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How To Apply For Dual Citizenship (Filipino And Canadian) In Canada

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Lately, I’ve been receiving email on how to apply for dual citizenship in Canada. So for those who have been waiting, I apologize that it took some time for me to write a blog post about it.

Apply for Dual Citizenship
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This post will also serve as my reference once I apply for dual citizenship. I may or may not. I’m not sure . . . though, but all I can say is Filipinos will always be Filipinos wherever we are or whatever citizenship ID we have.

We are Filipinos in our hearts.

Suddenly, I’m starting to become patriotic.

It could be the weather or because I’m looking forward to apply for Canadian citizenship. Time flies. It wasn’t long ago when I applied for permanent residency under the Live-in Caregiver Program.

Let’s push aside the melancholy. Keep on reading for the information that I hope will redeem myself from lagging behind.

After publishing this post, I received several comments (kudos to YOU) so I’m adding this essential part.

Who are Eligible to Apply for Dual Citizenship

First things first, let’s find out if you qualify for any of the following conditions based on Republic Act 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003:

  • Natural-born Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of another country.
  • Under the principle of derivative citizenship, unmarried children below eighteen (18) years of age of those who reacquired their Philippine citizenship.
  • A child who is 18 years of age or older at the time of the parent’s reacquisition of Philippine citizenship, but was born when either parent was still a Filipino citizen.

I fall under the first category. How about you?

For all the eligible applicants of Philippine citizenship, let’s read further down the post; moving on to “where” and “how” of the process.

To avoid confusion, I suggest you to click the links for the complete information about dual citizenship.

Navigating through the websites never fails to confuse me. I hope I have steer you in the right direction.

Where to Apply for Dual Citizenship in Canada?

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, OTTAWA
Location: 30 Murray St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5M4
Tel. No. (+613) 233-1121
Fax No. (+613) 233-4165
Duty Officer: (+613) 614-2846
Email: ottawa.pe@dfa.gov.ph and embassyofphilippines@rogers.com
Facebook
Link to dual citizenship (apply in person)

Philippine Consulate General

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL, CALGARY
Location: Suite 920, 517 1oth Ave. SW Calgary, Alberta T2R 0A8
(Centre 10 Building, corner of 4th and 5th Street)
Tel. No. (403) 455-9343, (403) 455-9457, (403) 455-9483, (403) 455-9346
After work phone: (587) 577-1524
Office hours: 9am to 4pm
Email: calgarypcg@yahoo.ca
Passport: calgarypcg@gmail.com
Website
Link to dual citizenship form and requirements

How to Apply Dual Citizenship in PCG Calgary (for residents of Alberta and Saskatchewan):
1. Send the applications and supporting documents to the Consulate by mail
2. Apply in person
If the application is approved, you have to take the oath of allegiance before a consular officer on a predetermined date.

Related Post:
How to Renew Philippine Passport in Calgary
Learn the services offered by the PCG Calgary
How to Get Special Power of Attorney at Philippine Consulate General in Calgary

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL, TORONTO
Location: 7th Floor, 160 Eglinton Ave. East Toronto, Ontario, M4P 3B5
Tel. No. (416) 922-7181
Fax No. (416) 922.2638
Email:
toronto.pcg@dfa.gov.ph
consularmatters@philcongen-toronto.com
torontopc@philcongen-toronto.com
Link to dual citizenship form and requirements (apply in person)

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL, VANCOUVER
Location: Suite 660, 999 Canada Place Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3E1
Tel. No. (604) 685-1619/(604) 685-7645
Urgent Call: (604) 653-5858
Fax No. (604) 685-9945
Email : vancouver.pcg@dfa.gov.ph and vancouverpcg@telus.net
Website

How to Apply Dual Citizenship in PCG Vancouver (for residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories):
1. Send the application form and supporting documents to the Consulate by mail
2. Apply in person

If the application is approved, you have to take the oath of allegiance before a consular officer on a predetermined date. Click here for more information about dual citizenship application in Vancouver.

Related Post: How to Renew Philippine Passport in Vancouver

You probably have chosen where to submit the application whether through mail or in person so let’s proceed with the requirements.

Requirements for the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition

You have to download the application form for Citizenship and Reacquisition but the form and requirements vary depending on the Philippine government agency you’ve planned to submit the application.

So refer to the link mentioned above (Link to dual citizenship) for the forms, requirements, and instruction.

