Frequently Asked Questions

Canadian citizens should generally travel internationally with a valid Canadian passport. For air travel to Canada, Canadian citizens generally need a valid Canadian passport to board their flight. Requirements may differ for certain travelers and for travel by land or sea between Canada and the United States. Check the entry requirements for your destination and the requirements of your transportation provider before travelling.

An adult Canadian passport is valid for either 5 or 10 years, depending on the option selected at the time of application. A child’s passport is valid for 5 years.

The current Government of Canada passport application fees (opens in a new tab) for applications submitted from the United States are:

• Adult 10-year passport: CAD $266.25
• Adult 5-year passport: CAD $194.25
• Child passport: CAD $102.50
• Lost or stolen valid passport replacement fee: Additional CAD $45*

*The CAD $45 fee applies when replacing a Canadian passport that was lost or stolen while it was still valid and is charged in addition to the regular passport application fee.

The fees shown above are Government of Canada fees only and do not include professional service fees charged by CanadaPassportHelp.ca. Government fees are subject to change. Before submitting your application, confirm the current fee on the Government of Canada website. Applicants may apply directly through the Government of Canada without using our services.

The current published service standard for both new adult and adult renewal applications from the U.S. is 20 business days, plus mailing time.

If you live in the United States, CanadaPassportHelp.ca can assist you throughout the Canadian passport application process, whether you are applying for a new adult passport, renewing an existing passport, applying for a child passport, or dealing with a more complicated passport matter.

As part of our service, we will:

• Review your circumstances and help identify the passport application that appears appropriate;
• Provide you with the appropriate application forms and instructions;
• Review your completed application and supporting documents;
• Help you understand the requirements for identification, proof of Canadian citizenship, guarantors and references, when applicable;
• Help you locate a photographer in your area who can take Canadian-specification passport photos;
• Review an image of your passport photos before submission for visible issues;
• Review your application package before it is mailed; and
• Provide you with instructions for submitting your completed application to the Canadian Passport Program.

Canadian passport applications submitted from the United States are currently mailed to the Passport Program in Canada. The Government of Canada recommends using a certified courier or traceable mail service to help protect your application and documents.

CanadaPassportHelp.ca does not issue Canadian passports. We provide professional assistance with the preparation and review of your application. The Canadian Passport Program makes the final decision on your application and issues your passport.

No. Canadian passport applications submitted from the United States must currently be mailed to the Passport Program in Canada.

CanadaPassportHelp.ca may ask you to email or upload copies of your application, passport photos and supporting documents to us for review. This is part of our professional review service and does not constitute submission of your passport application to the Government of Canada.

After we complete our review, we will provide you with instructions for mailing your completed application and required documents to the Passport Program.

No, Canadian consulates in the U.S. no longer provide regular passport services.

However, some consulates may issue a temporary passport to help you return to Canada in emergencies.

Contact the nearest Canadian consulate or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre for assistance.

Canadian passport applications submitted from the United States normally have a 20-business-day processing standard, plus mailing time.

If you need a passport urgently, or you have exceptional circumstances such as a serious illness or death in the family, you should contact the nearest Government of Canada office (opens in a new tab) in the United States rather than relying on the regular mail-in processing time. The Canadian government office will review your circumstances and determine whether you qualify for urgent passport services. Additional fees may apply.

You should be prepared to provide proof of why you need the passport urgently. Depending on your circumstances, this may include an airline, bus or train ticket; a paid travel itinerary; proof of illness or death in the family; or a written explanation of an urgent legal, banking, residency or other requirement.

Urgent service is not guaranteed. The Government of Canada will determine whether you qualify and what passport or travel-document service is appropriate for your circumstances.

CanadaPassportHelp.ca can help you review your situation, prepare the required passport application and supporting documents, and identify the appropriate Government of Canada office to contact based on your circumstances and travel date.

You may use the adult passport renewal process (opens in a new tab) if your most recent Canadian passport:

• Was issued when you were at least 16 years old;
• Was issued within the last 15 years;
• Was valid for 5 or 10 years; and
• Shows the same name, date of birth, place of birth and gender identifier that you want on your new passport.

You must also be able to provide information from your most recent passport, including the passport number, date of issue and expiry date.

If you do not meet the renewal requirements, you will generally need to apply for a new adult Canadian passport instead.

Yes, in many cases. Your Canadian passport does not have to be currently valid or recently expired for you to qualify for the adult passport renewal process.

You may renew your passport if your most recent passport:

• Was an adult passport issued when you were at least 16 years old;
• Was issued within the last 15 years from the date you apply for renewal;
• Was valid for 5 or 10 years;
• Has the same name, date of birth and place of birth that you want on your new passport; and
• Has the same gender identifier that you want on your new passport.

You must also have your most recent passport or be able to provide its passport number, date of issue and date of expiry.

The important date is when your previous passport was issued—not simply how long ago it expired.

For example, a passport that expired several years ago may still qualify for renewal if it was issued within the last 15 years and all the other renewal requirements are met.

If your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago, you cannot use the adult renewal process and must apply for a new adult Canadian passport.

Renewal is generally simpler because eligible applicants applying from the United States do not need to provide a guarantor, proof of Canadian citizenship or supporting identification.

You should consider renewing your Canadian passport if:

• Your passport is expired or approaching its expiry date;
• You are planning international travel and your passport does not have sufficient remaining validity for your destination;
• Your passport pages are full; or
• You need a valid Canadian passport for other travel, immigration or identification purposes.

Some countries require your passport to remain valid for a specific period beyond your date of entry or departure. You should therefore check the entry requirements for your destination before travelling.

If you apply to renew your passport more than one year before it expires, the Passport Program may ask you to explain why you are applying early.

Yes. If you qualify for the adult passport renewal process, you generally do not need to submit:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship;
• Supporting identification; or
• A guarantor.

You will still need two references and two passport photos that meet Canadian passport specifications.

If you are eligible to renew your Canadian passport from the United States, the renewal process is simpler than applying for a new adult passport.

You will generally need:

• A completed Adult Passport Renewal Application (PPTC 054);
• Two identical Canadian passport photos taken within the last 6 months;
• Two references who meet the Passport Program requirements;
• Your most recent Canadian passport, if it is still valid; and
• Payment of the applicable passport fees.

If your most recent passport has expired, you generally do not need to submit the physical expired passport, but you must provide the required passport information, including the passport number, date of issue and date of expiry.

One of the main advantages of the adult renewal process is that you generally do not need to provide proof of Canadian citizenship, supporting identification or a guarantor.

Additional forms may be required in certain circumstances. For example, if your passport is still valid but has been lost, stolen, inaccessible or damaged, you may also need to submit PPTC 203 – Declaration concerning a Lost, Stolen, Inaccessible, Damaged or Found Canadian Travel Document.

Yes. An adult Canadian passport renewal requires two references.

A guarantor, however, is not required for an adult passport renewal.

Your references must meet the Canadian Passport Program requirements, including being at least 18 years old and having known you for at least 2 years.

No. If you are eligible to use the adult passport renewal process, you do not need a guarantor. The Government of Canada specifically states that passport renewals do not require one.

You will still need to provide two references who meet the Passport Program's requirements. Your references must generally be at least 18 years old, have known you for at least two years, and agree to provide their contact information.

A guarantor is generally required when you are applying for a new adult Canadian passport, including when you are not eligible to use the renewal process.

