I need help with citizenships questions?

Question

I was born in the US, and my mother was also. My father is a Canadian Citizen now though. I recently got my canadian citizenship card for proof of citizenship, so I could obtain my SIN. I was just wondering, if i have to apply for anything to get my dual citizenship, or Do i automatically have it b/c I was born in the US&have my birth certificate is from there? So all I have to do it get a passport so When i go to the US i wont have any trouble or is there anything else I need to do?

Answer 1

Don't mention your Canadian citizenship to the US authorities, ever.

Answer 2

It sounds to me like you have everything covered. Yes, you should get your US passport. It wouldn't hurt to get your Canadian one, as well, at some point, as it will likely be required down the line, too, for travelling back and forth between the countries. Do you live in the US or in Canada?

I was born in the US and immigrated to Canada and then became a naturalized Canadian citizen, also. Both of my parents are US citizens and they also have permanent resident status in Canada.

I have dual citizenship and so do you. It is the best of both worlds. Both of my children were born in Canada and my eldest has US citizenship, also, so he is also dual. My younger child did not qualify for US citizenship, based on the laws at the time that she was born.

Don't listen to the answerer here who said for you to never mention your Canadian citizenship to the US authorities. Why I asked if you live in Canada presently, is because if you travel over the border to the US, the US customs person sometimes may ask you what your status is in Canada. If he asks you, you must answer truthfully, saying you also have Canadian citizenship. He may or may not then want to see your naturalization card. But, do not lie about this. Don't worry, the US will not revoke your US citizenship as long as you never intended to voluntarily give up your US citizenship at the time that you received your Canadian citizenship. It is important not to lie about anything when you apply for your US or Canadian passports. However, do not volunteer to the customs official that you have Canadian citizenship unless he asks. Only present your US passport to the US customs officer but be prepared to show them your Canadian naturalization card if they ask for it. On your way back into Canada, only hand the customs officer your Canadian naturalization card, but be prepared to show your US passport, if asked for it.

I just got my first US passport in December and it is good for 10 years. I plan to get my Canadian passport, also, but I am waiting a little while because at the moment a Canadian passport is only for 5 years but I hear that they may be changing this to 10 years soon. I would prefer to get a 10 year Canadian passport because 5 years goes by real fast.

I can't think of anything else you need to do. Congratulations on your new Canadian citizenship! Enjoy!

Answer 3

Under the U.S. Constitution you may only have one citizenship. There for you are a criminal under U.S. law if your holding 2 citizenships. Give up one.
You can go check on giving up your citizenship to the U.S. at:
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
If you give up your U.S. Citizenship then you will have to do the same as everyother immigrant wanting to enter our Country, and apply for new citizenship if you come back, but you have to give up your Canada one.