How to Apply for a Canadian Passport: A Step-by-Step Guide

Who Can Apply for a Canadian Passport?

A Canadian passport is available only to Canadian citizens. If you are a permanent resident, you must first become a Canadian citizen before you can apply. To learn about the citizenship process, visit the IRCC citizenship page. If you have recently taken the oath of citizenship, you can apply for your passport right away using your citizenship certificate as proof.

Children under 16 must have their own passport for international travel. A parent or legal guardian must apply on behalf of a child. Both parents must consent to the child's passport application unless one parent has sole custody with a court order.

Types of Passport Applications

There are different application forms depending on your situation:

• PPTC 153: Adult general application for applicants aged 16 and older. This is the most common form.
• PPTC 155: Child general application for applicants under 16.
• PPTC 028: Adult renewal application. You can use this simpler form if your previous passport was issued within the last 15 years, was valid for 5 or 10 years, and is not damaged.

Download the forms from the Government of Canada passport page. Forms must be printed and filled out in ink. Do not fill them out digitally as the signature must be original.

Documents You Need

For a First-Time Adult Application (PPTC 153)

• Completed and signed PPTC 153 form.
• Your original Canadian citizenship certificate or certificate of naturalization. This document will be returned to you.
• Two identical passport photos meeting Canadian specifications.
• One piece of supporting identification (such as a Canadian driver's licence, health card with photo, or Canadian Forces ID card).
• The names and contact information of two references who have known you for at least two years and who are not your guarantor.
• A completed guarantor section (see below).

Passport Photo Requirements

Canadian passport photos must meet specific requirements set by IRCC photo specifications. Key requirements include:

• Photos must be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 inches by 2.75 inches).
• The face must be between 31 mm and 36 mm from chin to crown of head.
• Photos must be taken within the last 6 months.
• White or light-coloured plain background.
• Neutral expression with mouth closed.
• Both eyes open and clearly visible.
• No glasses (as of 2020, glasses are not allowed in passport photos).
• One photo must be signed on the back by your guarantor.

Most pharmacies (Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs) and photography studios offer Canadian passport photo services for about $15 to $20. Some places will retake the photo at no charge if it is rejected.

The Guarantor Requirement

Your guarantor is someone who confirms your identity by signing your application and one of your photos. The guarantor must:

• Have known you personally for at least two years.
• Be a Canadian citizen and hold a valid Canadian passport (or one that expired no more than one year ago at the time of signing).
• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Not be your spouse, common-law partner, parent, or sibling (they can be a reference, but not a guarantor).

If you are a new citizen and do not know anyone who qualifies as a guarantor, there is a simplified process. You can use a statutory declaration in lieu of a guarantor by visiting a Service Canada Centre. A Service Canada officer can help you with this option.

How to Submit Your Application

In Person

You can submit your application in person at a passport office or Service Canada Centre that accepts passport applications. Bring your completed form, photos, citizenship certificate, and supporting ID. The officer will review your application on the spot and let you know if anything is missing.

By Mail

Mail your completed application, photos, citizenship certificate, and a cheque or money order for the fee to:

Passport Program
Gatineau, QC K1A 0G3
Canada

Use registered or tracked mail to protect your documents. Do not send cash.

Fees

As of 2024, passport fees for Canadian applicants within Canada are:

• Adult 10-year passport: $260
• Adult 5-year passport: $160
• Child passport (0-15 years, valid for 5 years): $100
• Express fee (in person): additional $50
• Urgent fee (in person, next business day pickup): additional $110

Payment can be made by credit card, debit card, cheque, money order, or cash (in person only). Fees are non-refundable.

Processing Times

Standard processing times are:

• In person at a passport office: 10 business days.
• By mail or at a Service Canada Centre: 20 business days (plus mailing time).
• Express service (in person at passport office): 2 to 9 business days. Additional $50 fee.
• Urgent service (in person at passport office): next business day. Additional $110 fee.

