Depending on your nation’s policies you may be eligible to keep your current citizenship status, and become a Canadian citizen.
Many immigrants who pursue citizenship in Canada are able to hold two simultaneous passports, as Canada allows foreign nationals to maintain their original citizenship in addition to a Canadian one. This is called dual citizenship.
In fact, it is difficult and complicated for Canadians to lose their Canadian citizenship, meaning that immigrants who naturalize to the country will maintain two nationalities—if their country of origin allows it.
How does Dual Citizenship work?
Dual citizenship refers to when an individual holds two different passports at the same time—further affording them the legal status of a citizen of both countries.
Benefits
The most obvious benefit of dual citizenship is that an individual can be eligible for the rights of both countries, including social programs, ease of travel between both countries (and relevant allied countries), and the ability to own property (among other freedoms).Drawbacks
There can however be certain drawbacks to dual citizenship as well. For example, some individuals may be under dual obligations to both countries (taxes, military service, etc.), which can be troublesome.
Does my country allow for Dual Citizenship with Canada?
- Bangladesh: Though not technically allowed by law, individuals of Bangladeshi origins who are citizens of Canada, may apply for a Dual Nationality Certificate (DNC) with the Bangladeshi government. If approved, these individuals will have dual citizenship. If a DNC is not obtained Bangladeshis will lose their citizenship upon becoming naturalized Canadian citizens.
- Iran: Does not allow dual citizenship with any other country
- India: India does not allow dual citizenship with any other country
- Nigeria: Nigeria allows dual citizenship with other countries
- Pakistan: Pakistan does not allow dual citizenship for Pakistani nationals living abroad.
- Philippines: The Philippines allows dual citizenship with Canada.
- K: The U.K does allow dual citizenship with Canada
- S.A: The United States allows dual citizenship with other countries, including Canada
- Saudi Arabia: Dual citizenship is not recognized
- European countries: Most allow dual citizenship
- China: Does not allow dual citizenship
- Russia: Does allow dual citizenship
- African countries: most African countries allow dual citizenship
