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Do You Need to Give Up Your Citizenship When Becoming a Canadian Citizen?

ICC Immigration Inc > Blogs > Announcement > Do You Need to Give Up Your Citizenship When Becoming a Canadian Citizen?

If you’re planning to become a Canadian citizen, one of the first questions that may come to mind is: Will I need to renounce my current citizenship?

The answer depends on two main factors:

  1. Canada’s stance on dual citizenship

  2. The laws of your home country

Canada recognizes and allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold Canadian citizenship alongside citizenship from another country. However, whether you can actually keep your original nationality depends entirely on your country of origin’s laws. Some nations permit dual citizenship without restrictions, others impose conditions, and some require you to renounce your original citizenship.

Dual Citizenship Rules by Country

Here’s an overview of the top 10 countries of origin for Canadian immigrants and their policies:

  • India – ❌ No dual citizenship allowed. Indian nationals must renounce Indian citizenship and surrender their passport after becoming Canadian citizens. However, you can apply for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status for lifelong visa privileges.

  • Philippines – ✅ Allowed with conditions. Filipinos can retain their citizenship if they meet specific criteria (e.g., marriage to a Filipino, or having at least one Filipino parent).

  • China – ❌ No dual nationality. Chinese nationals automatically lose Chinese citizenship upon acquiring another nationality.

  • Nigeria – ✅ Allowed if citizenship is by birth/descent. Naturalized Nigerians must renounce before becoming Canadian citizens.

  • Pakistan – ✅ Allowed. Canada is one of 22 countries with which Pakistan has formalized dual nationality agreements.

  • Iran – ❌ Does not recognize dual citizenship. Iranian-Canadians are still considered Iranian under Iranian law, with travel restrictions.

  • United States – ✅ Allowed. Must enter and exit the U.S. using a U.S. passport.

  • Brazil – ✅ Fully allowed. Access to consular services in Brazil may be limited if you hold both nationalities.

  • France – ✅ Fully allowed. No special conditions.

  • Syria – ✅ Allowed. However, Syria treats dual nationals as Syrian first in legal and administrative matters.

Canadian Citizenship Requirements

If you’re not a Canadian by birth or descent, you can become one through naturalization by meeting the following criteria:

  • Be a permanent resident of Canada

  • Reside in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the last five years

  • File taxes if required by law

  • Pass the Canadian citizenship test (ages 18–54)

  • Demonstrate language proficiency (English or French, CLB 4+)

Processing times for Canadian citizenship applications currently average 10 months.

Why Knowing Your Country’s Rules Matters

Failing to follow your home country’s dual citizenship laws can result in:

  • Loss of your original citizenship

  • Travel complications (e.g., being denied entry or exit)

  • Legal penalties (especially in countries like India)

Before applying for Canadian citizenship, research your country’s laws and, if necessary, prepare to renounce your citizenship in a formal process.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

At ICC Immigration, we specialize in guiding newcomers through Permanent Residency (PR) and citizenship pathways without the uncertainties of asylum claims.

Our Services Include:

  • Permanent Residency Applications – Expertise in Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other PR streams.

  • Work & Study Permits – Short-term solutions to build your career or education in Canada while working toward PR.

  • Family Sponsorships – Helping reunite families under Canada’s immigration programs.

  • Expert Legal Advice – Ensuring your application meets current Canadian immigration regulations and stands the best chance of approval.

Instead of relying on asylum claims with unpredictable outcomes, ICC Immigration provides stable, clear, and legal pathways to becoming a Canadian citizen. Whether you are in Canada or planning your move, our experienced team is here to make your journey smooth and secure.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Canadian citizen offers many benefits—visa-free travel, political rights, and security—but it also comes with legal responsibilities. The biggest factor in keeping your original nationality will be the laws of your birth country.

If you want a personalized assessment of your eligibility and the most efficient route to citizenship, ICC Immigration can provide expert guidance every step of the way.