Kid is US Citizen, should I apply for Canadian citizenship

[theservingman]

Hi,

We are Indian citizens, earlier lived in US. Our kid was born in the US, then we moved to Canada on PR and are now gearing up to file our Canadian citizenship. Here are some questions:

1. Can American citizens have dual citizenship of US and Canada? I think that can.

2. Why should we consider applying his Canadian citizenship? What are the pros and cons of applying for Canadian citizenship along with US citizenship?

3. If we do not take apply for his Canadian citizenship, while we get our Canadian citizenship. Do we need to extend his PR every 5 years? Will he be entitled to health benefits etc.

4. Which are the benefits, which he may miss out, if he continues on PR?

5. Can we apply for his Canadian citizenship later, say after 2 or 5 years?

Any other guidance will be helpful. Thanks for your responses!

 

[Msafiri]

1. Yes
2. Complete/ Unqualified right to enter Canada, can't be deported, work in the Federal Government (preferential to PRs), travel using a Canadian passport, vote, stand for office. Substitute US for Canada.
3. PR Card required for travel and is the only solid proof of PR Status so if you want hassle free entry into Canada yes. However he will have to meet the Residency Obligation which he will even if absent from Canada subject to accompanying the parents once they are Canadian Citizens. This subject to him being a minor and the law not changing when you want to renew PR Card. Health care requires residence in the relevant province - if he meets this as well maintaining PR status then sure he will be covered.
4. see 2.
5. Sure

Its easier to apply for citizenship as a child since the risk of any security or criminal concerns are slim to none. The process is therefore smoother and faster - I suggest include him in your application.

 

[Swede]

1. Yes.
2. There's no inherent problem to applying for Canadian citizenship as a US citizen.
3. Yes. He will be entitled to health insurance, etc, as a PR.
4. His PR can be forfeit if, e.g., he lives away from Canada for too long or commits serious crimes. As a PR he's also ineligible to vote or run for office.
5. Yes.