Does the US allow dual citizenship with Canada?
Asked by: Dino McCullough | Last update: January 21, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (23 votes)
Under the right circumstances, a person is allowed to become a citizen of both Canada and the United States, simultaneously.
Can you be a dual citizen in the US and Canada?
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.
Do I lose my Canadian citizenship if I become an American?
Canada and the US both allow dual citizenship. Being Canadian and gaining US citizenship afterwards wouldn't make your Canadian citizenship any less valid, you would keep both.
Does the US allow dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship allows individuals to be legally recognised as nationals of two countries simultaneously, granting them rights and obligations in both. The United States permits dual nationality, which means Americans can hold a passport of another country without renouncing their original citizenship.
Can a Canadian marry an American and get dual citizenship?
The Canadian spouse does not apply for U.S. citizenship; he or she applies for a green card. After three years of residence in the U.S. after approval of the green card, the Canadian can apply for citizenship. He or she will remain a Canadian citizen.
Does the US allow dual citizenship?
What are the disadvantages of dual citizenship in Canada and the US?
- Dual Obligations. As a dual citizen, you are bound by the laws of both countries. ...
- Double Taxation. For dual citizens of the U.S. and another country, income tax laws can be complicated. ...
- Barriers to Certain Jobs. ...
- Complicated Process.
What happens when a Canadian marries a U.S. citizen?
Fiancé (K) visas are issued to non-U.S. citizens for the purpose of traveling to the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen. A K visa will allow a Canadian citizen (or citizens of other countries with status in Canada) to remain in the U.S. and apply for permanent resident status following the marriage.
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.
Which countries allow dual citizenship with Canada?
- France;
- Nigeria;
- Pakistan;
- Philippines;
- United States; and.
- United Kingdom.
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.
Can I live in USA if I have Canadian citizenship?
The TN visa permits Canadian citizens to remain in the US for up to 3 years under the NAFTA TN arrangement. The EB-2 Visa is an employment-based (second preference) immigration visa. It is for individuals who have an employer sponsor and have advanced degrees or exceptional ability.
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.
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.
Do I lose my U.S. citizenship if I become Canadian?
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.
Can I be a resident of both U.S. and Canada?
Yes, you can be a dual resident of both the USA and Canada. To achieve this, you need to meet the residency requirements of both countries, such as having a permanent home available in each or spending sufficient time in each country.
Do dual citizens have to pay taxes in both countries?
Dual citizens are often required to file tax returns in both countries. However, tax treaties and other benefits can be used to avoid double taxation. Using these benefits, most US dual citizens who live abroad can erase their US tax liability.
Can I be a dual citizen of Canada and the US?
U.S./Canada dual citizens are advised to carry both valid passports (U.S. and Canada) when traveling to/from the United States. The dual citizen will be required to present their U.S. passport at U.S. immigration and might be requested to present their Canadian passport when going through Canadian immigration.
What country can Canadians move to easily?
What are the easiest countries for Canadian expats to move to? It depends on your circumstances and the country you want to move to. The United States, and New Zealand all have relatively easy immigration processes for Canadians.
Does the US accept 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.
How many citizenships can you have in Canada?
If more than one country recognizes you as a citizen, you have dual citizenship. You don't apply for dual citizenship, and there is no related certificate. Canadians are allowed to take foreign citizenship while keeping their Canadian citizenship.
Why are wealthy Americans getting second passports?
More wealthy U.S. Americans are interested in attaining second residences or citizenships. Increasingly more high-net worth and ultra-high-net worth Americans are “hedging their bets” against political turmoil and social unrest by pursuing backup visas and citizenships abroad.
How long can I stay outside the U.S. as a citizen?
While there is no set limit, extended periods of absence, especially when combined with other factors, can trigger inquiries from U.S. authorities. Factors such as maintaining ties to the United States, filing taxes, and participating in U.S. elections can demonstrate a continued commitment to citizenship.
Is it easier to move to Canada or the USA?
Hundreds of thousands of people immigrate to the US each year, but the demand for US visas and green cards still outweighs the annual caps. This makes immigrating to the US more difficult than to other countries like Canada.
How long can a Canadian stay in the US?
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 .
Does US recognize Canadian marriages?
The United States has no national registration of marriages, foreign or domestic. U.S. states recognize marriages performed in other states and in other countries. If your marriage was legally performed in the country or state where you got married, then the marriage is recognized in the United States.