One of the advantages of passport renewal is that you generally do not need to provide a guarantor, proof of Canadian citizenship or supporting identification.

No. If you qualify for the adult Canadian passport renewal process, you do not need to submit your birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate.

You also generally do not need supporting identification or a guarantor when using the adult renewal process.

No. If you are eligible to use the adult passport renewal process, you generally do not need to submit supporting identification, such as a driver's licence, state ID or U.S. passport.

The Government of Canada specifically states that the renewal process is simpler because you do not need to provide:

• A guarantor;
• Proof of Canadian citizenship; or
• Supporting identification.

You will still need to meet all the eligibility requirements for renewal and provide the required application, passport photos, two references and information about your most recent Canadian passport.

If you do not qualify for renewal and must apply for a new adult Canadian passport, you will normally need at least one valid government-issued document to support your identity.

Yes. If your most recent Canadian passport is still valid, you must submit the original passport with your renewal application.

If your current passport contains a valid visa that you need to keep, indicate this on your application so the Passport Program is aware that you want the passport returned without damaging the visa.

No. If your current Canadian passport is still valid, you must submit it with your renewal application. You therefore will not have that Canadian passport available for travel while your renewal application is being processed.

If you have upcoming international travel, you should consider your travel dates before submitting your passport for renewal.

For passport applications submitted from the United States, processing and mailing times should also be taken into consideration when planning travel.

No. If your most recent Canadian passport has expired and you otherwise qualify for the adult passport renewal process, you do not normally need to submit the expired passport or a photocopy of it.

You will, however, need information from your most recent passport to complete your renewal application.

You do not necessarily need to physically possess your expired passport to qualify for renewal. However, you must be able to provide the required information from your most recent passport, including its:

• Passport number;
• Date of issue; and
• Date of expiry.

If you have a copy, scan, photograph or other record containing this information, you can use those details to complete the renewal application.

If you cannot provide the required information from your most recent passport, you cannot use the simplified adult passport renewal application and will generally need to apply for a new adult Canadian passport instead.

You must apply for a new adult Canadian passport if you do not meet all the requirements for the simplified adult passport renewal process.

You generally need to apply for a new adult passport if:

• This is your first Canadian passport;
• Your most recent passport was issued when you were under 16 years of age;
• Your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago;
• Your previous passport was not issued with a validity period of 5 or 10 years;
• You cannot provide the passport number, date of issue and date of expiry from your most recent passport; or
• You want to change the name, date of birth, place of birth or gender identifier shown on your most recent passport.

If any one of the renewal eligibility requirements is not met, the Passport Program instructs you to apply for a new passport instead. Submitting a renewal application when you are not eligible can result in the application being returned.

A new adult passport application has additional requirements compared with a renewal. You will generally need to provide proof of Canadian citizenship, supporting identification, a guarantor, two references and two Canadian passport photos.

When applying for a new adult Canadian passport from the United States (opens in a new tab), you will generally need:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a Canadian birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate;
• A completed Canadian passport application;
• At least one valid government-issued identification document, such as a driver's licence or U.S. passport;
• Two identical passport photos that meet Canadian passport specifications;
• An eligible guarantor;
• Two references; and
• Any valid Canadian passport or other Canadian travel document currently issued to you.

If you submit photocopies of your supporting identification when applying by mail, you must copy both sides, and your guarantor or signing official must sign and date the photocopies.

You must provide acceptable proof of Canadian citizenship when applying for a new Canadian passport.

If you were born in Canada, you can generally provide:

• A birth certificate issued by the Canadian province or territory where you were born; or
• A Canadian citizenship certificate.

If you were born outside Canada, acceptable proof may include a Canadian citizenship certificate or certain older Canadian citizenship documents.

If you do not currently have acceptable proof of Canadian citizenship, CanadaPassportHelp.ca can assist you with obtaining a Canadian birth certificate. For Canadian citizenship services, please visit CanadaCitizenshipHelp.ca (opens in a new tab).

Yes. A new adult Canadian passport application requires acceptable proof of Canadian citizenship.

For a Canadian birth certificate, you generally need to submit the original certificate issued by the province or territory.

For a Canadian citizenship certificate:

• If issued on or before January 31, 2012, you generally must submit the original;
• If issued on or after February 1, 2012, you may submit the original or a copy;
• A copy is also accepted if the certificate number begins with K or X; and
• If you have an electronic citizenship certificate (e-certificate), you can submit a printed copy.

If you submit an original citizenship document by mail, it will be returned after it has been verified and may arrive separately from your new passport.

You must have acceptable proof of Canadian citizenship to obtain a Canadian passport.

If you were born in Canada but no longer have your Canadian birth certificate, we can assist you in obtaining a replacement certificate from the appropriate province or territory.

If you were born outside Canada and do not have acceptable proof of Canadian citizenship, you may need to obtain a Canadian Citizenship Certificate (Proof of Citizenship) before applying for your passport.

CanadaPassportHelp.ca can assist you with obtaining a Canadian birth certificate. For Canadian citizenship services, please visit CanadaCitizenshipHelp.ca (opens in a new tab).

Canadian Birth Certificate Services

When applying for a new adult Canadian passport, you must provide at least one valid government-issued document to support your identity.

Your identification must generally include your:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Photo
• Signature

It must be issued by a federal, provincial, territorial or state government authority, or the equivalent outside Canada.

If you are applying from the United States, acceptable identification may include:

• A valid U.S. passport;
• A valid state driver's licence;
• A valid state identification card;
• A valid Canadian passport, if it meets the Passport Program's requirements for use as identification;
• A military ID; or
• Another qualifying government-issued identification document.

If one document does not contain all the required information, you may use more than one identification document together. The documents must have at least one common element, such as your name, to establish that they belong to the same person.

If you are applying by mail from the United States, you may submit photocopies of your identification rather than the originals. You must copy both sides, and your guarantor or signing official must sign and date the photocopies.

Your supporting identification is separate from your proof of Canadian citizenship. A birth certificate or citizenship certificate used as proof of citizenship does not replace the requirement to provide supporting identification for a new adult passport application.

If all of your identification has expired, see our FAQ: “What If All My Identification Has Expired?”

In some circumstances, yes.

If you do not qualify for the adult passport renewal process and must apply for a new passport, your previous Canadian passport may be accepted as supporting identification if it meets the Passport Program's requirements.

Generally, a Canadian passport may be used as supporting identification if it is still valid or has been expired for no more than one year, subject to the other applicable requirements.

If your Canadian passport has been expired for more than one year, you will normally need other valid government-issued identification for a new passport application.

This situation is more common than you might think, particularly for Canadians who have lived in the United States for many years.

You may have a Canadian passport that no longer qualifies for the passport renewal process, while your U.S. driver's licence, state identification, U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or other government-issued documents have also expired.

This can sometimes create a difficult cycle: you need current identification to obtain a new Canadian passport, but you may also need current identification or a valid passport to update other documents.

For a new adult Canadian passport application, the Passport Program normally requires at least one valid government-issued identification document.

However, do not assume that you cannot obtain a Canadian passport simply because all of your identification has expired.

We have assisted clients in this situation by submitting the identification available to them—including expired Canadian passports and expired U.S. identification—together with supporting documentation and a detailed explanation of why they were unable to obtain current identification.

