6 Steps to a Successful Canadian Passport Application

According to the Global Passport Power Ranking Index, the Canadian passport is currently #5 in 2022. While the ranking is subject to change, the current ranking position definitely speaks volumes of the benefits of the Canadian passport.

But before we ruffle some feathers around the Canadian passport application, let us first turn on the switches and talk about why Canada is a "Paradise for immigrants" and the benefits of obtaining this incredible piece of the document!

The benefits of the Canadian Passport

With free universal healthcare, quality education, political stability, safety, and security, it is no coincidence that everyone is flocking to the Great White North. Below are some of the benefits you can expect once you obtain your Canadian passport and become a permanent resident (PR) of Canada:

You have the Right to Live and Work In or Outside Canada

Explore the iconic tourist attractions, luscious lakes, forestry, majestic mountains, and ocean in and around the Great White North. Canada is the second largest country in the world, so you are bound to stumble across abundant opportunities such as employment, entrepreneurship, economic influence and overall quality of life. Once you gain your Canadian PR, you can travel anywhere with fewer limitations since you can reside in any province or territory without being confined to one specific job.

Canada Favours Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship is when more than one country recognizes you as a citizen. In this case, Canada will recognize you as someone with dual citizenship. Does this mean you still have to apply for permanent residency in Canada? Absolutely. In other words, a foreign national can gain Canadian citizenship while having foreign citizenship. How is dual citizenship handy? You can enjoy the best of both worlds: Canada and your home country. Additionally, you also get to experience a visa-free or visa-arrival facility for a variety of destinations.

Renew or Extend Your Canadian Passport

Did you know that the Canadian passport is easier to renew than the PR card? The passport enables you to travel to multiple countries without a visa. Suppose a visa is required; the process will be a lot simpler since you already have the Canadian passport on hand. When travelling to the US, Canadian citizens will not require a visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States. You can also find a job in the United States (US) under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) - which was introduced to encourage trade between the US and Canada.

Note: Only adults are allowed to renew their passports. If you are under 16, you will be classified as a child or dependent child, and you must apply for a new child's passport.

Enjoy Free Education for Children and Universal Healthcare

The Canadian government strives to make education accessible by implementing free education up to grade 12 for all children or up until the age of 18 years. Regarding secondary education, you would be pleased to know that there is a range of scholarships and bursaries available for international students. International students and foreign nationals can enjoy free healthcare provided by the Canadian government while attending world-renowned universities that offer quality education. If you are an international student wanting to pursue your studies in Canada, explore our top universities in Canada for international students here.

You Have the Right to Vote

If you are 18 years or older, you can vote as a Canadian citizen in any federal, provincial or municipal election by registering online or visiting your closest local elections Canada office. You may even be eligible to vote by default since your name may already exist on the database, and Canadian citizens can either function as independent voters or join a political party.

Now that you understand the benefits of having a Canadian passport in place, shall we take a look at the processes and steps involved in applying for your Canadian passport application?

How to Apply for you Canadian Passport Application

To gain your Canadian passport, you must know and understand the application process. Below we highlight the steps in depth:

• Step 1: Complete the form
• Step 2: Gather all the required documents and your passport photos
• Step 3: Find a guarantor and two references
• Step 4: Pay your fees
• Step 5: Submit your application
• Step 6: Get your passport

If you want to live and work in Canada and need assistance with applying for your Canadian passport, simply get in touch with our immigration experts to guide and advise you throughout your immigration journey.

Now, let us take a closer look at each step…

Step 1: Complete the Form

Feel free to use our reputable immigration consultants to assist you with the competition of your form. Remember, the immigration officer will judge your application on the completeness of your information - any omission of relevant fields or failure to submit the right supporting documents can cause a delay in processing times, and your application will be returned to you.

However, here are a few tips on the competition of your application:

• With the help of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), download the passport application form here. There is a braille instruction guide available as well.
• Ensure that you read the instructions correctly and have completed everything.
• Ensure that you sign each page of the application.
• Cross out any sections or terms that do not apply to you and write down the correct term that applies to you and write your initials in the margin.
• Specify the number of years under the form's relevant section (section six). For instance, specify if you want a five or ten-year passport, known as a "period of validity."

