Will I Lose My Citizenship If I Become a Canadian?

Becoming a citizen of Canada is the goal of many immigrants across the world. In order to qualify for citizenship as an adult, you must:

• Be a permanent resident,
• Be 18 years of age or older,
• Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the four years before the date you sign your application,
• Have an adequate knowledge of either English or French,
• Have an adequate knowledge of Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship,
• Not be under a removal order,
• Not be a security risk,
• Not be criminally prohibited, and
• Attend a ceremony and take the oath of citizenship

Each country determines who it considers to be a citizen. If more than one country can assist you as a citizen, you have dual citizenship. Fortunately, Canadians are allowed to take foreign citizenship while retaining their own Canadian citizenship. This means in obtaining your Canadian citizenship; you will not need to relinquish or give up any previous citizenship so long as your country of citizenship allows for this.

Unfortunately, just because Canada is willing to accept dual citizenship, it does not mean your own home country will. It is perhaps possible that the country you are originating from will not let you keep your citizenship if you become a Canadian citizen. You will need to speak with your own consular embassy to determine what the rules are therein.

Note contrary to popular belief, marriage to a Canadian citizen does not give you citizenship. You must first apply for and get permanent resident status. Then you must apply for Canadian citizenship and meet the same requirements as any other person seeking Canadian citizenship.