How to Obtain Canadian Dual Citizenship
Canada legally recognizes the ability of a person to obtain dual citizenship. Canada does not force anyone naturalizing as a citizen to renounce any other citizenship they hold. This opens the door for the possibility of dual Canadian citizenship. The immigration laws of the applicant's original country also must allow for dual citizenship. Enter Canada legally, live there for at least three years and obtain permanent residency to naturalize as a Canadian and obtain dual citizenship.
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Instructions
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Visit the website of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Research how to put yourself into position for permanent Canadian residency. You may apply for permanent residency as a skilled worker, a recent graduate of a Canadian university with Canadian work experience, or if you are sponsored by a family member, province or employer.
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Print out the application packet for your particular class of permanent residency. Fill out the application packet completely and enclose notarized copies of any required documents. These documents may include Canadian tax forms, marriage licenses or proof of work history.
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Enter your credit card information into the appropriate portal on CIC's website. Print out a receipt for the payment and include it with the application. Mail the application to the appropriate office listed on the application.
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Receive approval of permanent residency status and enter Canada. Fulfill the terms of your visa and be physically present inside Canada for three years cumulatively within a four-year period -- 1,095 days total. Keep all records of your border crossings when leaving or entering Canada.
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Print out a citizenship application packet from CIC's website. Fill out the form and include the required documents. Required documents include proof of residency, proof of permanent residency status, two signed passport-style photographs and a receipt for online payments of the right to citizenship fee and processing fee.
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Mail the application to the appropriate office listed on the application. Receive conditional approval in the mail and cooperate with the government. You may be asked to prove your proficiency in either French or English through a phone interview with an immigration officer.
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Pass a citizenship test. Your conditional approval will provide information on where and when you need to take the test. The test may be written or verbal with a citizenship judge.
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Receive notice that you have passed your citizenship test. Attend a citizenship ceremony if you are 14 or older. Receive your citizenship certificate at the ceremony after taking an oath to Canada.
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Tips & Warnings
If one of your parents was born in Canada, you are already a Canadian citizen and can apply for a citizenship certificate as a Canadian born abroad with CIC.
Being married to a Canadian speeds up the processing time for your permanent residency status, but does not reduce any of the requirements in the naturalization process.
Canada has strict inadmissibility laws concerning health and criminal histories. Visit CIC's website to see if you are admissible to Canada before applying for permanent residency.
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