How Did Elon Musk Acquire Canadian Citizenship?

Elon Musk holds citizenship in three countries: South Africa, the United States, and Canada.

Musk became a Canadian citizen by birthright. Though he was born in Pretoria, South Africa, his mother, Maye Musk, was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, making Elon eligible for Canadian citizenship through descent.

Canada’s citizenship laws allow children born outside the country to obtain Canadian citizenship if at least one parent is a Canadian citizen at the time of birth. However, this applies to only one generation born abroad.

Recently, a petition in Canada has sparked controversy by calling for Musk’s citizenship to be revoked. The petition claims he has supported actions harmful to Canadian sovereignty, alleging he is aligned with foreign political interests. It was initiated by author Qualia Reed from British Columbia and sponsored by NDP MP Charlie Angus. As of now, over 340,000 people have signed it.

In response, Musk made a controversial remark on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Canada is not a real country,” though the post has since been deleted.

Despite the petition’s popularity, legal experts note that Canadian citizenship can only be revoked in cases involving fraud or misrepresentation. Musk’s citizenship, granted by descent, does not fall into these categories.

How to Become a Canadian Citizen

There are two primary ways to become a Canadian citizen:

At birth – If you are born in Canada or born abroad to at least one Canadian citizen.

Through naturalization – If you are not born a citizen, you can become one after becoming a permanent resident and meeting specific requirements.

Requirements for Citizenship by Naturalization:

• Be a permanent resident (PR) of Canada
• Physically reside in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the past 5 years
• File Canadian taxes (if required)
• Pass a citizenship test (ages 18–54)
• Prove proficiency in English or French
• Take the oath of citizenship

Physical Presence and PR Status

Applicants must live in Canada for a minimum of 1,095 days in the past 5 years before applying. Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person can partially count toward this requirement.

Children under 18 still need PR status but are exempt from the physical presence requirement. Crown servants and their families can count time spent abroad toward this requirement.

Language and Citizenship Test

Applicants aged 18–54 must pass a 20-question multiple-choice test on Canadian history, laws, symbols, and citizenship duties. They must also prove language skills (CLB level 4 or higher) in English or French.

Language proficiency can be proven through education records, test scores, or interviews with IRCC officers.

Taking the Oath

Once approved, individuals 14 or older must attend a citizenship ceremony, where they officially take the oath and become Canadian citizens.

Who Cannot Become a Citizen?

Individuals with serious legal or criminal issues, misrepresentation on applications, or those under a removal order may be ineligible for citizenship.

When Can Canadian Citizenship Be Revoked?

Canadian citizenship can only be revoked if it was obtained through fraud or misrepresentation. A notice is sent to the individual, who has 60 days to respond.

How to Become a Permanent Resident (PR) in Canada

Before applying for citizenship, foreign nationals must become PRs. This can be done through:

• Economic immigration – Includes Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs.
• Family sponsorship – For spouses, partners, children, parents, or grandparents.
• Humanitarian and compassionate grounds – For exceptional cases already residing in Canada.

Changes to Citizenship by Descent

In 2009, Canada limited the transmission of citizenship by descent to only one generation born abroad. In 2023, the Ontario Superior Court ruled this restriction unconstitutional, giving the federal government six months to amend the law. The deadline has since been extended multiple times, most recently to March 19, 2025.

In May 2024, the government proposed Bill C-71, allowing Canadian parents born abroad to pass citizenship to their children if they had lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days. However, this bill stalled after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepped down and Parliament was prorogued in early 2025.

If the government fails to meet the court’s latest deadline, the court may strike down or revise the law, which could end the second-generation cut-off rule altogether.