Info on securing your initial Canadian passport: requirements, guidelines, and steps to follow
A Canadian passport is a valuable travel document, ranking as the seventh most powerful in the world in 2025, granting its holders visa-free access to 188 destinations. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of applying for a Canadian passport, from the necessary documents to the role of a guarantor.
To begin the application process, you can download the passport application form from the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The form is available for both in-person submission at a Service Canada centre and for mail-in applications.
Proof of identity and citizenship are essential for the application. Acceptable identity documents include a driver's license, health card, or foreign passport. For naturalized Canadians, a citizenship certificate will suffice as proof of citizenship.
When applying for a Canadian passport within Canada, a guarantor is required. The guarantor must be a Canadian citizen, aged 18 or older, who has known the applicant for at least two years. The guarantor's role includes verifying the applicant's identity and providing a reference. However, it's important to note that the guarantor cannot be a reference.
The guarantor must hold a 5- or 10-year Canadian passport that is either still valid or expired for no more than one year at the time of the applicant's application. The guarantor's signature is required on one of the passport photos and agrees to the applicant using their name and contact information for the application.
The fees for a 5-year adult passport are $120, and for a 10-year adult passport, the fee is $160. It's crucial to ensure that your Canadian passport is valid and up-to-date, as holding a Canadian passport can make international travel easier and more accessible.
For those seeking further information about Canadian citizenship, including the passport application process, consider reaching out to Any Visa, a company specializing in Canadian immigration law that offers free consultations. Their expertise can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout your journey to Canadian citizenship.