In some individual cases we have assisted with, after reviewing the applicant’s circumstances, the Passport Program has issued a limited-validity Canadian passport, including passports valid for two years, allowing the client to obtain current identification and resolve the situation. This reflects individual case experience and is not an alternative identification procedure or an outcome applicants should expect.

A limited-validity passport is discretionary and is not guaranteed. Each application is assessed individually by the Passport Program.

If your Canadian passport no longer qualifies for renewal and your other government-issued identification has also expired, contact CanadaPassportHelp.ca before submitting your application. We can review your circumstances and available documentation and help you determine how best to present your situation to the Passport Program.

Yes. A new adult Canadian passport application requires:

1 guarantor + 2 references

The guarantor and references have different eligibility requirements and responsibilities.

For detailed information, please see our Canadian Passport Guarantor FAQs and Canadian Passport References FAQs.

New Adult Passport: 2 references + guarantor Adult Passport Renewal: 2 references, no guarantor Child Passport: no references + guarantor

A guarantor and a reference are not the same thing. They have different eligibility requirements and responsibilities in a Canadian passport application.

A guarantor plays a formal role in confirming your identity. For a new adult passport application, your guarantor must complete and sign the required guarantor section of the application, certify and sign the back of one passport photo, and sign and date photocopies of the supporting identification documents you submit. A guarantor may be a family member, provided they meet all the applicable guarantor requirements.

A reference does not sign your application, passport photos or identification documents. References provide their contact information and may be contacted by the Passport Program to help confirm your identity. Passport references must be 18 years of age or older, have known you for at least 2 years, and agree to have their name and contact information included on your application.

Your references cannot be your guarantor and cannot be certain family members, including your spouse or common-law partner.

For a new adult passport application, you generally need 1 guarantor and 2 references. For an adult passport renewal, you need 2 references but no guarantor.

For a new adult passport application, your guarantor must:

• Be able to communicate in English or French;
• Have known you personally for at least 2 years;
• Know you well enough to confirm your identity and information provided in your application; and
• Be accessible to the Passport Program for verification.

For a child passport, the guarantor must have known the parent or legal guardian who is applying for at least 2 years and must know of the child.

There are two types of eligible guarantors for Canadian passport applications submitted from the United States.

Option 1 – Canadian Passport Holder Guarantor

The guarantor must:

• Be a Canadian citizen;
• Be at least 18 years old;
• Hold a 5-year or 10-year Canadian passport that is valid or has been expired for no more than one year when the Passport Program receives your application;
• Have been at least 16 years old when they applied for that passport;
• Have known you personally for at least 2 years; and
• Be available if the Passport Program needs to contact them.

The guarantor does not need to live in Canada.

Option 2 – Occupation-Based Guarantor

If you are applying from the United States, you may use an eligible professional guarantor who is appropriately registered or licensed and currently working in their profession.

Eligible professions include:

• Dentist
• Medical doctor
• Pharmacist
• Veterinarian
• Lawyer or notary
• Notary public
• Police officer
• Judge
• Dean or head of a university or college
• Signing officer of a bank, trust company or qualifying financial institution

An occupation-based guarantor does not need to be a Canadian citizen.

Yes. A family member or someone living at your address may act as your guarantor, provided they meet all of the applicable guarantor requirements.

For a new adult passport application, your guarantor must:

• Complete or validate the required information in the Declaration of Guarantor section and complete the fields that must personally be completed by the guarantor;
• Write the required certification on the back of one passport photo and sign it; and
• Where applicable, sign and date copies of documents supporting your identity.

For a child passport application, the guarantor's responsibilities are slightly different. The guarantor completes or validates the Declaration of Guarantor and certifies and signs the back of one of the child's passport photos.

No. For an adult passport application, your guarantor and your two references must be different people.

If you have not known an eligible guarantor for at least 2 years, you may need to complete a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (PPTC 132).

The PPTC 132 is not available online. If you are in the United States, you can obtain it by contacting the Passport Program or a Canadian embassy or consulate.

The declaration must be completed according to Passport Program requirements before a person authorized to administer an oath or solemn affirmation.

Using a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor may delay the processing of your passport application.

No. These are two different options.

An occupation-based guarantor is an eligible professional who has personally known you for at least 2 years and meets the applicable guarantor requirements.

The PPTC 132 Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor is used when you cannot find an eligible guarantor. The person authorized to administer the oath for the PPTC 132 does not need to have known you personally for 2 years.

For an adult Canadian passport application, you need two references.

Each reference must:

• Be 18 years of age or older;
• Have known you personally for at least 2 years;
• Agree to have their name and contact information included on your passport application; and
• Be available if the Passport Program needs to contact them to help confirm your identity.

Your references cannot be your guarantor or certain family members.

The Passport Program may contact your references and may request additional references if necessary.

No. Your references do not have to be Canadian citizens and do not need to hold Canadian passports.

They simply need to meet the Passport Program's reference requirements, including being at least 18 years old, having known you for at least 2 years, and not being an excluded family member or your guarantor.

This is particularly helpful for Canadians who have lived in the United States for many years and may not personally know two Canadian citizens.

Yes. Your references can live in the United States or another country. They do not have to live in Canada.

However, you should choose people who will be available if the Passport Program contacts them. The Government of Canada specifically advises applicants to choose references who are accessible and notes that difficulty contacting a reference, including because of travel or time-zone differences, may delay an application.

Generally, no. The Passport Program does not allow certain family members to act as references.

This includes your spouse or common-law partner, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren and various relatives by marriage, adoption or guardianship. Other relatives may also be excluded in certain circumstances, including when they live at the same address as you.

A family member may be able to act as your guarantor if they meet all the guarantor requirements, but the rules for references are different.

Yes, provided you are not in a common-law relationship and they otherwise meet all the reference requirements.

The Passport Program specifically states that a boyfriend, girlfriend or romantic partner may act as a reference if you are not common-law partners.

For passport purposes, you are considered common-law partners if you have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 1 year without being legally married.

If your marriage or common-law relationship has ended, your former spouse or former common-law partner may also act as a reference, provided they otherwise qualify.

They may. Providing someone as a reference gives the Passport Program permission to contact that person to help confirm your identity.

For this reason, choose references who:

• Know you well enough to confirm your identity;
• Know that you have listed them as a reference;
• Have provided you with their correct contact information; and
• Will be reasonably available if the Passport Program contacts them.

Difficulty reaching a reference can delay the processing of your passport application, and the Passport Program may request additional references if necessary.

A child under the age of 16 does not apply for their own Canadian passport. A parent or legal guardian applies on behalf of the child.

Generally, all parents or legal guardians should participate in the application process and may be required to sign the application. The Passport Program may also contact the other parent or legal guardian.

Potentially, yes—but you generally need to establish the child's Canadian citizenship before a Canadian passport can be issued.

If the child was born outside Canada and is a Canadian citizen by descent but does not yet have acceptable proof of Canadian citizenship, the first step may be to obtain a Canadian Citizenship Certificate (Proof of Citizenship). Once acceptable proof of Canadian citizenship is available, the parent or legal guardian can proceed with the child's passport application.

Our team can review the child's circumstances and advise whether you should proceed directly with a passport application or obtain a Canadian Citizenship Certificate first.