But to give an idea of what to submit here are the common requirements for the application of dual citizenship in Canada:

  1. Accomplished application form for Citizenship and Reacquisition
  2. Original and photocopy of Philippine Birth Certificate (get a birth certificate online)

Supporting Documents:

  1. Original marriage certificate indicating the Philippine citizenship of the applicant, or
  2. Original old Philippine passport with an affidavit of being a natural-born Filipino
  3. Original court order on annulment of marriage
  4. Original death certificate of spouse

Note: The requirements for unmarried dependent minor (below 18 years old) maybe differ from the parents so take note of the documents.

Processing Fee:

  • CAD $67.50 in accordance with Circular AFF-04-01 (Implementing Rules and Regulations)
  • CAD $33.75 for every unmarried dependent minor below 18 years of age included in the application
  • Additional fee of CAD 33.75 will be charged for any affidavit

Mode of payment: Cash, bank draft, or postal money order

Although this post shows you how to apply for dual citizenship in Canada, I wouldn’t want to fail to mention on how to apply for dual citizenship in the Philippines.

If you are on vacation and have the time, you may also submit and process the applications in the Philippine Bureau of Immigration in Manila. (For the details, that’s meant for future blog post. Send me an email if I’m taking too long to write about it. No need. I finally wrote about it.)

May I ask you a question and answers are not compulsory. Ask yourself why do you want a dual citizenship. (I’ve been doing that occasionally.)

The reasons for reacquiring Philippine Citizenship is a personal matter. But let me share the advantages of becoming a Filipino again based on the constitution.

Rights and Privileges of Reacquiring Philippine Citizenship

  1. The right to travel with a Philippine passport
  2. The right to own real property in the Philippines
  3. The right to engage in business and commerce as a Filipino
  4. The right to practice one’s profession, provided that a license or permit to engage in such practice is obtained from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), or the Supreme Court in the case of lawyers.
  5. You may also vote overseas in Philippine national elections (for President, Vice
    President, Senators and sectoral representatives) in accordance with the provisions of the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003

Tax Tip: Under the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program of 1997, income earned abroad by Filipinos from 1998 are NO longer taxable.

You are almost done. But if you want to read more about the laws mentioned in the post, feel free to read the resources.

Additional Resource:

Doesn’t it make you feel smart just by knowing the law’s title? I can see the episodes of Kapag May Katwiran, Ipaglaban Mo flashing back in my memory right now.

I’ll let you go now but here’s a final reminder: keep in mind that I DO NOT work or am I affiliated with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. I cannot make an appointment but I’ll keep on blogging for sure!

Leave a comment about your personal experience about dual citizenship. It would help the Filipino community in Canada.

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Comments

  1. It was kind of giving the kids the excitement and surreal experience of how things are outside of their Canadian privileged cocoon.

    We sent them to the TO consulate to file their dual citizenship applications.

    Both applications were rejected despite all documentary submittals exceeding the requirements.

    The reason given – the whiteness of their background photos was not white enough for the counter guy. It looks like there is an unwritten standard of pantone or color degree that lowly mortals are ill-equipped to make a reasonable determination save of course the esteemed and omnipotent consular office staff behind the glass having the absolute monopoly of.

    Well, the poor kids just have to bite the bullet and spend their precious student money for another set of photographs.

  2. Hi,
    One of the requirements in applying for a dual citizenship is by handing in your old Philippine passport. What if we’ve lost it? What is the process of getting a replacement and where?
    Thanks.

    • I don’t think you’ll be issued a new passport since you are no longer a Filipino citizen once you take the oath of Canadian citizenship. The best thing to do is to go to the nearest consulate in your area to inquire. After taking the oath for the reacquisition of Filipino citizenship then that’s the time to get a new Philippine passport.

  3. Hello I have a question about the limit of staying outside both countries. My previous post didn’t appear, sorry to bother you again. If for example I already acquire a dual citizenship do I need to be in either country for a specific period or have to visit either country for like every year. Do you have idea if there’s a rule? If I stayed outside Philippines for 3 years or Canada for 3 years will there be penalty? Just asking because I have no idea. Thanks in advance.

    • There’s no time limit as to how long you can stay outside Canada and Philippines (I’m not sure about other countries though). But you’ll lose your health care benefits in Canada and that depends on the province you used to live in. Tip: Philippines will soon have a Universal Health Care for all Filipino citizens.

