Elon Musk Holds Citizenship in Three Countries: South Africa, the United States, and Canada
Elon Musk holds citizenship in South Africa, the United States, and Canada.
Musk acquired Canadian citizenship at birth because he was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and his mother, Maye Musk, was born in Canada. Under Canadian law, this means Musk automatically inherited Canadian citizenship from his mother.
According to current Canadian law, a child born outside of Canada can inherit Canadian citizenship from one Canadian parent, but only for one generation. That is, if a parent held Canadian citizenship before the child’s birth, the child is considered a Canadian citizen—even if born outside of Canada.
Petition to Revoke Musk’s Canadian Citizenship
Recently, an online petition has been launched calling for the revocation of Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship, claiming that his actions go against Canada’s national interests. The petition states that Musk is now part of a government that is allegedly trying to undermine Canadian sovereignty.
This petition was started by Qualia Reed, a writer from British Columbia, and is supported by Charlie Angus, an NDP Member of Parliament. It has garnered over 340,000 signatures.
In response, Musk posted (in a now-deleted post):
“Canada is not a real country.”
Can Musk’s Citizenship Actually Be Revoked?
Despite public support for the petition, immigration lawyers say it is highly unlikely that the petition will have any impact on Musk’s Canadian citizenship. Under Canadian law, citizenship can only be revoked if it is proven that the individual obtained it through fraud or error.
Topics Covered in This Article
Requirements for acquiring Canadian citizenship
Circumstances under which Canadian citizenship may be revoked
Recent changes to Canada’s citizenship laws
Who Can Acquire Canadian Citizenship by Birth or Inheritance?
People born in Canada or born to Canadian parents automatically receive Canadian citizenship at birth.
Those who do not automatically qualify for citizenship may apply for it after obtaining permanent residency and meeting the required conditions.
How to Acquire Canadian Citizenship Through Naturalization
Individuals who were not born as Canadian citizens can obtain it through a citizenship application process, which requires:
Permanent resident status in Canada
Living in Canada for at least 3 out of the past 5 years
Filing taxes, if required
Passing the Canadian citizenship test
Proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages (English or French)
Taking the Oath of Citizenship
New Changes to Citizenship Law Regarding Generational Limits
In December 2023, the Ontario Superior Court ruled that the “second-generation cutoff”—a law preventing Canadian citizens born abroad from passing citizenship to their children also born abroad—was unconstitutional. This ruling has compelled the federal government to revise the law.