American / Canadian dual citizenship

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American / Canadian dual citizenship

Anonymous Oct 18, 2011 Business 2 views 4 answers

I'm a US citizen, born in CA. My mother was born in Toronto; her father was a well-known artist, her grandfather was a very well-known Canadian businessman (way back, but his legacy still stands). I live just south of the US/Canadian border in WA state. I don't have a lot of money. I'm 56 years old and trained as a Certified Nurses Aid. What are the chances I would be accepted as a Canadian citizen? What are the pros and cons of dual citizenship? What happens to one's US tax status as a dual citizen? Is there a good resource you would recommend to read up on this? I guess I should clarify my question: do you have to have substantial bucks to become a Canadian citizen? Would my family history help this in any way? . . . . or does that sort of thing matter to them at all?

Carl Michael ShustermanImmigration AttorneyLos Angeles, CA · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T10:35:52+00:00

The Canadian government has a video and other information online about reclaiming Canadian citizenship. In 1978, the Canadian government dropped the ban on dual citizenship. You would be entitled to certain benefits, including health care benefits, by being a Canadian citizen, but only if you return to Canada.

Richard Alton · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T10:35:52+00:00

Also on the US side, the US does not maintain any law recognizing dual nationality. Now the US Supreme Court has recognized it and the US government takes no affirmative steps in negating a person's dual nationality. Here is the Foreign Affairs Manual link on US regs regarding dual nationality.

C Abbott · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T10:35:52+00:00

Oh my, been there done that. You need to contact an experienced immigration attorney who is able to practice in both canada and the US to obtain a legal opinion on your questions. It is not a simple process. One note is as a US Citizen you will always have to file US taxes. As a canadian you only file for the time you are geographically present in Canada or you gain financial reword from a Canadian source. I am both and I am still trying to figure it all out. (My wife will second that comment) My colleagues have provided excellent information as a starting point. You can email me for names of attorneys/barristers who can practice in both countries. (I only practice in US now) Good luck.

J Ferrari · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T10:35:52+00:00

Attorneys on practice US law. They cannot advise you on the laws of other countries. You need to contact an immigration attorney who practices Canadian law.

American / Canadian dual citizenship

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