Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the Benefits of Duel Citizenship & Possibly Moving to Canada

This past April I learned I am a "Lost Canadian", so I've been learning more about Canada. I'm gathering my documentation so I will be able to receive my Canadian citizenship - and have learned there are challenges with doing this. But, there also are many benefits to having duel citizenship with the US and Canada and with possibly moving to Canada - today I'm sharing some of these benefits which I have learned about online . . .

There are major benefits to holding dual US and Canadian citizenship, providing unrestricted access to the economies, social systems, and lifestyles of two of the world's most stable nations. Following the recent implementation of Canada’s Bill C-3, which significantly expanded citizenship by descent, millions of Americans are exploring these advantages. 

The primary benefits include:

💼 Employment and Economic Flexibility

Work in Either Country: You can seek employment, change jobs, or start a business anywhere in the US or Canada without requiring a work permit, visa sponsor, or employment authorization. 
Access to Special Roles: You qualify for government positions and security-clearance jobs in both nations that are strictly reserved for citizens.
Property and Banking: You can purchase real estate, secure residential mortgages, and open bank accounts in both countries without the strict regulations or foreign buyer taxes often imposed on non-citizens. 

🎓 Healthcare and Education Costs

Subsidized University Tuition: Dual citizens qualify for domestic, in-province tuition rates at world-class Canadian universities. These rates are significantly cheaper than international student fees and often far more affordable than out-of-state US university tuition.
Universal Healthcare: Living in Canada grants you access to Canada's publicly funded provincial healthcare system, serving as an excellent safety net or retirement option. 

✈️ Travel and Mobility

Two Passports: You carry both a US and a Canadian passport, giving you a valuable "Plan B" and freedom of movement. 
Expanded Travel Privileges: While both passports are highly powerful, they differ slightly in visa requirements. For instance, Canadian citizens can travel to South Korea visa-free for up to 180 days, compared to only 90 days for US citizens. 
No Residency Obligations: Unlike a Green Card or Canadian Permanent Residency, holding full citizenship means you will never lose your status regardless of how many years you live abroad. 

⚖️ Political and Social Rights

Full Political Participation: You can vote in federal, state/provincial, and local elections, run for public office, and donate to political campaigns in both countries.

You can still collect U.S. Social Security benefits if you become a Canadian citizen, provided you earned enough work credits while in the United States. (Medicare is only able to be used in the US. - unless just visiting another country, but if you make Canada your permanent residence, you will not receive Medicare coverage in Canada.)

Eligibility and Rules

• Work Credits: You generally need 40 credits (about 10 years of work) under the US system to qualify for retirement benefits.
• Totalization Agreement: If you do not have enough US credits, the Totalization Agreement with Canada allows you to combine your Canadian and US work credits to qualify.
• Living Abroad: US citizens and Canadian Citizens alike can receive payments while living in Canada. 

Taxes

• Cross-Border Taxation: Depending on your citizenship status (such as holding dual U.S.-Canadian citizenship) and where you live, your benefits may be taxable. The Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty helps prevent double taxation, but you may still need to report income to tax agencies in both countries.

Yes, there are definite benefits to having duel citizenship and possibly moving to Canada! The college benefits are amazing - if I had young children this would be a strong benefit to carefully consider for sure! Plus, at least for the time being, Canadians are able to be proud of their Prime Minister when he speaks at the UN, sadly the same can not be said for US citizens with our current "president". 

As with any big and significant decision in life, choosing to receive duel citizenship and possibly move to Canada is a major decision. It is important to weigh the challenges and benefits - I hope this and yesterday's posts are helpful in aiding you as well - especially if you are also a "Lost Canadian".