Getting a Canadian Passport

The Canadian passport is one of the strongest passports in the world. According to the Henley passport index, you could use a Canadian passport to travel to 185 destinations globally with no or limited nuisance. Of course, this number could change. Regardless, Canada is currently the ninth most powerful passport in the world. Let’s explore how you could receive a Canadian passport.

• For citizens
• For non-citizens
• The cost and validity
• How to apply for a Canadian passport
• Travel documents for protected people
• Let us help!

The Canadian passport for Canadian citizens

Canadian citizens may request a Canadian passport. However, the department may refuse to issue a passport if the applicant

• is not a Canadian citizen,
• fails to fill out the forms appropriately or present necessary documents,
• has allowed another person to use their passport in the past,
• provides misleading or false information on their application,
• has committed a criminal offence outside Canada, which is also an indictable offence in Canada,
• has an indictable criminal conviction inside Canada,
• is currently in prison, and court prevents them from leaving Canada,
• faces a court order that prevents them from owning a passport,
• has a passport conviction under Section 57 of the Criminal Code in Canada or its equivalent outside Canada,
• owes money to the Crown related to repatriation to Canada or other consular financial assistance.

Of course, these conditions could change at any time. Also, the department may refuse to issue the passport on the following grounds:

• The applicant’s current passport is still valid. However, they usually give you a new passport if your current passport is about to expire.
• The department believes when holding a passport, the applicant may travel abroad and commit a crime.
• It is in a child’s best interest not to receive a passport and remain in Canada.

I tried to simplify these lists. Therefore, use them as broad guidelines only. Alternatively, you may visit the IRCC website for official policies.

Canadian passports for non-Canadians

Generally speaking, you only qualify for a passport if you are a Canadian Citizen. However, convention refugees and protected persons in Canada may be eligible for a Travel Document. A typical refugee travel document resembles a Canadian passport. Nonetheless, your nationality remains intact. Also, you may still need to apply for visas according to your original nationality. Moreover, the Canadian government expects you not to travel to your home country or where you are seeking protection.

The cost and validity

The following list shows the cost of receiving a Canadian passport. Of course, these figures that are in the Canadian dollar could change at any point in time:

• Regular fees:
  • $120 for a 5-year adult passport (age 16 or over)
  • $160 for a 10-year adult passport (age 16 or over)
  • $57 for a Child passport (0 to 15 years of age)
• Expedited services fees (available only in person and on top of the regular fees)
  • $110 for urgent pickup (by the end of the next business day)
  • $50 for express pickup (within 2 to 9 business days)
  • $20 for standard pickup (on or after ten business days)
• Service fees ($45 each)
  • An additional administrative fee for replacing a valid lost or stolen passport
  • A true certified copy of one page of a passport (1 to 3 copies)
  • File transfer to a different passport office in Canada

Adults could apply for five or 10-year passports. However, the validity of children’s passports varies based on their age.

How to apply for a Canadian passport

To apply for a Canadian passport, visit the IRCC website and follow the instructions.

Travel documents for protected persons

Protected persons do not qualify for a Canadian passport. However, they may apply for travel documents.

Let us help!

If you wish to apply for a passport, you do not need to hire a consultant. However, if you need help, fill out the following form. Alternatively, you may book a consultation session with me. For other immigration and visa options, please fill out our assessment form.

Relevant articles:

• First generation citizenship rule in Canada
• Entering Canada without a passport