Canadian nationality law details the conditions in which a person is a national of Canada. With few exceptions, almost all individuals born in the country are automatically citizens at birth.

Are you a US citizen if one parent is?

If only one parent was a U.S. citizen, that parent must have resided in the U.S. for at least ten years before your birth. At least five of those years must have been after that parent reached the age of 16. With a parent thus qualified, you acquired U.S. citizenship at birth, but with conditions for keeping it.

Can a US born child become a Canadian citizen?

U.S.-born children of Canadians can automatically get Canadian citizenship. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), allows citizenship to be passed down to the first generation born outside of the country. At least one biological or legal parent needs to be a Canadian citizen at the time of the baby’s birth.

Who was born in Canada to American parents?

I was born in 1969 to American parents living in Argentia, Newfoundland. Ordinarily, it would be pretty obvious that I would be a Canadian citizen. The twist is that my father was in the US Navy at the time. Would that prevent me from being a Canadian citizen? I hope not. My wife and I love Canada, and would love the opportunity to move there.

When do you become a citizen of Canada by descent?

If you were born prior to April 17th, 2009, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent if one of your parents or grandparents are Canadian citizens. Obtaining proof of citizenship is something that some Canadian citizens by descent attempt to do themselves, with typical wait times ranging between 5 months to a full year for processing.

Do you have to have a Canadian passport to be an American citizen?

The United States citizenship law is basically incarnated in the United States Constitution. Those who have Canadian-American Dual Citizenship benefit from easier travel regulations, but must still hold an American passport and a Canadian passport. The holder of Dual Citizenship also must obey both nation’s laws,…