When applying for a Canadian passport for a child under 16 from the United States, you will generally need:

• A completed Child General Passport Application (opens in a new tab);
• Proof of the child’s Canadian citizenship, such as a Canadian birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate;
• Proof of parentage, which is required with every child passport application. This may include a detailed birth certificate showing the parent(s), a court-issued adoption order, or a foreign birth certificate showing the parent(s);
• Two identical Canadian passport photos that meet Canadian photo specifications;
• A qualified guarantor who has known the applying parent or legal guardian personally for at least two years and knows of the child;
• Any valid Canadian passport or other Canadian travel document currently issued in the child’s name; and
• Where applicable, all relevant legal documents concerning custody, decision-making responsibility, separation, divorce, parenting time, access, mobility or legal guardianship.

The guarantor must sign the application and the back of one of the child's passport photos. Unlike an adult passport application, a child passport application does not require two references.

If a parent's surname on the proof of parentage is different from the surname used on the application, you may also need a document connecting the two names, such as a marriage certificate or legal name-change certificate.

If any parent or legal guardian is deceased, the Passport Program generally requires the original death certificate or an official copy issued by the appropriate government authority.

Important: Proof of parentage is required each time you apply for a child passport, even if the child has previously been issued a Canadian passport.

For applications from the United States, the standard child application with a Canadian-passport-holder guarantor is PPTC 155. A different form, PPTC 142, is used when applying with an eligible occupation-based guarantor.

For a child passport application, the Passport Program requires acceptable proof of Canadian citizenship. Depending on the document and application method, original documentation may be required.

For a child born in Canada, this will commonly be a provincial or territorial birth certificate. For a child born outside Canada, it may be a Canadian Citizenship Certificate.

A Canadian child passport is valid for a maximum of 5 years.

The passport remains valid until the expiry date printed in it, even if the child turns 16 before the passport expires.

No. Child passports cannot be renewed.

When a child's passport expires, you must submit a new passport application. If the child is 16 or older when applying, they must use the applicable adult passport process.

Generally, all parents and legal guardians should participate in the application process and sign the application form.

The Passport Program may contact the other parent or legal guardian. If there are custody, separation, divorce or decision-making arrangements affecting the child, additional documentation may be required.

Parents who are separated or divorced may still apply for a Canadian passport for their child, but additional documentation may be required.

Depending on the circumstances, you may need to provide relevant separation agreements, divorce judgments, court orders, custody documents or documents establishing decision-making responsibility.

Our team can review your documentation before submission and advise you about the documents that should accompany the passport application.

These situations require additional attention.

If another parent or legal guardian cannot be located, is unavailable or will not participate in the application, the Passport Program may require additional information or documentation before issuing the child's passport.

The appropriate approach depends on the family's particular circumstances and any existing court orders or custody arrangements.

Yes. A guarantor is required for a new Canadian child passport application.

The guarantor must meet the applicable Passport Program requirements. For a child passport, the guarantor must have known the parent or legal guardian who is applying for at least 2 years and must know of the child.

Yes, potentially.

The parent or legal guardian who is acting as the applicant cannot also act as the guarantor. However, the other parent or legal guardian may act as guarantor if they meet all applicable guarantor requirements.

The guarantor requirements depend on the type of application and where the application is submitted.

For applications from the United States, an applicant may be able to use a guarantor who meets the Canadian passport guarantor requirements or, in appropriate circumstances, an eligible occupation-based guarantor.

Occupation-based guarantors can include certain professionals such as lawyers, notaries public, medical doctors, dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians, police officers and judges, provided they meet the Passport Program's applicable requirements.

If you cannot find an eligible guarantor, you may be able to use a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (PPTC 132).

You should contact the Passport Program to obtain the form and follow its instructions. The declaration must be completed according to Passport Program requirements.

For air travel, a valid passport is the standard travel document for a Canadian child travelling between Canada and the United States.

For travel by land or sea, Canadian children aged 15 and under may, in certain circumstances, use an eligible Canadian birth certificate or citizenship document instead of a passport.

Even where a passport is not legally required, travelling with a valid Canadian passport provides internationally recognized proof of the child's Canadian citizenship and identity and can make documentation at the border more straightforward.

You must submit two identical and unaltered passport photos with your Canadian passport application.

Canadian passport photos must (opens in a new tab):

• Measure 50 mm wide × 70 mm high (2 × 2¾ inches);
• Have a face height between 31 mm and 36 mm, measured from the chin to the crown of the head;
• Have been taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance;
• Show a neutral facial expression, with your eyes open and clearly visible and your mouth closed;
• Show your face and shoulders centred and squared to the camera;
• Have a plain white or light-coloured background with sufficient contrast between you and the background;
• Have uniform lighting with no shadows, glare or flash reflections;
• Be clear, sharp and in focus;
• Reflect your natural skin tone; and
• Be taken in person by a commercial photographer or photo studio and professionally printed on high-quality photographic paper.

The photos must be original and cannot be altered or digitally edited, including with photo-editing software, filters, AI tools or other digital enhancements.

No. Canadian passport photos are different from U.S. passport photos.

One of the most important differences is the size. Canadian passport photos must measure:

50 mm × 70 mm (2 × 2¾ inches)

The face must measure between 31 mm and 36 mm from the chin to the crown of the head.

When having your photos taken in the United States, tell the photographer specifically that you need photos for a Canadian passport and provide the photographer with the Canadian passport photo specifications.

No. For a paper Canadian passport application, your photos must be taken in person by a commercial photographer or photo studio and professionally printed on high-quality photographic paper.

Self-taken photos, photos taken at home and photos printed at home are not accepted.

Yes. As part of our passport services, we can help identify photographers or photo studios in your area that offer photos for Canadian passport applications.

Canadian passport photo requirements are different from U.S. passport photo requirements, so you should tell the photographer specifically that the photos are for a Canadian passport.

We also recommend bringing the Canadian passport photo specifications with you to the studio. The Government of Canada specifically recommends that applicants in the United States provide the Canadian specifications to their photographer.

For a Canadian passport application submitted using printed photos, the back of one of the two passport photos must contain information from the photographer.

The photographer must clearly write or stamp:

• The name of the photography studio or company;
• The complete address of the studio; and
• The date the photo was taken.

The information must be written or stamped directly on the photo. Stick-on labels are not accepted.

For a new adult passport application, your guarantor must also write on the back of that same photo:

“I certify this to be a true likeness of [applicant's name]”

The guarantor must then sign the back of the photo.

For an adult passport renewal, there is no guarantor, so no guarantor certification or signature is required on the photo. The photographer's studio information and the date the photo was taken are still required.

For a child passport application, the photographer's information and date must appear on the back of one photo, and the child's guarantor must sign that photo.

Important: Before leaving the photo studio, check the back of your photos to make sure the photographer has included the required information. Missing studio information or an incomplete address can cause problems with your passport application.

Yes. Prescription glasses may be worn as long as your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare or reflection on the lenses.

Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not accepted, including prescription tinted lenses.

No. Canadian passport photos must be original and unaltered. The Passport Program states that photos will be rejected if they have been altered in any way.

This means the photographer should not digitally retouch, enhance or modify the photo, including:

• Changing the colour, brightness, contrast or sharpness;
• Removing glare or red-eye;
• Removing or changing scars, birthmarks or other facial features;
• Changing your hair colour or clothing;
• Cropping around the head and shoulders or placing your image onto a different background;
• Removing shadows or otherwise changing the background; or
• Using filters, photo-editing software or artificial intelligence (AI) to modify the image.

