• Having a dual citizenship in Canada gives some practical rewards.Flags from the United States and Canada image by Louis Capeloto from Fotolia.com
  
  The Canadian government allows its citizens to obtain foreign citizenship without losing their Canadian nationality. In the same way, immigrants or permanent residents in Canada who were granted Canadian citizenship are allowed to keep their foreign nationalities. Canadian citizenship law therefore makes it possible for people to have allegiance to two countries at the same time. According to Statistics Canada, more than 800,000 Canadians, or 2.8 percent of the population, have at least one other citizenship (as of 2006). Having a dual citizenship in Canada has several practical advantages.
  
  

Employment Opportunities

• As a dual national, you can choose to work in Canada or in the country of your second citizenship without having to obtain a work permit. If you are a permanent resident in Canada, you cannot hold certain jobs that have high-level security clearance requirements, so obtaining Canadian citizenship may open more employment doors for you.
  
  

Social Programs Entitlement

• Possessing dual citizenship will entitle you to the social programs, such as pensions, health care and education, of both countries. As a Canadian citizen, you can enjoy the benefits of a publicly-funded health care system.
  
  

Easy International Travel

• Having two passports will make it easier for you to travel internationally. You can enter Canada without much scrutiny. Some countries (including the United States) waive tourist visa requirements for Canadian passport holders. In the same way, traveling to the country of your second nationality will be easier, as you will not be required to get a visa to visit the country.
  
  

Unrestricted Residency

• As a citizen of two countries, you can reside in one country without worrying about being away too long from the other country. A Canadian citizen does not have to reside in Canada. By contrast, if you are a permanent resident of Canada, the immigration authorities can revoke your permanent residence status if you fail to reside in Canada for a total of two years out of five years.
  
  

Emotional Benefits

• You may feel a sense of belonging from maintaining your personal ties to two countries, as you may have families and friends living in both countries. This may be important too for school-age children, who may be concerned with their identity or roots.
  
  

Ability to Participate in Politics

• As a citizen of two countries, you can exercise your right to vote or run for political office in either country. In Canada, permanent residents don't enjoy these privileges.