Dual U.S.-Canadian Citizenship: What Americans With Canadian Ancestry Should Know
Many Americans with Canadian ancestors are now eligible for dual U.S.-Canadian citizenship.
If eligible, they can apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate to confirm that they are already Canadian citizens. This means there are no financial assessments, language requirements, or work history requirements.
Once their citizenship is confirmed, they can obtain a Canadian passport and hold both U.S. and Canadian passports.
You may have many questions about dual citizenship, and in this article, we will answer some of the most common ones.
Do I Need to Move to Canada to Get Canadian Citizenship by Descent?
No. When you apply for proof of citizenship, you are claiming that you are already a Canadian citizen.
Once your citizenship is confirmed, you can choose where you want to live and work.
Can I Sponsor My Spouse and Children for Citizenship?
Once your Canadian citizenship is confirmed, you can sponsor your spouse to become a permanent resident of Canada.
You do not need to sponsor the children you have with your spouse, as they may also be eligible to apply for proof of Canadian citizenship, just like you.
You may also sponsor your spouse's children to become permanent residents of Canada.
Canadian permanent residents can live and work freely in Canada and may later become Canadian citizens through naturalization.
Is a Canadian Citizenship Certificate Enough to Sponsor My Family?
To sponsor your family members, you must either live in Canada or prove that you intend to live there. You must also be financially capable of supporting your family members.
Do I Need to Pay Taxes in Canada if I Become a Citizen?
Canadian citizenship alone does not create a tax obligation. Generally, Canadian income taxes are based on residency rather than citizenship. although non-residents may still have to pay taxes on certain Canadian income.
If you decide to live in Canada permanently, the Canada-U.S. tax treaty helps prevent double taxation.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Canadian Passport?
According to the 2026 Henley Passport Index, the Canadian passport ranks 7th in the world, compared to 10th for the U.S. passport. Canadian passport holders can travel to 183 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance, compared to 180 destinations for American passport holders.
What Opportunities Are Available to Youth and Young Professionals That Are Not Available in the U.S.?
Canadian citizens pay significantly lower tuition fees than international students.For an American student, the savings on a four-year bachelor's degree could be around US$100,000. After graduation, you can return to the U.S. to work.
In addition, through International Experience Canada, young Canadian citizens aged 18 to 30, or up to 35 in some cases, can work in 36 partner countries and territories through working holiday visas, which generally allow them to work under an open work permit.
In comparison, U.S. citizens are eligible for working holiday visas in only six countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea.
What Are the Health Care Benefits?
As a Canadian citizen, you can access public health care once you meet the eligibility requirements of the province where you live.
Most provinces now provide health coverage to Canadian citizens moving from abroad from the day they arrive or establish residency.
However, two major provinces have waiting periods.
In British Columbia, new and returning residents must wait for the remainder of their arrival month plus two additional months. In Quebec, the waiting period can be up to three months.
If you have an urgent need for medical care, you may request urgent processing of your proof of citizenship application.
What Are the Drawbacks of Applying for Canadian Citizenship by Descent?
Currently, processing times are more than two years due to high demand.
However, in certain situations, such as urgent medical needs, job offers, school admissions, or circumstances affecting some LGBTQ applicants, you may be eligible to request urgent processing.
If your request is approved, the processing time may be reduced to just a few months.
Explore Canadian Citizenship by Descent
- Canadian citizenship by descent — eligibility and consultation
- Proof of citizenship versus a citizenship grant
- Documents for Canadian citizenship by descent
Official Government Guidance
- IRCC: Who can apply for a citizenship certificate
- IRCC: Dual Canadian citizens travelling to Canada
- U.S. Department of State: U.S. nationality
By Pooneh Ghasvareh, RCIC — Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant.