  4. Hi Carolyn,

    I am applying for citizenship. And planning to apply for dual. In case, do I need a valid Philippine passport anytime I travel if I am a dual citizen and I already have my Canadian passport?

    • That’s a good question Jay-r. In my opinion, I don’t see any problem using the Canadian passport. But I guess the Philippine passport can be used to prove your Philippine citizenship. Or you can also use the Philippine National ID Card which can serve as Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth ID etc. It would be an advantage for dual citizens to have both passports to gain entry to different countries without applying for a visa. (Note: You need to apply for a visa if you are travelling to some of the Asian countries using a Canadian passport.)

  5. I have a question. Someone recently took oath his Canadian citizenship but still have Philippine passport valid until 2021, is it still legit to use when he goes back to Philippines for vacation?

    • Then he should immediately apply for a Canadian passport. Use the valid Philippine passport when applying for a new Philippine passport as a dual citizen.

  6. Hello, I have a friend who was recently naturalized citizen (last month to be exact), she is asking, how long does it take before she can apply for dual citizenship. Is there a waiting period? Or can she apply right away? Thanks in advance for your response!

    • She can apply for dual citizenship once she receive her Canadian passport. In the meantime, make sure she has all the requirements especially the original birth certificate from NSO.

    • Yes so if you want to have dual citizenship, you should apply for re-acquisition of citizenship which shouldn’t take long.

  8. Hi, I’m An. I’m so interested in applying for that dual citizenship (Fil-Can). Currently living in the Philippines (we are all Filipinos) and I wanted to migrate to Canada but then I read about dual citizenship, I was thinking of applying for it, but I do not know what to do first, if I’ll apply as immigrant first or what? I don’t really know the first thing to do. I want my children to study in Canada but my husband cannot stay there for long, he is a doctor here in the Philippines. I hope you get what I mean. I hope you could help me on what to do first. Thank you much!

    • Hi An. To be eligible for Canadian citizenship you have to be able to work in Canada for a specified years. (Who knows the policy might change again. The duration could decrease or increase.) You can come to Canada as an immigrant or temporary worker. Check this site to find out how you can work in Canada; it’s comprehensive and will give you most of the information that you need. Your children can also come here if they are old enough for student visa and work they way through permanent residency then citizenship. Hope that helps.

  9. Hello Carolyn,
    I was born and raised here in Vancouver BC but I want to live permanently in the Philippines, I just got back recently. I am pregnant and I came back here only to deliver my baby in Sept, but my partner is in the Philippines. I want to apply for a Pilipinas passport or dual citizenship immediately for myself and my baby, are we qualified to do that here or can I do that in Manila as well? I’m so confused, I don’t know what to do! Btw, my parents are both Filipino, I’m not sure if 1 of them was still a Filipino citizen when I was born, they migrated here in the late 70s. Please tell me what I should do. Thank you so much for your time!

    • Since you are in Vancouver, you can go to the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver or make a phone call first to see if you qualify since you are not sure if your parents were Filipino citizen at the time you were born. If you are qualified, download the form online, and include in the application your baby. Hope you can give us an update Bella.

  10. Hi Carolyn, just want to ask your thoughts about my situation. My mom is a naturalized Canadian. Unfortunately, she suffered from a stroke and that affected her mental state. Currently, she is staying in the Philippines and my family decided for her to stay there indefinitely. She is not able to make decisions as she is mentally unstable. My question is, how can I apply for dual citizenship on her behalf? I couldn’t find anything online. Hope you can help. Thank you so much!

    • This is a tough one Debbie. When I’m stump I would often ask the Philippine Embassy or Consulate on their Facebook page. In my experience it was easier to reach out to them through social media but you can also make a phone call or drop by. I hope that you’ll get the answer and that your mom will get better where she is.

  11. Newbie question po, does the photocopy need to be in color or ok na po ang black & white?

    Salamat po

  12. Hi Carolyn,

    I am planning to apply for my dual (Filipino-Canadian) citizenship soon. Just want to ask, will I be able to travel in the United States (to visit a relatives) without getting a U.S. visa and just for having a dual citizenship status?

    Thanks in advanced!

    Blessings,

    Myls

    • Definitely Myls. That’s one of the perks of getting a Canadian passport. Good luck!

  13. Hi Carolyn,

    Thank you for this blog I’ve learned a lot, I’ve been researching online and your blog is the most informative.

