How to Apply for a Travel Document as a Protected Person
By WelcomeAide Team
If you have been granted protected person status in Canada — whether as a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection — you may need to travel internationally for various reasons. However, since you cannot use your home country's passport (doing so could jeopardize your protected status), Canada provides a special travel document for protected persons. This guide explains everything you need to know about applying for and using this document.
See also: How to Get Your SIN Number in Canada
What Is a Travel Document for Protected Persons?
A travel document for protected persons, sometimes referred to as a Convention Travel Document (CTD) or refugee travel document, is an official document issued by the Government of Canada that allows protected persons to travel internationally and return to Canada. It serves the same basic function as a passport but is specifically designed for individuals who cannot obtain or use a passport from their country of nationality.
The travel document is issued under the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and is recognized by most countries around the world. It is a blue document that looks similar to a Canadian passport and contains your personal information, photo, and the countries to which it is valid for travel.
It is crucial to understand that this document is not the same as a Canadian passport. Canadian passports are only available to Canadian citizens. A protected person travel document is available to individuals with protected person status who have not yet become Canadian citizens.
Who Is Eligible?
You are eligible to apply for a protected person travel document if you meet the following criteria:
- You have been determined to be a protected person in Canada — either a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection, as determined by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) or by IRCC.
- You are a permanent resident of Canada or have applied for permanent residence. In most cases, you need to have permanent resident status or have an active PR application.
- You do not hold a valid passport from any other country. If you have a valid passport from another country and can use it without risk, you may not be eligible for the Canadian travel document.
- You are not the subject of an unresolved removal order.
Important Warning: Do Not Use Your Home Country's Passport
This is critical for all protected persons to understand: using your home country's passport or contacting your home country's embassy or consulate can jeopardize your protected person status in Canada. If the Canadian government learns that you have re-availed yourself of the protection of your home country (by obtaining or using their passport), your protected status could be revoked, which would have severe consequences for your immigration status in Canada.
See also: How to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residence
This is why the Canadian travel document exists — it allows you to travel internationally without any contact with your country of nationality's government.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, gather the following documents:
- Completed application form: The application form for a travel document for protected persons is available on the IRCC travel document page.
- Two passport photos: Meeting IRCC's photo specifications (same as Canadian passport photo requirements).
- Proof of protected person status: A copy of your Protected Person Status Document, your IRB decision letter, or your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) indicating protected person class.
- Proof of permanent residence or PR application: A copy of your PR card or proof that you have submitted a PR application.
- Proof of identity: Any identity documents you have, such as a birth certificate, national ID card, or expired passport. If you do not have any identity documents, you may need to provide a statutory declaration explaining why.
- Travel itinerary or explanation of travel need: Some offices may ask you to explain why you need to travel and your planned destinations.
- Processing fee: The fee for a travel document varies. Check the IRCC website for the current fee amount.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the application form completely and accurately. Pay special attention to the following:
See also: Replace Lost PR Card Guide
- Your name must match the name on your protected person documentation exactly.
- List all countries you have lived in and all nationalities you hold or have held.
- Indicate the countries you plan to travel to.
- If you are unable to provide certain documents, include a written explanation.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You can submit your application in person at a passport office or by mail. Processing times vary, but you should plan well in advance of your intended travel dates. Current processing times can be found on the IRCC passport processing times page.
When submitting in person, bring all original documents plus photocopies. The originals will be returned to you, and the photocopies will be kept for processing.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Processing times for protected person travel documents are generally similar to Canadian passport processing times, but may take longer in some cases. Standard processing is typically 10-20 business days for in-person applications and longer for mail-in applications. Expedited processing may be available in urgent situations.
Step 5: Pick Up or Receive Your Travel Document
Once your travel document is ready, you will be notified to pick it up (if you applied in person) or it will be mailed to you (if you applied by mail). Verify that all information on the document is correct before you leave the office or as soon as you receive it.
Using Your Travel Document
Once you have your travel document, there are several important things to keep in mind:
Countries That Accept the Document
Most countries that are signatories to the 1951 Refugee Convention recognize and accept the Canadian protected person travel document. However, some countries may require you to obtain a visa before entry, and some countries may not recognize the document at all. Always check the visa requirements of your destination country well in advance of your travel.
Do Not Travel to Your Country of Nationality
Under normal circumstances, you should not travel to your country of nationality with this document. Doing so could be interpreted as re-availing yourself of your country's protection, which could lead to the cessation of your protected person status in Canada. If you have an urgent need to travel to your home country, consult with an immigration lawyer before doing so.
Returning to Canada
Your travel document allows you to return to Canada. Ensure that your document is valid for the duration of your trip and that you return before it expires. If your travel document expires while you are abroad, you may face difficulties returning to Canada and may need to apply for a one-time travel document at a Canadian embassy or consulate.
Validity Period
Protected person travel documents are typically issued for a maximum validity period that corresponds to the validity of your permanent resident status. The exact validity period will depend on your individual circumstances.
Renewing Your Travel Document
When your travel document is about to expire, you can apply for a new one using the same process described above. It is advisable to apply for renewal several months before the expiry date to avoid any gaps in your ability to travel. Keep in mind that once you become a Canadian citizen, you will no longer be eligible for a protected person travel document — instead, you will apply for a Canadian passport.
Special Situations
Emergency Travel
If you need to travel urgently (for example, due to a family emergency) and do not have time for standard processing, you may be able to request expedited or emergency processing at a passport office. Bring documentation supporting the urgency of your travel (such as a letter from a hospital or a death certificate).
Travel Document for Children
Dependent children who have protected person status also need their own travel documents. Children cannot be included on a parent's travel document — each child requires a separate application and document.
Lost or Stolen Travel Document
If your travel document is lost or stolen, report it immediately to the passport office and to the local police. If you are abroad when this happens, contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for assistance. You will need to apply for a replacement document.
Key Resources
- Travel Document for Protected Persons — IRCC
- Passport Processing Times — IRCC
- After You Apply for Refugee Protection — IRCC
- Canadian Passports and Travel Documents — IRCC
Final Thoughts
The travel document for protected persons is an important benefit that allows you to travel internationally while maintaining your protected status in Canada. The application process is straightforward, but it requires careful attention to detail and advance planning. Most importantly, always remember the restrictions on traveling to your country of nationality and avoid any contact with your home country's government or diplomatic missions. If you have any doubts about your travel plans, consult with an immigration lawyer to ensure you do not inadvertently jeopardize your status in Canada.
Related Resources
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Related Guides
Official Government Sources
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