Step 2: Gather all the Required Documents and your Passport Photos

Below are some relevant/supporting documents you should have on hand. Some documents will require you to gather them in advance. The following documents must be included with your application form:

• Present proof that you are a Canadian citizen: this proof can be in the form of a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
• This proof must be the original document as opposed to a photocopy.
• Present a valid Canadian passport or any other travel document.
• Present a document that validates your identity.
• You must provide two identical passport photos with the name of the photographer, address and date the photos were taken - this must be at the back of the photos. Find out more about the photo requirements here.
• Ensure you have a guarantor to sign the back of this photo. Find out more about the requirements of a guarantor here.
• Applicants may have to provide additional documents, depending on the individual's situation or circumstances.

Kindly note: Your passport photo requirements may differ from Canadian standards. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the Canadian photo requirements, as failure to comply will result in your application being returned to you. All documents must be in French or English. Should your documents be in another language, you must provide proof of an official translation.

Step 3: Find a Guarantor and Two References

Your guarantor can be a family member who needs to sign your application, one of your passport photos, along with all copies of your supporting documents that validates your identity. Additionally, you will require two references, which should be someone that knows you for a minimum of two years. However, you cannot have a family member or your guarantor as your reference.

Step 4: Pay your Fees

The fees you pay will depend on the services you receive and your application method. However, applicants will not be refunded the service fee if they decide to cancel their application, refuse a passport/travel document and if they had a passport issued for a shorter period than initially requested. We, therefore, advise that you keep your passport safe and in good condition. The Consular fee is refundable as this fee is relevant to all adult applications. Find out more here.

Step 5: Submit your Application

You must pay the fees and submit your application and proof of payment to your nearest Government of Canada office abroad. You can speak to your immigration consultant about the ideal government office for your convenience, as not all government offices provide full consular services.

Step 6: Get your Passport

The office you applied at will usually inform you about the status of your passport and when it is ready, as well as how it should be collected. For those who applied via email, their passports and original documents will be returned in two separate packages. Individuals who are moving locations or have a different address while still awaiting their passports can contact the office directly for an update or to confirm the address.

If you would like to know more about how to gain permanent residency, explore our resources on the three ways to apply for permanent residency here.

Most Commonly Preferred Immigration Programs

If you want to live and work in Canada, you must gain permanent residency and apply to the relevant programs that will accommodate your needs and circumstances. Below are some immigration options you could consider:

• Express Entry System: This is an online points-driven system designed to yield quick immigration results. The system operates on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS score), which means applicants are selected based on their accumulated points.
• Provincial Nomination Program (PNP): This program is province-driven, enabling Canadian employees to seek out global talent to contribute to the Canadian labour market. You may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from your employee.

If you are still uncertain about the way forward, simply get in touch with a Canadian immigration consultant to assist you throughout the process today.

FAQS

1. Which city is best for PR in Canada?

The Great White North has many cities, but this depends on what you are looking for. We advise that immigrants do the necessary research on a city before settling in Canada. Our immigration experts can help you with this decision.

2. What documents do you need for a passport in Canada?

• Present proof that you are a Canadian citizen: this proof can be in the form of a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
• This proof must be the original document as opposed to a photocopy.
• Present a valid Canadian passport or any other travel document.
• Present a document that validates your identity.
• You must provide two identical passport photos with the name of the photographer, address and date taken at the back of the photos. Find out more about the photo requirements here.
• Ensure you have a guarantor to sign the back of this photo. Find out more about the requirements of a guarantor here.
• Applicants may have to provide additional documents, depending on the individual's situation or circumstances.

3. Do you need a birth certificate to get a passport in Canada?

You must provide proof of Canadian citizenship, which can be in the form of a birth certificate or other documents that validate your identity. The documents must be original and photocopied.