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Writer's pictureYasemin Degirmenci

Dual Citizenship USA and Canada: What You Need to Know

You're not alone if you're thinking about becoming a citizen of both the United States and Canada. The option of dual citizenship in the USA and Canada is growing in popularity due to the ease with which people can travel abroad, the employment opportunities that arise, and the cross-border familial connections that can occur. In this article, we covered the advantages and the application procedure, and frequently asked questions about dual citizenship between the United States and Canada. Let's jump right in!

Dual Citizenship USA and Canada: What You Need to Know
Dual Citizenship USA and Canada: What You Need to Know

What is Dual Citizenship in the USA and Canada?

Being a citizen of two countries simultaneously is known as dual citizenship. This instance entails having dual Canadian and American citizenship. While this status may make tax and legal issues more complicated, it permits you to take advantage of the rights and responsibilities of both countries, including the ability to vote, work, and reside in either country. Managing dual citizenship, however, can be a fulfilling experience that leads to different opportunities if done correctly.


Benefits of Dual Citizenship Between the U.S. and Canada

The benefits of having dual citizenship with the United States and Canada are numerous. The main advantages are as follows:


Freedom to Live and Work in Both Countries

You will not require a visa or work permit to live, work, or study in both the United States and Canada if you are a dual citizen. This gives you a great deal of flexibility, particularly if you travel a lot or have business interests in both nations.


Access to Healthcare

Canada's citizens are covered for a wide range of medical costs by a comprehensive public healthcare system. You will be able to use this system as a citizen of Canada and still have access to the private healthcare options that are offered in the United States.

Benefits of Dual Citizenship Between the U.S. and Canada
Benefits of Dual Citizenship Between the U.S. and Canada

Educational Opportunities

Some of the best universities and educational institutions in the world are located in both the United States and Canada. You might be eligible for in-state or resident tuition rates, scholarships, or other educational benefits in either nation if you hold dual citizenship.


Social Benefits

Citizens of Canada are eligible for a number of social programs, such as unemployment insurance and public pensions. Conversely, Americans are eligible for benefits from Social Security and other federal programs.


Ease of Travel

Almost 180 countries grant entry without a visa requirement for holders of a U.S. passport, and a Canadian passport provides equivalent global access. Traveling abroad will be easier if you have dual citizenship because you can use either passport, depending on where you're going.


Voting Rights

Voting rights in federal, provincial, and local elections will grant you influence over the management of both countries' governments.


How to Obtain Dual Citizenship in the U.S. and Canada

Gaining dual citizenship in the U.S. and Canada can happen in several ways. The most common paths are through birth, naturalization, and marriage.

How to Obtain Dual Citizenship in the U.S. and Canada
How to Obtain Dual Citizenship in the U.S. and Canada

Dual Citizenship by Birth

You might be automatically granted citizenship in both the United States and Canada if you were born to parents who were originally from both countries. You now have the legal right to possess passports from both countries. Although they can acquire Canadian citizenship through their parents' ancestry, children born in the United States to Canadian citizens are normally regarded as U.S. citizens. Likewise, children of U.S. citizens born in Canada may apply for U.S. citizenship by notifying U.S. authorities of their birth.


Dual Citizenship by Naturalization

For Canadians: You can apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process if you are a citizen of Canada and have been a lawful permanent resident (holder of a green card) in the country for at least five years. You'll have to take the oath of allegiance to the United States, demonstrate your residency, and pass a citizenship test.


For Americans: After residing in Canada as a permanent resident for at least three years, American citizens are eligible to apply for citizenship in Canada. You'll have to pass the citizenship exam for Canada and prove that you can communicate in either French or English.


Dual Citizenship by Marriage

Getting married to a citizen of the United States or Canada can also lead to dual citizenship. Spouses of US citizens are eligible to apply for green cards and eventually US citizenship through marriage. Similar steps are taken in Canada, but permanent residency must be obtained before citizenship can be obtained.


It is significant to mention that getting married to a Canadian citizen does not automatically make you a citizen as well. You need to qualify for certain requirements such as physically being in Canada for at least 1095 days during the 5 years right before the date you applied.

