Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Whether you're traveling by air or car, you must have a valid passport to cross international borders. Entry requirements can vary depending on the country and the type of passport you hold. Always check with your transportation provider and review the destination country's passport rules before you travel.

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 average government processing time for a passport application submitted from the USA is 4 weeks (20 working days). However, processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications.

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.

• Adult 5-year passport $190
• Adult 10-year passport $260
• Child passport $100

* Prices shown are for application fees only and do not include the cost of services provided by CanadaPassportHelp.ca

You should consider renewing your passport if:

• Your current passport was issued within the last 15 years

• It is set to expire within the next 6 months

• The pages of your passport are full

• You need a valid passport to renew your U.S. visa or residency

You may renew your Canadian passport if all of the following apply:

• The personal information on your passport (name, date of birth, sex, place of birth) has not changed

• Your current passport was valid for 5 or 10 years

• You were at least 16 years old when it was issued

• You still have the current passport (or a clear copy of it)

If you do not meet these criteria, you must apply for a new adult passport instead of a renewal.

To apply for a new Canadian passport, you will need to provide the following:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship (e.g., Canadian birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate/card).

• A completed passport application form.

• Passport photos that meet Canadian biometric standards.

• Your current valid passport (if renewing).

• A copy of your valid ID card (e.g., driver’s license or U.S. passport).

You must provide two references who:

• Are not family members or relatives;

• Have known you personally for at least 2 years.

These individuals may be contacted by Passport Canada to confirm your identity.

If you are applying for a new Canadian passport, you will need a guarantor to confirm your identity. The guarantor must:

• Be able to communicate in English or French;

• Have known you personally for at least 2 years and be able to confirm key details about you, including your name, approximate age, place of birth, physical description, occupation, and place of residence;

• Be accessible to Passport Canada for verification.

Your guarantor must perform the following three (3) tasks free of charge:

• Complete and sign the “Declaration of Guarantor” section of the passport application form;
• Write, “I certify this to be a true likeness of (your name)” on the back of one of the passport photos and sign it;
• Sign and date a copy of each document to support your identity.

If you are applying for a new Canadian passport, you need a guarantor to confirm your identity. There are three options for the guarantor:

• Option 1 – Canadian Guarantor: The guarantor should be a Canadian Citizen holding a valid Canadian Passport.

• Option 2 – Professional-US Guarantor: The guarantor should be a Canadian or US citizen currently working and/or residing in the USA. The guarantor must be a professional registered/licensed with the appropriate local authority in one of the following fields:

  • Dentist

  • Medical doctor

  • Pharmacist

  • Veterinarian

  • Dean or head of a university or college

  • Lawyer or notary

  • A notary public (the notarial seal must appear on the application form)

  • Police officer, judge, or magistrate

  • Signing officer of a bank or trust company, or a financial institution offering the full range of banking services (cash withdrawals, deposits, savings)

• Option 3 – No Guarantor: If you have not known an eligible guarantor for at least two (2) years, you must complete a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (PPTC 132). This form must be completed by you and a person authorized by law (such as a lawyer or notary public) to administer an oath or solemn affirmation.

Please note that this option may delay the processing time of your passport.

Note: The Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (PPTC 132) is not available online or electronically.

You must have proof of Canadian citizenship to be eligible for a Canadian passport. This includes:

• A birth certificate issued by a province or territory in Canada, or

• A Canadian citizenship certificate/card issued by the federal government.

If you don’t have your birth certificate or citizenship card, we can help you obtain one.

When renewing your passport, you do not need to mail your birth certificate or citizenship certificate/card. However, you must send in your current, valid passport.

If you are applying for a new passport, you will need to submit the original copy of your proof of Canadian citizenship (e.g., Canadian birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate/card).

To be eligible for a Canadian Passport, you must have proof of Canadian Citizenship.  This includes a birth certificate issued by a province or a Canadian Citizenship certificate/card issued by the Federal Government.

If you do not have your Canadian birth certificate, citizenship card, or Certificate, we can assist you in obtaining one so you can apply for a new passport.

Some key differences in Canadian passport photo requirements include:

• Size: The photo must be 50mm x 70mm (2 inches wide by 2.75 inches high).

• Facial Features: The photo should show a neutral expression, with your face visible from the top of your shoulders to your chin, and both eyes open.

• Background: The background must be plain white or light-colored, with no shadows or patterns.

• No shadows should be visible on your face or the background.

It’s essential to follow these guidelines carefully when submitting your photos for a Canadian passport, as failure to meet the standards may result in delays or rejection of your application.

Yes, Canadian passport photos are different from U.S. passport photos.

Canadian passport photos must meet specific biometric standards the Canadian government sets, including size, background, and facial features. The photo must be 50mm x 70mm with a plain white background and no shadows.

No, passport photos cannot be reused from previous applications. Canadian passport photos should be taken less than six months before the date of your application and must meet specific biometric standards.

No, while some services may be available online, the physical submission of documents, including photos, is still required for Canadian passport applications.

You may cancel your application within 6 months of submitting it for a refund (minus a cancellation fee). Refunds will not be issued after 6 months or after your application has been submitted for review.