    I just have a question, I’m a naturalized Canadian citizen and I’m planning to go back to the Philippines indefinitely and now I know for a fact that I need to apply for the dual citizenship, on your blog it says there that aside for the consulates in Canada I can do it as well in Manila. I guess my question is can I do it there once I go back even if I’m not returning to Canada for a long time. I just want to make sure I wont lose my Canadian Citizenship just because I did my oath back in the Philippines (hopefully my question make sense) you know our Government back home, I might under go certain procedure not knowing I’m already renouncing my Canadian citizenship or do you think just to be safe do my dual application here in Canada before I go back.

    Thanks again Carolyn and I hope you can shed some light for me.

    • If you have the time Mark, why not apply for dual citizenship here in Canada so by the time you go back home, you don’t have to worry about dual citizenship which is an advantage for Filipinos who want to indefinitely stay in the Philippines.

      I do have a question though. Do you have any idea of the implications of staying in the Philippines for a long time? Do you have to go back in Canada to show up or something else to prove that “I’m still here. A Canadian living overseas.” and to avail pension for retirees? Going back and forth is something that I also want to do someday.

      • I’m here in Manitoba and unfortunately their’s no consulate here and its quite expensive to travel and since I’m going back I taught of doing it there. To be honest I’m not sure what are the implications, I’ve search online and I think you wont lose your Canadian citizenship even if you lived abroad (maybe you have more info).

        • You can apply for dual citizenship through consular outreach services of other Philippine Consulates in Manitoba. Once I have my dual citizenship then I’ll write about the pros and cons of being a Filipino-Canadian. Or keep us posted Mark.

  14. Hi Carolyn!

    I am trying to re-acquire my Filipino citizenship. Part of their requirement is to have certificate and card. Unfortunately, I lose my Canadian oath taking certificate but I do have a Canadian citizenship card, will Philippine Consulate still accept without the certificate?

    • You can apply for a new citizenship certificate. I’m not sure if it is still necessary to have the card which were issued till February 2012. Thereafter, new Canadian citizens only receive the certificate as proof of citizenship.

  15. Hi Carolyn,
    Me and my husband are both naturalized Canadian before birth of our first child. We want to apply for dual citizenship to obtain again our Filipino citizenship for some reason. Can we include our child in dual citizenship application?

    • Hi Mary, I’m as confused as you are. I can’t find a simple, direct answer without getting lost, reading the law. The answer would be yes, if your child is born before you become a Canadian citizen but that wasn’t the case. Hope you can share the outcome here for our kababayan. Thanks!

    • Hi Mary! My boyfriend has the same concern, he was born in Canada but his parents were already naturalized Canadian by that time. And now he wants to apply dual, can you please update us with the status of your child? if you were able to reacquire the Filipino citizenship for him/her despite being Canadian already by the time he/she was born? Thanks.

  16. If I want to apply for dual citizenship, do I need to apply for my dependent children or possible for my self only?

  17. Hi Carolyn,

    I am planning to submit our application for dual citizenship at PCG Calgary, would they prefer it to be sent via mail? Or could I hand the documents to them in their office?

    Thanks in advance! 🙂

    • If you have or can make the time to go to PCG then might as well drop the application at their office. That way, the staff can check the requirements. I haven’t done this but will write about it once I am qualified for a dual citizenship.

  18. As a dual citizen (Canadian/Filipino), do i need to declare income/properties in Canada for tax purposes?

    • Yes Francis, you have to declare your income/properties earn from other countries. Hire an accountant to do your taxes to make sure you don’t miss any foreign tax credit. Or you can inquire through tax preparer like Liberty Tax and H&R Block to get an idea.

  19. Thanks for the answer. Why “technically” though? I may retire in the Philippines, but there is no need for immediate re-acquisition of Filipino citizenship, right? It can be obtained later on.

    • Opps . . . Technically or simply means legally. You can apply for re-acquisition whenever you want. But if you are already sure, why delay?

  20. Thank you for the great information. I was wondering what would happen if you acquired Canadian citizenship but did not apply for dual citizenship in the Philippines? Any thoughts? Information that can be sourced from the internet can be confusing with many saying you do not lose your Filipino citizenship when you get naturalised in another country, but then why the need to apply for dual citizenship?