Taxes for Dual Citizens
Taxes for Dual Citizens

Taxes for Dual Citizens

Managing taxes is one of the trickiest parts of having dual citizenship with the United States and Canada. What you should know is as follows:


U.S. Taxes: Regardless of residency, the United States is one of the few nations in the world that taxes its citizens' worldwide income. You will still need to file an annual U.S. tax return even if you live in Canada. Thankfully, there are tax treaties preventing double taxation between the United States and Canada.


Canadian Taxes: Canadian citizens are subject to taxes on their worldwide income. You must file a Canadian tax return in addition to your U.S. return if you reside in Canada. Tax credits and exemptions are another way that Canada lowers your tax obligation.


To make sure you continue to comply with both countries' tax laws, we advise you to speak with a tax expert experienced in cross-border tax matters; it’s always better to navigate these matters with a professional. 

People handing over documents to authorities
People handing over documents to authorities

Responsibilities of Dual Citizens

Having two citizenships has many benefits, but there are additional duties as well. Here are some things to keep in mind:


Military Service: Even if they reside abroad in Canada, citizens of the United States may still be required to serve in the military draft or selective service.


Legal Jurisdiction: You are subject to the laws of both nations as a dual citizen. Occasionally, this can lead to contradictory legal obligations.


Travel: You must use your U.S. passport to enter the United States, and you should use your Canadian passport to enter Canada. If this isn't done, there may be legal issues at the border.


Voting and Civic Duties: In both nations, you will be expected to carry out civic obligations such as jury duty and voting.


FAQs

There might be many questions you are baffled with. That's why we curated a section for the frequently asked questions so that you can find a solid answer to all your hesitations. Let's see what they are!


Can I lose my U.S. or Canadian citizenship if I become a dual citizen?

No, you are not required to give up your current citizenship in order to obtain citizenship in either the United States or Canada. However, you could lose your citizenship in either nation if you take certain actions, like joining a foreign military.


Is dual citizenship between the U.S. and Canada legal?

Yes, dual citizenship is legal in both the U.S. and Canada. Both countries allow citizens to hold citizenship in another nation simultaneously.

Dual Citizenship USA and Canada
Dual Citizenship USA and Canada

How do I apply for Canadian citizenship if I’m a U.S. citizen?

You must be a permanent resident of Canada for at least three years prior to applying to become a citizen of Canada. Along with meeting residency requirements, proving your language proficiency, and passing a citizenship test are additional requirements. You can find further information on IRCC Canada's citizenship application page.


How do I apply for U.S. citizenship if I’m a Canadian citizen?

In order to apply for citizenship as a Canadian citizen, you must first obtain a green card and become a permanent resident of the United States. In order to obtain a green card, you must meet residency and character requirements, become a citizen, and reside in the United States for five years. You can find more detailed information as to the progress on USCIS' citizenship application page.


Will I have to pay taxes in both countries?

Yes, dual citizens of the US and Canada are required to file taxes in both nations; however, double taxation is prevented by tax treaties. It is advisable to seek advice from a cross-border tax specialist to make sure you adhere to both tax regimes.


Can dual citizens vote in both countries?

Yes, as long as they fulfill the requirements for voting in each country, dual citizens are eligible to cast ballots in both US and Canadian elections.


Don't forget that you can also benefit from official sources such as the IRCC Canada Help Centre for your questions regarding citizenship and USCIS' Learn About Citizenship as well as Commonly Asked Questions About the Naturalization Process. These are the sources from which you can find the most reliable information. We encourage you to do your own research and look for answers to solving your idiocentric problems or questions.

Dual Citizenship USA and Canada
Dual Citizenship USA and Canada

Possessing dual citizenship with the United States and Canada can have many advantages, such as allowing one to live, work, and travel freely between two of the most desirable nations on earth. But it also entails obligations in both countries, such as paying taxes and performing civic duties. Consider carefully the legal, financial, and practical ramifications of obtaining dual citizenship.


In the end, having dual citizenship in the United States and Canada—whether by birth, naturalization, or marriage—offers a variety of advantages that can improve your life and open doors internationally. And it might be smart to try and possess those advantages - even though the road ahead you need to walk to reach it might look a bit bumpy.


Do not hesitate to speak with immigration and tax experts who specialize in dual citizenship if you're prepared to start the process or if you have any additional questions. You can share your journey or thoughts with us in the comments and read more about immigrant inquiries on the MyChek blog. Good luck!


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