Do I lose my Canadian citizenship if I become an American?
Asked by: Justina Hilpert | Last update: January 14, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (72 votes)
After becoming a U.S. citizen, you can still renew and use your
Can I keep Canadian and U.S. citizenship?
The Canadian government, for example, does not recognize the renunciation, so Canadian citizens who become naturalized U.S. citizens become dual citizens with all the rights of citizens in both countries.
Do I lose my Canadian citizenship if I move to the US?
A Canadian will not lose their citizenship if they take on another nationality or nationalities. If they are naturalized as a citizen, they will retain their original citizenship in addition to their Canadian citizenship, provided that the other country also allows dual citizenship.
Can you lose your Canadian citizenship if you don't live in Canada?
While permanent residency can be affected by living abroad, this isn't the case with citizenship.
Can I become a Canadian citizen if I am a U.S. citizen?
US citizens can obtain Canadian citizenship, but just as other foreign nationals, they need to become Permanent Residents first. After having held Permanent Resident status for a minimum of 5 years, then they can apply for Canadian Citizenship.
How could I lose my citizenship?
Can a Canadian citizen change status in the US?
Canadian citizens frequently visit the U.S. for tourism, business, or family reasons. If circumstances change, they may consider adjusting their status to become lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders).
Does America allow dual citizenship?
The Supreme Court of the United States has stated that dual nationality is “a status long recognized in the law” and that “a person may have and exercise rights of nationality in two countries and be subject to the responsibilities of both.
Do I have to give up my U.S. citizenship to become Canadian?
Under Canadian law, you can be both a Canadian citizen and a citizen of another country. However, some countries won't let you keep their citizenship if you become a Canadian citizen. The consulate or embassy of your other country of citizenship can tell you whether this applies to you.
Does Canadian citizenship pass down?
Biological parents have a genetic or gestational connection to their children. As of July 2020, non-biological parents can pass down their Canadian citizenship to their children who were born outside Canada if they're the child's legal parent at birth (opens in a new tab).
Will I lose my citizenship if I move to another country?
Unlike the situation for lawful permanent residents (green card holders), someone who has attained naturalized U.S. citizenship can't lose that status solely by living outside of the United States for a long time.
Do I lose my Canadian citizenship if I marry an American?
Marrying a citizen of another country may automatically make you a citizen of that country. This will not affect your Canadian citizenship, but your adopted country may not recognize your Canadian citizenship and may prevent Canadian consular officers from helping you.
Is it illegal to travel with two passports?
Under the above circumstances, it is not illegal or a fraud in any way for the person to hold two valid passports. Nevertheless, the United States requires that you carry your U.S. passport when traveling, and use it to reenter the United States.
Can a Canadian citizen move to USA permanently?
Requirements for Immigrating to the US from Canada
You must have a valid reason for immigrating, such as work, study, or family ties. The individual must apply for and be approved for a visa. Depending on the reason for immigrating, the appropriate visa category must be chosen, such as a work visa or student visa.
Do you have to give up your citizenship to become American?
U.S. law does not require a U.S. citizen to choose between U.S. citizenship and another (foreign) nationality (or nationalities).
Does Canada allow dual citizenship?
Canada allows dual citizenship, meaning that individuals do not need to renounce their original nationality when becoming Canadian citizens. However, whether a person can hold dual nationality depends on the laws of their home country.
How long can you stay in the US with Canadian citizenship?
Canadian visitors are generally granted a stay in the U.S. for up to six months at the time of entry. Requests to extend or adjust a stay must be made prior to expiry to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service .
Can I be a dual citizen of Canada and the US?
There is no distinct process for U.S.-Canada dual citizenship. You obtain each separately without renouncing the other. Dual citizenship allows living, working, and studying in both countries without usual foreign national restrictions.
How long can a Canadian citizen stay outside Canada?
As a Canadian citizen, you can get a Canadian passport. You can travel abroad for as long as you like and you will not lose your citizenship status, unlike Permanent Residents (PR). If you are a PR, you must stay in Canada for 730 days (2 years) in any 5-year period to keep your PR status.
Can I live in Canada if I am a U.S. citizen?
Yes, American citizens can move to Canada. However, if your stay in Canada exceeds 180 days, or if you intend to work there, you will likely need a visa or a work permit. Each visa requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and following the appropriate application procedures.
How long can a U.S. citizen stay in Canada?
How long you can stay. Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months.
What are the cons of dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship offers a range of benefits, including the ability to travel freely, work in two countries, and access social services and property ownership opportunities. However, it also comes with challenges, such as the potential for double taxation, military obligations, and restrictions on certain jobs.
Can an American gain Canadian citizenship?
You (and some minors, if applicable) must have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years before the date you sign your application. We encourage you to apply with more than 1,095 days of living in Canada in case there's a problem with the calculation.
How can a Canadian become a U.S. citizen?
You must meet specific requirements before becoming a United States citizen through naturalization. They include; You must be at least eighteen (18) years old. You must have been resident in the US for at least 30 months in the last 60 months of your time as a permanent resident.
When did the U.S. stop allowing dual citizenship?
Dual Citizenship in the United States
Dual citizenship had previously been banned in the United States, but in 1967 the US Supreme Court struck down most laws forbidding dual citizenship. However, the US government remained disdainful of dual citizenship for some time.
Will I lose my U.S. citizenship if I become a citizen of another country?
Owe allegiance to both the U.S. and a foreign country. Must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the U.S. Do not have to choose one nationality over the other. As a U.S. citizen, you may naturalize in another country without risking your U.S. citizenship.