Dual Canadian citizenship and citizenship by descent: current guidance
Canada permits dual citizenship. Another country’s laws may still affect your nationality, travel documents or obligations. Citizenship-by-descent rules changed in December 2025.
Reviewed against the official sources below :
Check both countries’ rules
Canadian law does not generally require you to give up another nationality to become Canadian. Whether you retain another citizenship depends on that country’s laws. Check its official consular guidance before making decisions.
Children born outside Canada
Do not rely on older advice saying citizenship can never pass beyond the first generation born abroad. Bill C-3 changed those rules on December 15, 2025. Eligibility depends on when the person was born or adopted and the Canadian parent’s circumstances.
The substantial connection requirement
For a child born abroad on or after December 15, 2025 to a Canadian parent who was also born abroad, the rules may require the parent to show at least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada before the child’s birth. Adoption has its own application rules. Read the official eligibility guidance rather than assuming citizenship is automatic in every case.
Get proof when you need it
Use IRCC’s citizenship certificate process to establish or document citizenship where applicable. A passport and a citizenship certificate serve different purposes. A practice-test purchase does not establish citizenship status.
Preparing for naturalization
If you are applying for a grant of citizenship and must take the test, having another nationality does not replace the knowledge requirement. Use Discover Canada and the instructions sent by IRCC.
Put your reading into practice
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