Even seemingly minor corrections that are common in portrait photography may make a Canadian passport photo unacceptable.

Your photo should reflect your natural appearance at the time it was taken and must have been taken within the 6 months before you submit your application.

Tip: When having your photos taken in the United States, tell the photographer that the photos are for a Canadian passport and must not be digitally retouched or enhanced.

No. You should not reuse a photo from a previous passport or passport application.

Your Canadian passport photos must reflect your current appearance and must have been taken within the 6 months before you submit your application.

They must also be original photos and cannot be copies or reproductions of an existing photo.

Yes. As part of our service, we can review an image of your passport photos before you mail the original printed photos with your application.

Once your photos have been taken, you can:

• Ask the photographer or studio to email us a digital image of the photo at info@canadapassporthelp.ca;
• Scan the printed photo and email the scan to us; or
• If neither option is available, take a clear smartphone photo of the printed passport photo and email it to us for review.

We will review the image for visible issues such as dimensions, positioning, facial expression, background, shadows, glare and general photo quality.

Important: Our review can help identify potential problems before you submit your application, but only the Canadian Passport Program can make the final determination as to whether a passport photo is acceptable.

Yes. The digital image, scan or smartphone photo you send to us is for our review only.

For a paper Canadian passport application, you must still submit two identical, unaltered, professionally printed passport photos with your application.

Do not print the emailed or scanned image yourself. The Passport Program requires the passport photos to be professionally printed on high-quality photographic paper and does not accept photos printed at home.

After we review your photos, keep both original printed photos from the photographer and follow our instructions for submitting them with your passport application.

Canadian passports are electronic passports (ePassports), also known as biometric passports. Your passport contains an electronic chip that stores a digital image of your face, together with certain information that also appears on the passport's information page.

The Passport Program also uses facial-recognition systems to help verify identity and prevent fraud. These systems electronically compare identity based on unique facial features. The Government of Canada specifically explains that this is one reason a neutral facial expression is required.

This is why Canadian passport photo requirements concerning dimensions, facial expression, positioning, lighting, shadows, glare and image quality must be followed carefully.

A passport photo that looks acceptable to you or even to the photographer may still fail to meet the Passport Program's technical or image-quality requirements.

A photo may be rejected because of:

• Incorrect photo dimensions or face measurements;
• Shadows on the face or background;
• Glare or reflections;
• Poor focus or image quality;
• Incorrect head position or facial expression;
• Insufficient contrast between the applicant and the background;
• Digital alteration, retouching, filters or AI processing; or
• Failure to meet another Canadian passport photo requirement.

If the Passport Program determines that your photo does not meet its requirements, you may be asked to provide new passport photos, even if the original photos appeared acceptable when they were taken or submitted.

A Canadian passport may be considered damaged when physical damage affects the document, its personal-information page, pages, photograph, electronic chip or security features. Examples can include water damage, torn or missing pages, damage to the photo or personal-information page, or other physical damage that may affect the passport’s integrity or use.

Even if a damaged passport has not expired, you should not assume that it remains acceptable for travel.

You should not travel with a damaged Canadian passport. A damaged passport may cause significant delays, may be refused by an airline or border authority, or may be seized at a border crossing.

If you have upcoming travel, arrange to replace the damaged passport before travelling. If the travel need is urgent, contact the Passport Program or the appropriate Government of Canada office as soon as possible.

Yes. If your Canadian passport is damaged, you should replace it rather than continue using it for travel. For an adult passport, the replacement process depends on whether you qualify for the adult passport renewal process. If you qualify, you may renew the passport. If you do not qualify, you must apply for a new adult passport.

A child passport cannot be renewed. If a child’s passport is damaged, a new child passport application is required.

Yes, potentially. If you are an adult and your damaged passport otherwise meets the Passport Program’s renewal requirements, you may be able to use the simpler adult passport renewal process. If you are not eligible for renewal, you will need to apply for a new adult passport.

If your damaged passport is still valid, the Passport Program requires you to submit PPTC 203 (opens in a new tab) – Declaration Concerning a Lost, Stolen, Inaccessible, Damaged or Found Canadian Travel Document with the replacement application.

If the damaged passport has already expired, you generally follow the normal renewal or new-passport application process, depending on your eligibility.

The Passport Program does not charge the additional CAD $45 lost-or-stolen replacement fee simply because a passport is damaged. The regular passport application fees still apply. Government fees are subject to change, so confirm the current fee on Canada.ca before submitting your application.

If the damaged passport has already expired, you generally proceed using the normal adult renewal or new-passport process, depending on your eligibility. You do not generally need PPTC 203 solely because an expired passport is damaged.

Yes. CanadaPassportHelp.ca can review the condition and status of your passport, help determine whether you appear eligible for adult renewal or need a new passport application, review the required forms and supporting documents, and assist with PPTC 203 when it is required.

CanadaPassportHelp.ca does not decide whether a passport is acceptable or issue replacement passports. The Canadian Passport Program makes the final determination.

Official source for this section: Government of Canada guidance on lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found passports and travel documents (opens in a new tab).

A Canadian passport is inaccessible when you know where the passport is but you are unable to obtain or use it when you need passport services. For example, it may be held by another person, an organization or an authority, or it may otherwise be somewhere you cannot reasonably retrieve it.

An inaccessible passport is different from a passport that you simply cannot find. If you do not know where your passport is, it may need to be treated as lost rather than inaccessible.

Contact the Canadian Passport Program before proceeding. The Government of Canada states that you will need to provide proof showing where the passport or travel document is and explain why you cannot wait for it to be returned.

The Passport Program will review the circumstances and determine what passport or travel-document procedure is appropriate.

No. If you know where your passport is but cannot obtain it, the passport may be inaccessible rather than lost. If you do not know where it is, it may need to be treated as a lost passport.

Do not report a passport as lost solely because it is temporarily inaccessible without first confirming the appropriate procedure with the Passport Program.

The Government of Canada requires proof showing where the passport or travel document is and an explanation of why you cannot wait for it to be returned. The exact evidence will depend on your circumstances.

Examples may include correspondence or other documentation showing that the passport is being held by another person, organization or authority, or documentation explaining why it cannot currently be retrieved.

PPTC 203 (opens in a new tab) is the Government of Canada declaration concerning a lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document. Because the Passport Program instructs people with inaccessible passports to contact it and provide proof of the passport’s location and the reason it cannot be returned in time, you should follow the Passport Program’s instructions for your particular case before submitting forms.

Possibly. The Passport Program must first review the circumstances surrounding the inaccessible passport. It will determine what procedure applies and whether a replacement passport or another travel-document service is appropriate.

Do not assume that an inaccessible passport should automatically be handled in the same way as a lost or stolen passport.

A passport that was seized by law enforcement or surrendered under a court order is handled under a separate Passport Program process. The Government of Canada states that these travel documents are usually returned to the Passport Program and held until they expire, unless an entitlement review results in another determination.

If this applies to you, contact the Passport Program and follow the specific procedure for seized or surrendered travel documents.

Yes. CanadaPassportHelp.ca can review your circumstances, help you organize evidence showing where the passport is and why it is unavailable, assist with the applicable passport forms and supporting explanation, and help you prepare your application or request for review before submission.

Because inaccessible-passport cases depend on the individual circumstances, the Canadian Passport Program makes the final determination about the procedure and any replacement passport or travel-document service.

