Canadian immigrating to the US via K1- do I still lose my Canadian citizenship or is it possible to attain dual citizenship?

[Loki_Go 126]

Good morning all! I'm new here and my boyfriend and I are talking about bringing me to the US and want to start the process in the fall. We have time and don't particularly expect many problems but one thing that worried me is losing my Canadian citizenship. One of my best friends had her husband move over from England about 10 years ago and he had to do that. I realize it was a decade ago and a different country and I've also read that I can attain dual citizenship, so I'm really hoping this is true. Is it?

[Harpa Timsah 13,260]

You won't be eligible for US citizenship until after you have lived in the US as a permanent resident for many years. At that time, if you choose to apply for US citizenship, you will not lose Canadian citizenship. But that is a long way off.

[Loki_Go 126]

Ok, good. One less thing to worry about for a while. Thanks!

[Boiler 47,536]

One of my best friends had her husband move over from England about 10 years ago and he had to do that.

No he did not.

[Loki_Go 126]

Yeah, that's entirely possible Boiler. I know she was certain I had to relinquish it at some point though but it may not have been her husband (or ex now) she was referencing. It was a while ago and I probably got the stories mixed up.

[kzielu 1,154]

Yeah, that's entirely possible Boiler. I know she was certain I had to relinquish it at some point though but it may not have been her husband (or ex now) she was referencing. It was a while ago and I probably got the stories mixed up.

I have people at work sitting right next to me being US citizens for ~20 years and they still have their british passports. Something really got mixed up.

[Loki_Go 126]

He immigrated to Canada from England, not the US, but I'm sure it's still a valid point.

[Boiler 47,536]

I know someone with US, Canadian and UK Citizenship.

[Kiwinyc 62]

I personally, have NZ, Australian and UK citizenship. US is next.

[Rob L 3,811]

Canada is a country that allows you to retain your citizenship. The US government discourages the practice, but recognizes that status. Many countries do not allow dual Citizenship and others place restrictions. When you enter the US you must use your American passport. You are subject to the laws of both countries. If you obtain a visa based on your marriage you need three years residency (and other requirements) to Naturalize

[Loki_Go 126]

Thank you! That breaks it down nicely. I was really upset thinking I'd lose that part of me... it's already bad enough my boyfriend and I *have* to get married to be together but feeling like my own country would abandon me was too much lol. We're not even that far away from each other, less than a 3 hour drive, but the two country thing makes it so complicated.

My BF called me last night before bed in a near panic as the gravity of everything really hit him. Just recently he decided to really get into what it would take to bring me to him so he's trying to sort it all out. Lots of emotions. But we're going for it.

[Rob L 3,811]

Sounds similar to our journey1.5 hours.

You may never choose to become a us citizen and simply maintain your residency in the US. I recommend you both start the process of obtaining nexus passes so you spend more time in each others arms and less in border backups?

[Loki_Go 126]

We never even thought to apply for Nexus. I think I always assumed it was for business travel only. I just texted my boyfriend and told him this and we're applying tonight.

This is such a great site.

[ricnally 259]

It's perhaps worth mentioning that should you decide to become a US citizen you will have to "renounce" your Canadian citizenship during the oath. They're just words, but still, it's enough to put some people off the idea.

[Boiler 47,536]

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

You can always keep your fingers crossed.