Dual citizenship is the rage nowadays fuelled by growing concerns over economic turmoil, global financial crisis and war raging across different countries. A person holding dual nationality is considered a legal citizen of two states. A child born in one country to parents who belongs to another holds dual citizenship by birth.
A more usual scenario is applying for citizenship under a certain legal process that's typically long. This is known as citizenship via naturalisation but you should carefully consider the ever changing laws for some countries ask you to retain original citizenship while others simply renounce it. As laws over citizenship broadens, world's getting more connected with lots of advantages.
A connection is establishedBefore taking any step to acquire dual nationality, a connection to respected country is made. You simply couldn't point a finger on a map and choose a country of dual citizenship; a proper procedure has to be followed! Individual must have a family, marriage, heritage or duration of legal residency before considering citizenship. For instance, the United States allow its citizens to establish and preserve dual nationality with other countries but every country varies on its specific position.
Many countries would ask you to relinquish all patriotic rights of original country when obtaining citizenship. For example, you may have to give up your U.S. citizenship this way. You should also gain country-specific information to know whether dual citizenship is applicable or simply to check eligibility criteria. Such details can be accessed online through official websites of immigration bureaus (country specific), at foreign embassy or consulate general.
The application processOnce a connection is established, proper channel of residency must be considered. Obtaining dual citizenship via bloodlines such as parents or grandparents is poles-apart to that through marriage. Most countries require minimum three to five years (alongside valid green card) in-case of marriage and maximum ten years before nationality is bestowed.
When applying through family associations, a proof of legal connection must be provided that can be through birth certificates or citizenship cards of family members. These proofs must be presented along with citizenship application before foreign embassy or consulate general.
If an American national is applying for dual citizenship with Canada via family connection, he only needs to file citizenship application with complete documents such as fees, photos and valid proof of identification before Canadian Foreign Embassy. Citizenship can also be applied typically after minimum length of residency. That include refugees, legal employees and all others on a legal, long-term visa. The inconsistency in duration may span from three to ten years that depends on country.
Forms, fees & interviewsEven with all the online system, there's always a lot of paper form accompanying citizenship applications. Fees that vary from one country to another, interview sessions, biometric examination that includes taking fingerprints followed by civics and relevant language exam.
If you wish to acquire U.S. nationality; must need to pass an interview, take a test about U.S. government and history, English language requisites, pay specific application fee and swear an oath. There's no need to renounce your foreign citizenship (unless your country forbids holding citizenship).
It should be noted that every country has a different process be it St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship or any other.
ConclusionAmong the entire process, one thing that's universal is dealing with government (embassy) of the state where you desire to be a citizen of!
Get more information about the Saint Kitts citizenship with Savoryandpartners.com.