Official source for this section: Government of Canada guidance on lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found passports and travel documents (opens in a new tab).

If your Canadian passport is still valid and has been lost or stolen, you should report it to the Canadian Passport Program as soon as possible.

If you are in the United States, call the Passport Program at 1-800-567-6868 to report the loss or theft.

Once a passport is reported lost or stolen, it is cancelled and can no longer be used for travel, even if you later find it.

You will also need to replace the passport. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to use the simpler adult passport renewal process rather than applying for a new adult passport.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you are travelling in the United States and you have upcoming travel back to Canada, contact the Passport Program or the nearest Government of Canada office in the United States as soon as possible.

Canadian citizens travelling to Canada by air generally need a valid Canadian passport to board their flight.

If you have an urgent travel need, be prepared to provide evidence of your upcoming travel. Acceptable proof can include an airline, bus or train ticket, a paid travel itinerary, or other documentation explaining why you need the passport urgently.

You should also have available, if possible, information about your lost or stolen passport and any identification or proof of Canadian citizenship in your possession.

Depending on your circumstances and travel date, the Canadian government will determine what passport service or travel document may be available.

If you are travelling in the United States and your Canadian passport has been lost or stolen, contact CanadaPassportHelp.ca as soon as possible. We can review your circumstances and available documents and help you determine the appropriate next steps based on your travel date.

Returning to Canada by land from the United States is different from boarding a commercial flight to Canada.

If you have lost your Canadian passport and are considering returning to Canada by car, you should contact the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) before travelling to confirm what documents you should present to establish your Canadian citizenship and identity.

Do not attempt to use a passport that has already been reported lost or stolen. Once reported, it is cancelled and cannot be used for travel.

Yes, potentially. Losing your passport does not automatically mean that you must apply for a new adult passport.

You may still qualify for the simpler adult passport renewal process if your most recent passport meets the normal renewal requirements and you have the required information from that passport:

• Passport number;
• Date of issue; and
• Date of expiry.

The Passport Program specifically allows you to renew if you no longer have your most recent passport but have the information that was on it.

Therefore, if you have a photocopy, scan, photograph or other record of the passport containing this information, you may still qualify for renewal, provided you meet all the other renewal requirements.

You do not necessarily need a copy of the passport to qualify for renewal.

What is important is whether you can provide the required information from your most recent passport:

Passport number + date of issue + date of expiry

For example, you may have this information in an old scan, photograph, application record or another document.

If you do not have the passport and cannot provide the required passport information, you cannot use the adult renewal process and will generally need to apply for a new adult Canadian passport.

If your lost or stolen passport was still valid, you must report the loss or theft as soon as possible.

When applying for the replacement, you must also submit the:

Declaration concerning a Lost, Stolen, Inaccessible, Damaged or Found Canadian Travel Document (PPTC 203 (opens in a new tab)).

The declaration provides the Passport Program with information about what happened to your passport.

You must also pay the applicable passport fee and the additional fee for replacing a lost or stolen valid passport.

Yes. If your lost or stolen Canadian passport was still valid, there is currently an additional CAD $45 replacement fee, in addition to the regular passport application fee.

If your passport had already expired when it was lost or stolen, the process is simpler.

You do not need to submit the PPTC 203 Declaration solely because the expired passport was lost or stolen. The Passport Program instructs applicants with an expired lost or stolen passport to proceed using the regular application process.

You may still qualify for adult passport renewal if the passport was issued within the last 15 years, you meet the other renewal requirements, and you can provide its:

Passport number + date of issue + date of expiry.

If you cannot provide the required passport information, you will generally need to apply for a new adult Canadian passport.

If you are unsure whether your lost or stolen passport was still valid, contact the Passport Program before submitting your application.

CanadaPassportHelp.ca can also review any available copies, scans, photographs or records of your previous passport to help determine the appropriate application process.

It depends on whether you qualify for renewal or must apply for a new adult passport.

If you qualify for the adult passport renewal process, you do not need a guarantor. You also generally do not need to submit proof of Canadian citizenship or supporting identification as part of the simplified renewal process.

If you do not qualify for renewal and must apply for a new adult passport, the regular new-passport requirements apply, including a guarantor, two references, proof of Canadian citizenship and supporting identification.

Do not use it.

Once a Canadian passport has been reported lost or stolen, it is cancelled and is no longer valid for travel, even if you later find it.

If you find a passport that has already been reported lost or stolen, the Passport Program instructs you to return it. You should include a completed PPTC 203 Declaration and a letter explaining how, when and where the passport was found.

If you are outside Canada, it can be returned to the nearest Government of Canada office abroad.

Yes. We can review your circumstances and determine whether you may qualify for the simpler adult passport renewal process or whether you need to apply for a new adult Canadian passport.

If you have a copy, scan, photograph or other record of your lost or stolen passport, send it to us for review. Even if you no longer have the physical passport, the information contained in your records may allow you to qualify for renewal.

If the passport was still valid when it was lost or stolen, we can also assist you with the required PPTC 203 Declaration and your replacement passport application.

Yes. However, the process depends on what information needs to be changed and why.

Common changes or corrections include:

• A name change because of marriage or relationship status;
• A legal name change;
• Correcting or changing a date of birth;
• Correcting or changing a place of birth; or
• Changing a sex or gender identifier.

If you want your new passport to show a different name, date of birth, place of birth or gender identifier from your most recent passport, you generally cannot use the simplified adult passport renewal process. You must apply for a new adult passport and provide the appropriate supporting documents.

No.

The simplified adult renewal process can only be used when the name, date of birth, place of birth and gender identifier you want on the new passport are the same as those associated with your most recent passport.

If you want to change any of this information, you generally need to submit a new adult passport application with the appropriate supporting documents.

Yes. If you have changed your last name because of marriage, you can apply for a Canadian passport in your new name.

You must submit a new passport application rather than a simplified renewal application and provide the required documentation supporting the name you want to use.

The identification submitted with your application must support the name you are requesting for your new passport.

Depending on your circumstances, additional documentation relating to your marriage or relationship status may also be required.

A marriage does not automatically require you to immediately obtain a passport in your married name.

However, your airline tickets and other travel reservations should match the name appearing on the passport you are using for travel.

The Government of Canada warns that a mismatch between the name on your passport, identification and travel bookings can cause delays or problems when travelling.

If you decide to have your married name appear on your passport, you will need to apply for a new passport.

Not necessarily. A change to your name does not automatically mean that you must first obtain a new citizenship certificate before applying for a passport.

Your proof of Canadian citizenship may generally show either your previous name or your new name. The Passport Program will require appropriate documentation connecting your previous name to the name requested on your passport.

Yes. You can request a passport in a previous surname following a change in relationship status.

You must submit a new passport application and provide documentation supporting the name change. The Passport Program may accept original documents or photocopies depending on the applicable requirements.

Yes. You must apply for a new passport if your name changed because of a legal name change, court order or adoption order.

Your supporting identification must show your new given name(s) and surname.

If your proof of Canadian citizenship still shows your previous name, you generally do not need to replace it first. You can submit your proof of citizenship in your previous name together with the appropriate legal name-change, court or adoption documentation connecting your old and new names.

Yes, where the change is supported by the appropriate documentation.

If you want a date of birth on your new passport that is different from the date of birth on your most recent passport, you cannot use the simplified adult renewal process. You must apply for a new adult passport.