    • Technically you are not a Filipino citizen anymore once you have a Canadian citizenship. You don’t have to apply for dual citizenship unless you still want to enjoy the rights and privileges of being a Filipino. Here’s a quick question Dennis. Where do you want to retire? If you plan to retire (most of the time) in the Philippines then it makes sense to have a dual citizenship. With that you can invest in the Philippines through SSS, stocks etc so you wouldn’t have to rely on CPP, OAS etc. Let me know your thoughts.

  22. Hello Carolyn,
    Thanks, first of all, for your very informative post. I surely appreciate it!

    Anyway, just want to know your thoughts so I know if I’m approaching getting a Filipino citizenship, properly. I was born in the Philippines but we migrated to Canada in the late 90s so I am currently Canadian. Currently, I am living in Thailand with my husband and son. They are both Canadians but my son (16 years old) was born in the Philippines, as well.

    Since we are living in Thailand (for at least two more years), what do you suggest we do? We all would like dual citizenship (Canada/Philippines), if possible. Do we need to go back to Canada to do it?

    Thank you so much for any help you can give.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    • Hi Linda. I’m assuming that it is possible. Your question motivates me to answer and write the same question I’ve been putting off for a long time. So stay tune for the updates on the blog. Have a great weekend. 😉

  23. Hello Po, good day!
    We’re planning to visit Philippines. How long our kids can stay in the Philippines? Just in case we want them to obtain dual citizenship can we apply in the Philippines? Do we really need to register here first or it doesn’t matter?
    Thanks…

    • Bhel applying for dual citizenship in the Philippines seems to be a good future blog post. Thanks for asking. This information answers your question:

      Foreign nationals who were born outside of the Philippines to a Filipino parent (Note: the parent/s must be Philippine citizen/s at the time of the applicant’s birth) may apply for Recognition as a Filipino citizen, without losing the current citizenship of the applicant.

  24. How long does the process usually take from application to dual citizenship approval?

    • Unfortunately, there’s no information about the processing time of dual citizenship on the websites.

  25. Hi. I just wanna thank you for blogging this btw.

    I just have a huge confusion. In the application form, does it have to be signed by the applicant under the ‘Certification’ area? or it would be signed once you’re being in front of the Administrating Officer?

    Thank you so much. 🙂

    • Kathleen you should sign at the top of your name in the “Applicant’s signature over printed name” section of the form.

  26. Hi Nelia,

    Thank you for the article, it fuelled my depleted drive to go out and get my Philippine citizenship. But I do have one concern, and hopefully you’ve got the answer to my question. I was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as both my parents were working there, then moved to Canada when I was 8 months and obtained Canadian citizenship. Would I have any issue now applying and getting approved for citizenship?

    Cheers!

    Josh Honasan

  27. If u r dual citizen, lives & works in Canada, do u need to file annual Philippines income tax just like you need to submit annual income tax in Canada?

    • Hi Le Tin. To answer your question, here’s what I found from the PCG in Vancouver

      Under the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program of 1997, income earned abroad by Filipinos from 1998 are no longer taxable. Hence, all Filipinos abroad, including those who have reacquired their Philippine citizenship, have been exempted by the Philippine Government from paying Philippine income tax on income earned abroad. Income earned in the Philippines, however, will still be subject to Philippine income tax.

  28. Hi Carolyn,
    I am naturalized Cdn citizen, widow. Now my son (born in Canada) who is 23 year old want to get a dual citizenship along with his girlfriend who is also born in Canada. Can this be done in Canada or in the Philippines?
    I phoned the Philippine embassy, they told me that I have to surrender my Canadian passport If I were to get a dual citizenship, it doenst make sense to me, coz what passport will I use when I comeback to Canada?
    Thoughts?

    Thanks

    • Hi Nelia after searching online I can’t seem to find any information about surrendering the passport for the application for dual citizenship in the Philippines. Would it be a better option to apply for dual citizenship here in Canada? I just thought it would be more convenient for your family. If you have the time, I hope you let us know how it goes for your family’s application.

      • Hi my niece was born here in Canada with a Filipino parents. They’re applying for dual citiznshp for my niece. They told my sis to get a REFERENCE Number to apply for Birth certificate in NSO. Where and how can we get that number? Thank u so much

  29. Hello! My boyfriend is canadian and wants to apply dual here in the phils, he was born in canada btw but he is Filipino by blood. Is it possible?

    • Hi Vinnie24! Your boyfriend can apply for dual citizenship in the Philippines since both of his parents are Filipino.