To check the status of your application, call 1-800-567-6868 (in Canada) or 819-997-8338 (outside Canada). You can also check online through the passport application status checker.

Renewing Your Passport

If you already have a Canadian passport and it was issued when you were 16 or older, was valid for 5 or 10 years, is not damaged, and was issued within the last 15 years, you can use the simplified renewal form PPTC 028. Renewals do not require a guarantor or citizenship certificate, making the process faster and simpler.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting photos that do not meet the exact size and quality specifications.
• Having a guarantor who does not hold a valid (or recently expired) Canadian passport.
• Forgetting to sign the application form.
• Not including payment or including the wrong amount.
• Using a digital signature instead of an original ink signature.

Next Steps After Getting Your Passport

With your Canadian passport, you can travel to over 180 countries and territories visa-free or with visa on arrival. Before travelling, check the Government of Canada travel advisories for your destination. Make sure you also have your SIN and have filed your tax return to ensure all your settlement steps are complete.

WelcomeAide is here to support your journey from newcomer to citizen. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can answer your passport and citizenship questions. Learn about our mission, explore our programs, see our impact, or browse more guides on our blog.

Maintaining Your Permanent Resident Status While Travelling

Getting your Canadian passport is an exciting milestone, opening up a world of travel possibilities. However, for those who are still Permanent Residents (PRs) and haven't yet become Canadian citizens, it's crucial to understand your obligations to maintain your PR status, especially when travelling internationally. As a Permanent Resident, you have a residency obligation to meet. This means you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within every five-year period. While your Canadian passport allows you to leave and re-enter Canada, your Permanent Resident Card is the official document proving your PR status and is generally required for re-entry into Canada by commercial carrier (like an airplane, boat, bus, or train). Extensive travel outside Canada can impact your ability to meet this residency obligation. It's wise to keep meticulous records of your travel dates, including entry and exit stamps, plane tickets, and any other documentation that proves your time spent in and out of Canada. Understanding your Permanent Resident status and obligations is crucial. For detailed information on maintaining your PR status, especially regarding the residency obligation, please refer to the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. To help you keep track of all essential steps, from maintaining your status to settling into Canadian life, check out our comprehensive Settlement Checklist. While planning your trips, understanding the financial aspects of travel and daily life in Canada is also important. Our Cost of Living Calculator can help you budget effectively for both your time in Canada and any international travel.

Important Considerations for Dual Citizens

Many newcomers to Canada eventually become Canadian citizens, which can lead to holding dual citizenship – meaning you are a citizen of Canada and another country simultaneously. Canada fully recognizes dual citizenship, offering great flexibility for travel and international connections. However, there's one very important rule to remember: If you are a Canadian citizen, you *must* use your Canadian passport when entering or leaving Canada. This regulation applies even if you hold a passport from another country that you might prefer to use. While you can use your other passport for travel to and from other countries, when your journey involves crossing the Canadian border, your Canadian passport is the required document. Failing to use your Canadian passport when entering or exiting Canada as a Canadian citizen can lead to delays or complications at the border. Always ensure your Canadian passport is valid and readily available for your travels to and from Canada. For more specific guidance on dual citizenship and international travel, including potential implications with other countries, consult the information provided by Global Affairs Canada. If you have complex questions about your specific situation as a dual citizen or future citizen, our AI Navigator can provide personalized guidance and direct you to relevant resources.

Related Resources

WelcomeAide Resources

• Ask WelcomeAide AI — get personalized answers for your next steps in Canada
• Newcomer Checklist — track key settlement tasks and documents
• Rights Guide — understand legal rights and protections in Canada
• Settlement Programs — find local support and integration services
• WelcomeAide Blog — browse practical newcomer guides and updates

Authoritative External Sources

• IRCC Official Portal
• Immigrate to Canada Programs
• Work in Canada Guidance
• Study in Canada Guidance
• Canadian Citizenship Resources