Can a U.S. Citizen Have a Dual Citizenship With Canada?

A peaceful shared border makes for easy alliances

The more than 5,500 miles of undefended border between the United States and Canada is the longest in the world. The friendly relationship between the two countries means the United States and Canada allow dual citizenship.

Ancestry

For an American citizen to also claim Canadian citizenship, they must have a connection to both countries. If born in the United States to a Canadian citizen, an American can claim citizenship of both countries. This is also true for those born in the United States who can show that a grandparent was a Canadian citizen.

Marriage

Americans married to Canadian citizens are eligible for Canadian citizenship. However, this is not automatic. After marriage, you must establish residency in Canada. Once you can prove you have lived in Canada for a minimum of three years, you can then apply for citizenship.

Naturalization

Americans applying for naturalization as Canadian citizens can do so, after establishing residency in Canada. Citizenship may be granted after residing in Canada for three years, passing a test of knowledge of Canada, called Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship and filing an application of citizenship.

References

• Becoming a Canadian Citizen: Who can apply
• Dual Citizenship