The Passport Program will determine the date of birth that can be shown based on your proof of Canadian citizenship and other acceptable supporting documentation.

If there is a discrepancy between your citizenship document, identification and previous passport, additional documentation or clarification may be required.

Yes. If the place of birth shown on your Canadian passport is incorrect, you can request that the correct place of birth appear on your new passport.

However, changing your place of birth is considered a change to your passport's personal information. You cannot use the simplified adult passport renewal process to make this change. You must apply for a new adult Canadian passport and pay the applicable passport fees.

On the new passport application, you must provide your correct place of birth. The Passport Program may require supporting documents or additional information to establish the correct information, depending on your circumstances. The current adult passport application requires applicants to provide their place of birth.

If the place of birth on your existing passport is incorrect because the Passport Program made an error when the passport was issued, you should contact the Passport Program rather than simply submitting a regular renewal application.

Important: This is different from asking to have your place of birth omitted from the passport. If you do not want your place of birth displayed, you must still provide it on your passport application and submit PPTC 077 – Request for a Canadian Passport Without Place of Birth. The Government of Canada warns that omitting the place of birth may cause difficulties obtaining visas, delays at borders or problems entering some countries.

Yes. Canadian passports provide three gender identifier options:

F — Female M — Male X — Another gender

If you want a gender identifier that is different from the one on your current passport, you generally need to apply for a new passport rather than use the simplified renewal process.

If your supporting documents already show the gender identifier you are requesting, additional documentation may not be necessary.

If your supporting documents do not show the gender identifier you want on your passport, you can request a different identifier using the applicable Request – Sex or Gender Identifier form (PPTC 643 for an adult age 16 or older) with your passport application.

Government of Canada – Change the gender identifier on a passport (opens in a new tab)

Not necessarily.

The Passport Program allows applicants to request a gender identifier that differs from the identifier shown on their proof of Canadian citizenship or immigration status.

For an adult applicant, this can be done by submitting PPTC 643 – Request – Sex or Gender Identifier for Adult 16 Years of Age or Older with the passport application when required.

Not necessarily. The Government of Canada warns that an X gender identifier may not be recognized by all countries or by all travel and reservation systems.

Travelers should check the entry and transit requirements of the countries they intend to visit before travelling.

This is different from requesting a change to your personal information.

When you receive your new passport, you should check all of the personal information immediately, including your:

Name • Date of birth • Place of birth • Gender identifier

If you believe the Passport Program made an error when issuing your passport, contact the Passport Program immediately rather than simply submitting another passport application. The Government of Canada specifically instructs passport holders to check their new passport and contact the Passport Program immediately if they find an error.

Keep copies of your application and supporting documents, as these may help establish what information was originally submitted.

Yes. CanadaPassportHelp.ca can review your circumstances and help determine the correct application and supporting documents when you need to:

• Change your surname following marriage, divorce or another change in relationship status;
• Make a legal name change;
• Correct or change your date of birth or place of birth;
• Change your gender identifier; or
• Address an error appearing on a newly issued Canadian passport.

Before submitting a new application, send us a copy of your current or previous Canadian passport and the documents supporting the requested change. We can review the documents and advise you on the appropriate passport application process.

You may request to cancel your passport application, but cancellation is not guaranteed once processing has begun or been completed.

You should contact the Passport Program as soon as possible if you want to cancel an application.

Passport application fees are generally not refundable simply because you cancel your application. Government guidance states that the passport service fee is not refunded when an applicant cancels the application. For adult applications, certain consular fees may be refundable if a passport is not issued.

If you applied for a Canadian passport from the United States, you can check the status of your application using the Government of Canada's online passport application status tool. The Passport Program states that the tool provides instant status updates while you are waiting for your passport.

If you mailed your application from the United States 9 business days ago or less, the Government recommends waiting before checking because your application may not yet be entered into the system. You can still try the online tool if you wish.

If it has been 10 business days or more since you applied, you can use the online status tool. You may also contact the Passport Program by telephone.

For applications from the United States, the regular service standard is currently 20 business days, not including mailing time.

Important: If you mailed your application using a courier or other trackable service, keep your tracking information. Delivery confirmation tells you that your package reached its destination, but it does not mean that the Passport Program has completed its initial review or started processing it.

Check Your Canadian Passport Application Status (opens in a new tab)

If the Passport Program contacts you requesting additional information, documents, corrections or new passport photos, you should respond as soon as possible and follow the instructions in the request carefully. The current passport application specifically states that applicants contacted for additional information or documentation should communicate with the Passport Program as soon as possible.

The Passport Program may contact you by telephone, mail or email if your application is incomplete or if additional information or documents are required.

If new passport photos are requested, have new photos taken that fully meet the Canadian passport photo requirements. Do not simply resend the same photos. Canadian passport photos must be identical, unaltered, taken within the previous 6 months, professionally produced and meet the required size, positioning and quality specifications.

A request for additional information or new photos does not necessarily mean that your passport application has been refused. Some applications take longer because the Passport Program needs corrections, new photos, additional information, routine verifications or security checks.

Be cautious of fraud. If you receive a telephone call, email or letter and are unsure whether it genuinely came from the Passport Program, you can contact the Passport Program directly at 1-800-567-6868 to verify the request.

If you are a CanadaPassportHelp.ca client and receive a request from the Passport Program, send us a copy of the complete request before responding. We can review the request, explain what is required and assist you in preparing the requested documents or replacement passport photos.

If you have already submitted your Canadian passport application and your situation has become urgent, contact the Passport Program as soon as possible. The Government of Canada specifically provides for situations where an applicant needs a passport sooner after the application has already been submitted.

If you are in the United States, you can contact the Passport Program at 1-800-567-6868 or 1-819-997-8338, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time, excluding statutory holidays.

Be prepared to provide information about your existing application and proof explaining why you now need the passport urgently. Depending on the circumstances, proof may include:

• An airline, bus or train ticket;
• A paid travel itinerary;
• Proof of a serious illness or death in the family; or
• A written explanation of another urgent need, such as a legal, banking or residency requirement.

If you are currently outside Canada and need a passport urgently, the Government of Canada directs you to contact the nearest Canadian embassy, consulate or other Government of Canada office abroad. That office will determine whether you qualify for urgent passport services.

Additional fees may apply, and urgent processing is not guaranteed. An incomplete application, security concerns or other issues may prevent the Passport Program from issuing the passport within your required timeframe.

For applications mailed from the United States, the regular service standard is currently 20 business days, plus mailing time.

If you are a CanadaPassportHelp.ca client and your travel plans have become urgent after submitting your application, contact us immediately. We can review your situation and the status of your application and help you determine the appropriate steps to contact the Passport Program or Government of Canada office.

Effective April 1, 2026, the Government of Canada introduced a “30 days or free” guarantee for eligible passport applications.

If the Passport Program takes more than 30 business days to process a complete passport application, you may be entitled to a full refund of the passport application fee. This applies to eligible adult and child passport applications submitted from Canada or abroad, including applications from the United States.

The 30-business-day period begins only when the Passport Program has received a complete application, including:

• The completed application form;
• Passport photos that meet the requirements;
• All required supporting documents; and
• The required fees.

The 30 business days do not include mailing time. They also do not include additional time required to review a complex application or periods when the application is on hold while the Passport Program waits for additional information.

If you qualify for the refund, you do not need to apply for it. The refund is issued automatically. For applications made in person or by mail from the United States, the Government of Canada states that the refund will be issued by cheque and mailed to the address on file.

