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.
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.
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 Page
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.
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.
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:
- Accomplished application form for Citizenship and Reacquisition
- Original and photocopy of Philippine Birth Certificate (get a birth certificate online)
Supporting Documents:
- Original marriage certificate indicating the Philippine citizenship of the applicant, or
- Original old Philippine passport with an affidavit of being a natural-born Filipino
- Original court order on annulment of marriage
- 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.
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
- The right to travel with a Philippine passport
- The right to own real property in the Philippines
- The right to engage in business and commerce as a Filipino
- 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.
- 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.
- Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver: Dual Citizenship Q & A
- Republic Act No. 9225 / Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003
- Republic Act No. 9189 / Oversees Absentee Voting
- Tax Reform Act of 1997
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.
Newbie question po, does the photocopy need to be in color or ok na po ang black & white?
Salamat po
Black and white will do, Men. Cheers!
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!
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.
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.
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!
If I want to apply for dual citizenship, do I need to apply for my dependent children or possible for my self only?
Either way Cathy.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Thank You.Very informative, Indeed!
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. 😉
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:
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.