 |
|
|
Home  FAQ's ABOUT CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP
|
ABOUT CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP |
|
|
1.Can I have dual citizenship?
2.If I was born overseas to a Canadian citizen, am I automatically a Canadian citizen?
3.Do I become a Canadian when I marry a Canadian?
4.Will I lose my citizenship if I live outside Canada for an extended period?
5.If I have a child outside Canada, is that child Canadian?
6.Can I resume my citizenship?
1. Can I have dual citizenship? Since 1977, Canadian citizens have been allowed to hold dual nationality. They will not lose their Canadian citizenship if they become a citizen of another country. Before February 15, 1977, a Canadian citizen who became a citizen of another country ceased to be Canadian, except in rare circumstances. If you become a Canadian citizen, you could lose your current nationality. You should address any questions to the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country of your current nationality. Canadian citizens living abroad should stay informed of any changes to Canadian citizenship legislation. 2. If I was born overseas to a Canadian citizen, am I automatically a Canadian citizen? It depends on your situation. Contact the Call Centre or a Canadian embassy to discuss the matter. If you were born before February 15, 1977, and you want to determine whether you are a citizen or can gain citizenship through a parent, you need the following documents: i. your long-form birth certificate showing the names of your parents; ii. your parents' marriage certificate; iii. proof of citizenship of the responsible parent* at the time of your birth (a citizenship certificate or provincial birth certificate); iv. two pieces of your identification, such as a driver's licence, provincial health card, credit card or social insurance card; and v. two citizenship-sized photographs. *Before February 15, 1977, "responsible parent" applied to the father (if the child was born in wedlock) or to the mother (if the child was born out of wedlock). If you were born on or after February 15, 1977, you should provide: i. your long-form birth certificate showing the names of your parents; ii. proof of citizenship of either parent (a provincial birth certificate or citizenship certificate); iii. two pieces of your identification, such as a driver's licence, provincial health card, credit card or social insurance card; and iv. two citizenship-sized photographs. You can apply for a certificate to prove you are a Canadian citizen. The fee is $75. 3. Do I become a Canadian when I marry a Canadian? No. Marriage to a Canadian citizen does not give you citizenship. You must first obtain permanent residence, then apply for Canadian citizenship and meet the same requirements as any other person seeking naturalization in Canada. For information on obtaining permanent resident status, see the " Immigration" section of this guide or contact the Call Centre. 4. Will I lose my citizenship if I live outside Canada for an extended period? No, with one exception. Since 1967, no Canadian loses citizenship due to a long or permanent absence from Canada, except people who were born after February 14, 1977 and who must retain citizenship before turning 28 (see the following question and answer for details). Canadian citizens should stay informed of any changes to Canadian citizenship legislation. 5. If I have a child outside Canada, is that child Canadian? Since February 15, 1977, children born outside Canada to a Canadian parent are automatically considered citizens. Children born outside Canada before February 15, 1977 to a Canadian parent should check the CIC Website or contact a Call Centre or the nearest Canadian consulate, embassy or high commission for more information. Canadians born outside Canada need a citizenship certificate to prove they are citizens. If you are a Canadian by birth outside Canada to a Canadian parent, and you have a child also born outside Canada, please check the CIC Website or contact a Call Centre or the nearest Canadian consulate, embassy or high commission to ask about retention of citizenship. Certain people born outside Canada after February 14, 1977, could lose their citizenship if they do not take steps to retain it before turning 28. 6. Can I resume my citizenship? Yes. Former Canadians may resume their citizenship once they have obtained permanent resident status and have lived in Canada for at least one year before their application. You should fill out an application to resume citizenship. You must submit the following documents and fee: i. proof of former Canadian citizenship status (a birth certificate or naturalization certificate); ii. proof of loss of citizenship (a naturalization certificate of the other country); iii. proof of permanent residence in Canada (an immigrant visa and Record of Landing [IMM 1000] or Permanent Resident Card); iv. proof of residence in Canada for at least one year, such as rent receipts, employment records and utility bills; v. two pieces of identification, such as a driver's licence, provincial health card, credit card or social insurance card; vi. two citizenship-sized photographs; and vii. a $100 fee. An interview with a citizenship judge may be necessary.
You will re-acquire Canadian citizenship on the date that you take the Oath of Citizenship at a citizenship ceremony.
Yes. Former Canadians may resume their citizenship once they have obtained permanent resident status and have lived in Canada for at least one year before their application. Since February 15, 1977, children born outside Canada to a Canadian parent are automatically considered citizens. Children born outside Canada before February 15, 1977 to a Canadian parent should check the CIC Website or contact a Call Centre or the nearest Canadian consulate, embassy or high commission for more information. Canadians born outside Canada need a citizenship certificate to prove they are citizens. No, with one exception. Since 1967, no Canadian loses citizenship due to a long or permanent absence from Canada, except people who were born after February 14, 1977 and who must retain citizenship before turning 28 (see the following question and answer for details). Canadian citizens should stay informed of any changes to Canadian citizenship legislation. No. Marriage to a Canadian citizen does not give you citizenship. You must first obtain permanent residence, then apply for Canadian citizenship and meet the same requirements as any other person seeking naturalization in Canada. It depends on your situation. Contact the Call Centre or a Canadian embassy to discuss the matter. Since 1977, Canadian citizens have been allowed to hold dual nationality. They will not lose their Canadian citizenship if they become a citizen of another country. Before February 15, 1977, a Canadian citizen who became a citizen of another country ceased to be Canadian, except in rare circumstances. |
|
|
| |
