Can I be a dual US and Canadian citizen?
Asked by: Doris Koepp | Last update: December 3, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (52 votes)
Does the U.S. allow dual citizenship with Canada?
There is no distinct process for U.S.-Canada dual citizenship. You obtain each separately without renouncing the other. Dual citizenship allows living, working, and studying in both countries without usual foreign national restrictions.
Do I lose my Canadian citizenship if I become an American?
Canada and the US both allow dual citizenship. Being Canadian and gaining US citizenship afterwards wouldn't make your Canadian citizenship any less valid, you would keep both.
Can I have dual residency in the U.S. and Canada?
Yes, you can be a dual resident of both the USA and Canada. To achieve this, you need to meet the residency requirements of both countries, such as having a permanent home available in each or spending sufficient time in each country.
Does the U.S. allow dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship allows individuals to be legally recognised as nationals of two countries simultaneously, granting them rights and obligations in both. The United States permits dual nationality, which means Americans can hold a passport of another country without renouncing their original citizenship.
Tax Implications for Dual Citizenship: USA & Canada
When did the U.S. stop allowing dual citizenship?
Dual Citizenship in the United States
Dual citizenship had previously been banned in the United States, but in 1967 the US Supreme Court struck down most laws forbidding dual citizenship. However, the US government remained disdainful of dual citizenship for some time.
Will I lose my U.S. citizenship if I become a citizen of another country?
Owe allegiance to both the U.S. and a foreign country. Must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the U.S. Do not have to choose one nationality over the other. As a U.S. citizen, you may naturalize in another country without risking your U.S. citizenship.
Do dual US Canadian citizens pay taxes to both countries?
Yes, dual citizens must report their worldwide income to both countries if they live in Canada and are considered a “US person.” For example, if you live in Canada but hold U.S. citizenship, you must file a U.S. tax return yearly, even if your income is earned entirely in Canada.
Can I live in Canada if I am a US citizen?
Yes, American citizens can move to Canada. However, if your stay in Canada exceeds 180 days, or if you intend to work there, you will likely need a visa or a work permit. Each visa requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and following the appropriate application procedures.
What is the 183 day rule in Canada?
If an individual, who, as a matter of fact, is considered not a resident of Canada, sojourns (i.e. is temporarily resident) in Canada for 183 days or more in a calendar year, the individual is deemed to be resident in Canada for that entire year.
What are the disadvantages of dual citizenship in Canada and the US?
- Dual Obligations. As a dual citizen, you are bound by the laws of both countries. ...
- Double Taxation. For dual citizens of the U.S. and another country, income tax laws can be complicated. ...
- Barriers to Certain Jobs. ...
- Complicated Process.
Do I have to renounce my U.S. citizenship to be Canadian?
U.S. law does not require a U.S. citizen to choose between U.S. citizenship and another (foreign) nationality (or nationalities). A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to their U.S. citizenship.
Is it illegal to travel with two passports?
Under the above circumstances, it is not illegal or a fraud in any way for the person to hold two valid passports. Nevertheless, the United States requires that you carry your U.S. passport when traveling, and use it to reenter the United States.
Do dual citizens have to pay taxes in both countries?
Dual citizens are often required to file tax returns in both countries. However, tax treaties and other benefits can be used to avoid double taxation. Using these benefits, most US dual citizens who live abroad can erase their US tax liability.
How long can a US citizen stay in Canada?
How long you can stay. Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months.
How hard is it to get U.S. citizenship as a Canadian?
U.S. Citizenship for Canadians. Unless born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, Canadian citizens cannot just apply for U.S. citizenship. Instead, Canadians usually have to be a permanent resident (green card holder) and reside in the United States for a certain period of time before they are eligible to naturalize.
Can you be both a Canadian and US citizen?
Under the right circumstances, a person is allowed to become a citizen of both Canada and the United States, simultaneously.
Is Canada cheaper than the US?
On average, it's more expensive to live in the US than to live in Canada. But median incomes are higher in the US than up North and the cost of living varies widely between different regions of each country — there's a lot more to this cost of living debate than you might think.
What is the easiest country for Americans to move to?
Mexico and Canada typically offer the easiest transition for Americans due to proximity, familiar culture, and relatively straightforward visa processes. Portugal has also emerged as a popular option with its various visa programs catering to different circumstances.
Can I have dual residency in US and Canada?
Individuals can be residents for tax purposes in more than one country at the same time. In such cases, where there is a tax treaty between Canada and the other country, individuals will be considered residents where they have the strongest social and economic ties.
What countries do not allow dual citizenship?
- Bahamas.
- China.
- Haiti.
- Indonesia (except in certain circumstances)
- Japan.
- Kuwait.
- Laos.
- Malawi.
Do I have to pay US taxes if I live in Canada?
Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen or a resident alien living outside the United States, your worldwide income is subject to U.S. income tax, regardless of where you live.
How long can you be out of the US before losing citizenship?
While there is no set limit, extended periods of absence, especially when combined with other factors, can trigger inquiries from U.S. authorities. Factors such as maintaining ties to the United States, filing taxes, and participating in U.S. elections can demonstrate a continued commitment to citizenship.
What problems can happen with dual citizenship?
Disadvantages of dual citizenship
Double taxation issues arise, with US citizens abroad facing the burden of filing taxes both in the US and their country of residence, leading to financial complexities.