American mother+Candian Father=Dual citizen baby???

[McMcR]

Hello,
I am an american who recently on a trip to canada became pregnant by my Canadian born boyfriend. We have been talking about going through with a sponsorship in case we do get married. Then we found out we were pregnant so that has all been pushed back. So this is my question...

Since I am covered by insurance here in the states, and it does not transfer over to canada, and I am not able to be covered by Canadian healthcare. Would the baby be able to obtain dual citizenship if born in the states? and if I have to file anything how would I go about that?
I have had thoughts about delivering in Canada just so I am closer to him and his family, but at the same time I am much closer to my family here in the states.
I would love for the baby to have dual citizenship though. So anyone able to help, it's much appreciated. and feel free to ask any type of questions. THANK YOU!

 

[Leon]

The baby can have dual citizenship if it is born in the US. Your boyfriend would just have to apply for the childs citizenship certificate once it is born and with that, you would be able to apply for a Canadian passport. Here are the forms to apply: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/certif.asp

 

[McMcR]

So once the baby is born are we able to return to canada or we have to wait for the passport for the child?

And how long would it take to apply for citizenship and the passport process?

 

[Leon]

If you apply for the citizenship certificate for the baby from inside Canada, it takes around 6 months to get it. Once you have that, you can get a Canadian passport pretty fast.

At http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html it says that US children only need a birth certificate to enter Canada:

If a U.S. citizen traveling to Canada does not have a passport, passport card, or approved alternate document such as a NEXUS card, they must show a government-issued photo ID (e.g. Driver’s License) and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired U.S. passport. Children under 16 need only present proof of U.S. citizenship. (Please see below for important information concerning re-entry into the United States.)

U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid U.S. passport.

When returning to the United States from Canada, it is very important to note that all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport to enter or re-enter the United States via air. For entry into the United States via land and sea borders, U.S. citizens must present either a U.S. passport, passport card, NEXUS card, Enhanced Drivers License, or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document. The only exception to this requirement is for U.S. citizens under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group) who need only present a birth certificate (original, photocopy or certified copy), Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or naturalization certificate.

 

[McMcR]

Ok so the father and I will be able to return to canada with the baby since we both have passports, and then be able to file citizenship and for a passport there.

So even though the baby is born in the states, they would still have dual citizenship once filed for?

 

[Leon]

Ok so the father and I will be able to return to canada with the baby since we both have passports, and then be able to file citizenship and for a passport there.

So even though the baby is born in the states, they would still have dual citizenship once filed for?

Yes, they would have dual. There is however one difference between citizenship by parentage and citizenship by birth and that is that your baby will not be able to pass Canadian citizenship to his or her children. However, if his or her children are born in Canada or have another Canadian parent, this is of no importance since they can get it through birth or through the other parent. It is only a problem if your child is later living in another country with a non-Canadian spouse and has children there, then they will not be Canadian.

 

[McMcR]

Oh. Pfts. I am not worried about all that. That is many many many years from now and who knows things might change by then lol.

I was just worried about if the baby would be able to have some sort of citizenship in Canada through the father even if I gave birth in the states.
But now that you have explained it. I feel a little bit more comfortable about staying near my family and having the baby here and just having the father come here for the birth to sign the birth certificate and all that jazz.

Thank you for your help