Travel Document for Canadian Refugees

Refugees in Canada may receive travel documents. However, you must meet the requirements. Also, Canada may issue a certificate of identity for particular permanent residents in Canada.

Who qualifies for a refugee travel document?

To qualify for a refugee travel document, you must be a protected person. Unfortunately, refugee claimants do not qualify. Also, you may apply for a certificate of identity if,

• You are a permanent resident of Canada, but not a protected person, and
• You cannot obtain a passport from another country.

What does a travel document look like?

A travel document is similar to a Canadian passport. However, the cover looks different. Also, your nationality will not be Canadian. Therefore, you may need a visa to travel to those countries where Canadians are visa-exempt. Moreover, you may not travel to the country where you sought protection. For example, if you are from Afghanistan, you may not use a refugee travel document to visit that country.

How to apply for a travel document?

If you are a protected person and live in Canada, you must follow these steps. Unfortunately, you cannot apply if you are outside Canada.

1. Complete the application form. Of course, the form is different for adults and children.
2. Gather all the documents according to Canada.ca:
   • a photocopy of your proof of immigration status in Canada
   • a document to support your identity
     • It can be either
       • the original document or
       • a photocopy of it signed by your guarantor
   • any valid passport or travel document issued in your name
   • two identical passport photos
     • On the back of one of the passport photos, you must have all of the following:
       • The photographer must write the complete address of their studio and the date of the photo
         • They can handwrite this or use a stamp.
         • Stick-on labels are not accepted.
       • Your guarantor must sign it and write, “I certify this to be a true likeness of (your name).”
3. You may need to provide extra documents if any of the following apply to you:
   • replacing a stolen, damaged, or lost document
   • changing your name
   • reflecting a sex change in your travel document
4. You need a guarantor and two references for your application package.
5. Pay the necessary fees and include the receipt in your package.
6. Mail the package to the appropriate address.

Of course, include any documents that could assist officers in processing your application.

Where to mail the application package

When you have a complete application package, mail it to one of the following addresses. However, these addresses are subject to change. Make sure to double-check them.

Let us help!

We can help you with your refugee travel document application. Please fill out the following form to contact us. Alternatively, pleasebook a consultation session with me. 

Take the Refugee Appeal Assessment

If you are facing a failed refugee claim, fill out the following form. However, for brand-new refugee claims, fill out our Refugee Claim Self-Assessment tool.

Take the Refugee Claim Self-Assessment

Please answer the questions below honestly. The form provides an immediate estimate of your claim’s strength based on the information you provide.

Disclaimer: This assessment is generated by an automated algorithm and does not constitute official legal advice.