Receiving a refund does not mean your passport application has been cancelled. The Passport Program will continue processing the application.

Important: The 30-business-day guarantee does not replace the normal service standard. Applications mailed from the United States normally have a 20-business-day processing standard, plus mailing time. The 30-day rule determines when an eligible applicant may receive a full refund; it is not the normal expected processing time.

Certain applications, administrative fees and exceptional circumstances are excluded from the guarantee.

Government of Canada – Passport Refunds for Applications Taking More Than 30 Business Days (opens in a new tab)

Yes. If you submit original supporting documents with your Canadian passport application, the Passport Program will return them to you by mail. Your original documents may arrive separately from your new passport, so do not be concerned if they are not in the same package.

For applications submitted by mail, you generally do not need to send original identification documents. The Passport Program recommends sending photocopies of your identification instead. Copies must include both sides and must be signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official.

However, certain documents, such as an original paper Canadian citizenship certificate or Canadian birth certificate, may need to be submitted as proof of citizenship depending on the type of application.

If you submit your current valid Canadian passport, the application form allows you to indicate whether you want the previous passport returned to you. If you do not request its return, it may be securely destroyed. A passport that is damaged or was reported lost or stolen will not be returned.

If you receive your new passport but your original supporting documents have not yet arrived, the Passport Program advises that they can take up to 6 weeks to arrive separately. If more than 6 weeks have passed since you received your new passport and the documents still have not arrived, you should contact the Passport Program.

Tip: Before mailing your application, make a clear copy or scan of every document you submit and use a trackable mailing or courier service.

If you apply for a Canadian passport from the United States by mail, the Passport Program will send your new passport to your address in the United States by courier service.

If you submitted original supporting documents with your application, they will also be returned to you. However, your new passport and your original documents may arrive in two separate packages.

If you receive your passport first, do not assume your supporting documents have been lost. The Passport Program advises that original documents may take up to 6 weeks after you receive your passport to arrive.

If you move or your mailing address changes before receiving your passport, contact the Passport Program promptly to update your address. The Government specifically instructs applicants to contact them if they are moving within 30 days of submitting the application and have not yet received their passport.

While waiting, you can also use the Government of Canada's online service to check the status of your passport application.

Government of Canada – Getting Your Passport After Applying From the United States (opens in a new tab)

CanadaPassportHelp.ca provides professional assistance with Canadian passport applications, with a particular focus on Canadians living in the United States.

Our goal is to help you prepare a complete and accurate application package before it is submitted to the Canadian Passport Program. The Government of Canada has different requirements for adult renewals, new adult passports, child passports, and replacement passports, so determining the correct application process is an important first step.

Depending on your situation, our services may include:

• Reviewing your circumstances and helping determine whether you appear to qualify for the simpler adult passport renewal process or need to apply for a new passport;
• Providing the appropriate passport application forms and instructions;
• Reviewing your completed application for errors, omissions and inconsistencies;
• Reviewing your supporting identification and proof of Canadian citizenship;
• Explaining the requirements for guarantors and references;
• Helping you locate a photographer familiar with Canadian passport photo requirements;
• Reviewing an image of your passport photos for visible issues before you mail the originals;
• Assisting with child passport applications;
• Assisting with lost, stolen, inaccessible or damaged passports and determining which additional forms may be required;
• Assisting with name changes, corrections and other changes to personal information;
• Reviewing requests for additional documents, information or replacement photos received from the Passport Program; and
• Conducting a final review of your application package and providing instructions for submission.

For applications from the United States, the completed passport application is ultimately submitted to the Government of Canada Passport Program. The Government currently instructs U.S.-based applicants using the paper process to send their applications to the Passport Program in Canada.

CanadaPassportHelp.ca is a private, independent professional service and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or the Canadian Passport Program. We do not issue passports and cannot guarantee that a passport will be issued. The final decision regarding an application, supporting documents and passport issuance is made by the Canadian Passport Program. You may apply directly through the Government of Canada without using our services. Government passport fees are separate from CanadaPassportHelp.ca professional service fees. Official Government of Canada passport information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports.html (opens in a new tab)

Yes. We can assist with the preparation and review of your Canadian passport application, including the application form, proof of Canadian citizenship, proof of parentage, guarantor requirements, passport photos, signatures and supporting documents.

Our objective is to help you submit a complete and properly prepared application and reduce the risk of avoidable delays or the application being returned.

Yes. We can review your previous Canadian passport or the information from your previous passport and help determine whether you appear to meet the requirements for the simpler adult passport renewal process or need to submit a new adult passport application.

Renewal is generally simpler because eligible applicants do not need to submit proof of Canadian citizenship or supporting identification and do not need a guarantor.

If you are unsure which application applies to you, we can review your circumstances before you begin preparing your application, helping you avoid submitting the wrong form.

Yes. Canadian passport photo requirements are different from U.S. passport photo requirements, and not every photography studio in the United States is familiar with them. The Passport Program warns that an application can be refused if the photos do not meet Canadian requirements.

As part of our service, CanadaPassportHelp.ca can help you locate a photographer or photo studio in your area that can produce photos according to Canadian passport specifications.

We can also provide you with the Canadian passport photo specifications to take to the photographer.

Yes. Before you mail your original passport photos, you can send us an image of the photos for review.

The photography studio can email us a digital image, or you can send us a scan or clear smartphone photograph of the printed passport photo.

We can review the image for visible issues involving such things as positioning, expression, background, shadows, glare and general photo quality.

This review can help identify obvious problems before you mail your application. However, only the Canadian Passport Program can make the final determination as to whether a passport photo is acceptable. Canadian passport applications submitted by mail require photos that meet the Passport Program's specifications.

You must still submit the original professionally produced passport photos with your mailed application. The image you send to CanadaPassportHelp.ca is for review only.

Yes. If your Canadian passport has been lost or stolen, we can review your circumstances and help determine which application process appears appropriate.

Losing the physical passport does not necessarily mean that you must apply for a new adult passport. Depending on your previous passport and the information you still have available, you may qualify for adult renewal. To renew, the Passport Program requires information from your most recent passport, including the passport number, date of issue and expiry date.

If your lost or stolen passport is still valid, additional requirements apply, including reporting it and submitting PPTC 203 – Declaration Concerning a Lost, Stolen, Inaccessible, Damaged or Found Canadian Travel Document. An additional replacement fee also applies to a valid lost or stolen passport.

If you have a copy, scan, photograph or other record of your previous passport, send it to us for review.

Yes. We can assist if you need to change or correct information on your Canadian passport, including your:

• Name;
• Date of birth;
• Place of birth; or
• Gender identifier.

These changes are important because the Passport Program does not permit the simplified adult renewal process when you want your new passport to show a different name, date of birth, place of birth or gender identifier from your most recent passport. In these circumstances, you generally need to apply for a new adult passport and provide the appropriate supporting documentation.

CanadaPassportHelp.ca can review your circumstances, help identify the application and supporting documents that appear appropriate, and review the completed application package before submission.

CanadaPassportHelp.ca is a private, independent professional service and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or the Canadian Passport Program. You may apply for a Canadian passport directly through the Government of Canada without using our services. Government passport fees are separate from CanadaPassportHelp.ca professional service fees. For official passport information or to apply directly through the Government of Canada, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports.html (opens in a new tab)