Dual Citizenship

Updated on March 13, 2013
R.M. asks from Fulton, CA
11 answers

Can a U.S. citizen apply for Canadian citizenship and still retain U.S. citizenship? I'm thinking of trying to get it for my kids.

Thanks.

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E.F.

answers from Kalamazoo on

Yes. I know a Canadian couple who were living in the US who obtained Canadian citizenship for their American born children. The children have passports for both countries.

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L.R.

answers from Washington DC on

This is a question for the U.S. State Department, not us. Be sure you get the latest legal facts so you don't inadvertently mess up your kids' U.S. citizenship. I would not base any actions on what I was told on an Internet board-- this one or any other. Go to the State Department and the immigration service.

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C.C.

answers from San Francisco on

My sister-in-law was born and raised in California, and has become an Italian citizen, and retains her American citizenship, so I know it's possible to have dual citizenship. She became an Italian citizen through marriage and a work visa, though, so I think she actually had to live there to accomplish all of that.

Since you're a Canadian citizen, you may be able to apply for it on behalf of your kids, but it probably would have been easier when they were minors. I would definitely try - Canada really has its act together on many fronts, and Canadian citizenship will certainly be useful in the coming years, I'll bet.

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A.C.

answers from Atlanta on

Not unless the U.S. citizen was born in Canada.

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S.W.

answers from Amarillo on

My daughter is Canadian by birth. We filed paperwork for her birth certificate which comes from the US State Department for Citizen born abroad. When we applied for passports her place of birth says Canada instead of USA on it but it is blue like the rest of ours.

So you probably will be okay with the dual bit. But do check it out.

the other S.

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B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

I think you can be naturalized into Canadian citizenship without losing your US citizenship.

The State Dept says "In order to lose U.S. citizenship, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign citizenship voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S. citizenship.".
So - if you gain Canadian citizenship and never renounce your US citizenship - and never become the Prime Minster of Canada - you should be alright.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1753.html

http://travel.state.gov/law/citizenship/citizenship_778.html

Canada recognizes dual citizenship.

http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/publications/dual-citizenship

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S.K.

answers from Denver on

My friend is going through this now and will for her boys as well. She married a canadian man in the canadian military and they all get to keep their American citizenship

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S.T.

answers from Houston on

My son has dual. British and US. You can keep both for life.

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C.M.

answers from San Francisco on

check out http://canada.usembassy.gov/consular_services/dual-citize.... I don't think US acknowledges dual citizenship any longer. Are you relocating to Canada? Do you have to obtain citizenship or can you get a work visa instead?

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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I know several of my friends are from Canada. They married an American so they got American citizenship but still were able to maintain their Canadian citizenship too. Their kids can have dual but the mom has to apply for it for them, the grand kids are not qualified to apply.

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C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

you need to contact the Canadian consulate and the U.S. Department of State.

http://canada.usembassy.gov/consular_services/dual-citize...

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1753.html

It appears dual citizenship can be acquired by marriage or naturalization.

"A U.S. citizen may acquire foreign citizenship by marriage, or a person naturalized as a U.S. citizen may not lose the citizenship of the country of birth.U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship or another. Also, a person who is automatically granted another citizenship does not risk losing U.S. citizenship. However, a person who acquires a foreign citizenship by applying for it may lose U.S. citizenship. In order to lose U.S. citizenship, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign citizenship voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S. citizenship.

Intent can be shown by the person's statements or conduct.The U.S. Government recognizes that dual nationality exists but does not encourage it as a matter of policy because of the problems it may cause. Claims of other countries on dual national U.S. citizens may conflict with U.S. law, and dual nationality may limit U.S. Government efforts to assist citizens abroad. The country where a dual national is located generally has a stronger claim to that person's allegiance."

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