You may be able to keep your current citizenship status and become a Canadian citizen depending on your nation’s policies.
In Canada, foreign nationals can hold two passports simultaneously, since the country allows dual citizenship, in which foreign nationals can maintain their original citizenship as well as a Canadian one.
Since it is difficult and complicated for Canadians to lose their citizenship, immigrants who naturalize into the country will maintain two citizenship — if their country of origin allows it.
How does Dual Citizenship work?
Individuals with dual #citizenship hold two different passports at the same time, giving them legal status as citizens of two countries.
Benefits
Due to dual citizenship, an individual has access to both countries’ social programs, the ease of traveling between them (and relevant allied countries), and the ability to own property (among others).
Drawbacks
Nevertheless, dual citizenship can also have some disadvantages. For example, some people are obligated to both countries (taxes, military service, etc.), which can be problematic. As a result, dual citizenship approval can be a difficult and time-consuming process, with bureaucracy often playing a major role in the lengthy process.
Does your country allow for Dual Citizenship with #Canada?
Bangladesh: Individuals of Bangladeshi origins who are citizens of Canada may apply for a Dual Nationality Certificate (DNC) with the Bangladeshi government, even though it is technically not permitted by law. If approved, these individuals will be dual citizens. Bangladeshis who do not obtain a DNC will lose their citizenship once they become naturalized citizens of Canada.
India: According to the Indian Citizenship Act of 1955, Indian nationals cannot hold dual citizenship with any other country. It is a punishable offense to obtain an Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship. #Indian nationals who become Canadian citizens will not be eligible to hold dual citizenship.
Nigeria: Nigeria is a country that allows dual citizenship with other countries, and even allows naturalization to another country while holding a Nigerian passport. Nigeria, however, does not allow people who have naturalized in another country to also naturalize to Nigeria. Nigerian nationals pursuing Canadian citizenship will therefore can to hold two passports.
Pakistan: Pakistani nationals living abroad cannot hold dual citizenship. Although the country has dual citizenship agreements with 19 countries (including Canada)- allowing nationals of these countries to become Pakistani while maintaining their original citizenship- Pakistani citizens who have naturalized to another country must revoke their Pakistani citizenship. If you want to naturalize in Canada, you must give up your Pakistani passport.
Philippines: It is possible for Filipino nationals who have been naturalized in another country to retain or regain their citizenship status if they were born before 1973 and had at least one Filipino parent. Filipino nationals applying for Canadian citizenship can retain both passports if one of their parents is Filipino. Individuals born in Canada who have at least one Filipino parent are already considered dual citizens.
U.K: Currently, the U.K. allows dual citizenship with Canada, which means U.K. citizens can pursue and apply for Canadian citizenship without affecting their current citizenship.
U.S.A: Canadian citizens can pursue Canadian citizenship freely without having their American citizenship affected. The United States allows dual citizenship with other countries, including Canada as well.
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia does not recognize dual citizenship with any other country, and Canadian consular services are prohibited if you are considered a Saudi Arabian citizen.
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