizenship

There are several reasons why Canadian immigrants might choose to maintain dual citizenship after acquiring Canadian citizenship:

• The ability to hold two passports simultaneously
• Access to rights and programs available to citizens of both countries, such as social programs in Canada and the ability to own property
• Easier travel between both countries and potentially other allied countries

However, there are also potential downsides to dual citizenship:

• Dual citizens may be subject to taxation in both countries, leading to the possibility of double taxation
• Certain obligations, such as mandatory military service, may complicate life in the new country

Can I Be a Dual Citizen?

The possibility of holding dual citizenship depends on the laws of an individual's home country. While Canada allows immigrants to retain their original citizenship upon acquiring Canadian citizenship, this is only possible if the individual's country of origin also permits dual citizenship.

Immigrants considering Canadian citizenship should consult the rules and regulations of their home country to understand the implications for their current citizenship status.

Dual Citizenship Status for Immigrants from Canada's Top 10 New Permanent Resident Source Countries

Below is a summary of whether immigrants from the top 10 countries that contribute to new permanent residents in Canada can maintain dual citizenship if they decide to become Canadian citizens.

India

• Status: Not allowed
• Details: Indian law prohibits dual citizenship. Indian nationals who become Canadian citizens must renounce their Indian citizenship. Holding or applying for an Indian passport after obtaining foreign citizenship is a punishable offense. However, they may apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) designation, which grants some benefits.

United States of America (USA)

• Status: Allowed
• Details: The USA permits dual citizenship. American nationals can become Canadian citizens without losing their American citizenship.

China

• Status: Not allowed
• Details: China does not recognize dual citizenship. Chinese nationals who become Canadian citizens are not entitled to Canadian consular services in China if considered Chinese citizens by local authorities. The Canadian government advises such individuals to always present themselves as Canadian and travel with a valid Canadian passport.

Philippines

• Status: Allowed
• Details: Filipino-born Canadians can retain or regain Filipino citizenship if they were born before 1973 and had at least one Filipino parent at birth. Canadian-born individuals with at least one Filipino parent at birth are automatically considered dual citizens.

Afghanistan

• Status: Not allowed
• Details: Afghanistan does not recognize dual citizenship. Afghan officials may deny Canadian consular services to those they consider Afghan citizens.

Nigeria

• Status: Allowed (with limitations)
• Details: Nigerian-born Canadians can maintain dual citizenship. However, Canadian citizens cannot become naturalized Nigerian citizens.

Pakistan

• Status: Not recognized (with exceptions)
• Details: Pakistan has a dual citizenship agreement with Canada, but Pakistani-born immigrants who obtain Canadian citizenship must renounce their Pakistani citizenship. Canadian citizens can still pursue Pakistani citizenship.

Cameroon

• Status: Not allowed
• Details: Cameroon does not recognize dual citizenship. Cameroonian officials may deny consular services to those considered Cameroonian citizens.

Iran

• Status: Not allowed
• Details: Iran does not recognize dual citizenship. Iranian-born Canadian citizens must enter and exit Iran with their Iranian passport. They may also face restrictions on leaving Iran unless certain conditions are met.

Eritrea

• Status: Not allowed
• Details: Eritrea does not recognize dual citizenship. Eritrean authorities may deny Canadian consular services to those considered Eritrean citizens.