As a permanent resident of the U.S., what is the next step in becoming an American citizen?

Question

I am a Canadian citizen but have permamnet residency in the U.S. My husband is American. Can I be a dual citizen and can my children be dual?

Answer 1

My husband is also Canadian and is a permanent resident, about to take the big citizenship step.

I believe it's two years after you became an UNconditional perm resident, you can fill out your application, pay about $500 and apply for citizenship. You'll be called in to take your written test and sometime thereafter, you'll get word if you passed and when and where you can take your citizenship oath.

The U.S. is very selfish about its citizenship and does not recognize dual citizenship at all. However, Canada will still recognize your former status, if you wanted to go back (you wouldn't have to go through the immigration process). If born in the U.S., your children will only be considered American, but if you wanted to go that route, I'm sure the process of becoming Canadian citizens would be easier for them than for landed immigrants.

Answer 2

I don't know how it works in Canada, in response to your children having Canadian Citizenship, but they are American since their dad is. If they have never lived anywhere other than America than I don't think that gives them Canadian Citizenship. And I don't believe that people can have dual citizenship. How would that work for people who constantly travel? It's like saying you want to me married to two different people, I don't think you can. And as my own opinion I wouldn't want a fellow American having that ability because it basically says to me that you don't know who you are, or what your position is, and where your loyalty stands. Why should you have that privilege to turn your back on one country or the other if need be? Which would you choose? If you want to be an American and have some rights to vote and such then I believe it to be morally correct to sever your citizenship elsewhere.

Answer 3

for many countries you can have dual citizenship...
to get your citzenship... just be a good person and not stay outside of the country long (see the uscis section of Permanent residency), and not commit crimes.... does this for 3 yrs (since you are married to a citizen), then you can apply for citzenship faster than the normal 5 years! YEAH!!!
I heard the application takes about a yr, you take an exam, be interviewed etc...
I am not sure how it works for kids.... but i think they can get dual citizenship depending on what canada's rules on citizenship are... like my husband and I are originally from one country that says that our kids can be citizens of that country b/c we are, even through they are born here in the US and we are US citizens too, so they would have dual citizenship if we took them there and applied for a passport and paperwork for them... but it's not quite automatic.... hope that helps and makes sense!

Answer 4

You could be, not sure about your child. There is a way to get Naturalized and still have a dual citizenship. Now I never tried so not sure how you go about that. With Canada being such a close country as far as relations I would imagine that would be ok for a country to be dual citizenship.

Answer 5

you have to wait at least 3 years (check with the embassy to find out where you stand) then you would set up an appointment to take the US citizenship test. You should study, it is hard. You can get books to study from your local library. Then go take the test, if you pass you will be set up to take the oath. Good Luck!

Answer 6

the USA although dual citizen chip, you would have to ask the Canadian ins if they although the same

Answer 7

Hey! I'm a Canadian, wanting to be with my American bf! I dunno how to go about it at all. I hope you can get dual.