This page is to walk you through how to apply for a Canadian Passport. The Canadian government issues e-passports to its citizens. The e-passport is just like the 36-page book but it has a data chip. The e-passport contains basic information which can be used to ascertain a person’s identity.
When you travel across countries, as a citizen of Canada, you are required to have your passport with you as a means of identification. Before you are allowed into a country, you will be required to provide your passport which will be scanned to determine your identity.
According to Montreal-based financial firm Arton Capital’s Global Passport Index, the Canadian passport is valued as the 10th best globally. With a Canadian passport, you can visit over 114 different countries without a visa.
Canadian Passport Application Benefits
If you follow the steps on how to apply for a Canadian Passport and got approval, you would be expected to enjoy the following benefits.
- To help identify you and reduce fraud or identity theft.
- A Canadian passport is used to identify Canadian citizens anywhere in the world
- An e-Passport helps to uniquely identify a person’s country of origin, which country a traveler is coming from, and where they are going.
- Enhanced Privacy protection
- Ease of handling entry and exit at border controls with automated passport readers.
Requirement and Documents Needed to Apply for a Canadian Passport
- Proof of Canadian citizenship
- A valid document that authenticates your identity
- Two identical passport photograph
- A valid and recent Canadian travel document issued to you in your name.
- Your application form signed within the past 12 months and duly certified by a guarantor.
- Additional documents may be required (Such as language test score) in their original copies, and those not
- written in English or French will be submitted along with a proper translation.
About Canada Passport Application Process
A Canadian passport is a travel document that Canadian citizens can use to travel the world. To apply for a Canadian passport, you need to be a Canadian citizen.
To get a passport, you’ll need to
- Fill out an application
- Get your supporting documents and passport photos
- Find a guarantor and 2 references
- Find out how to submit your application and fees
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How to Apply for a Canadian Passport – Steps To Get Your Canadian Passport
To apply for a Canadian passport, you must be 16 years and above, and a Canadian citizen. Parents or guardians may apply for their young children. Here are a few steps to apply with
- Download or get the Application form from IRCC official website, or the Passport office directly.
- Fill out the form correctly and sign each page of the application form.
- Attach all documents that are vital along with the form, especially the 2 identical passport photographs.
- Get a guarantor and 2 references that will help confirm your identity.
- Your guarantor can be:
- Anyone who has known you for at least 2 years;
- Must be a Canadian citizen above 18 years;
- Should have a valid Canadian passport, or at least have a passport that has not expired for more than a year.
- Submit your application to the appropriate Passport office or portal, and pay all the required fees.
- Pick up your new passport.
How to Apply for a Canada Passport In Canada
How you apply depends on how soon you need a passport.
- 2 business days or less: Visit a passport office.
- 3 to 25 business days: Book an appointment or visit a passport office.
- 26 business days or more: Visit a Service Canada Centre or apply by mail.
Application for a Canadian Passport In the United States
You must apply by mail.
If you need a passport urgently: Contact the nearest Government of Canada office in the United States.
How to Apply for a Canadian Passport From Outside Canada and the United States
You must apply at a Government of Canada office abroad.
If you need a passport urgently, Contact the nearest Government of Canada office
