Benefits of the Canadian Passport

The Canadian passport is a valid international document that allows Canadian citizens to travel within and outside the country. This passport not only serves as an official identification document but also facilitates access to many consular services and governmental support worldwide.

With this passport, Canadian citizens can travel to many countries without the need for a visa and enjoy extensive benefits. These benefits include:

1. Visa-free travel to over 185 countries
2. High security
3. Extensive consular facilities
4. Right to reside in Canada
5. Dual citizenship
6. Social security and citizenship rights
7. International prestige and respect
8. Job and educational opportunities

Types of Canadian Passports

Canada has various types of passports, each with its unique features and issued for specific groups of individuals. Initially, Canadian passports were of two different types, but now there are five types, including the regular passport, temporary passport, emergency travel document, special passport, and diplomatic passport. Below, more details about each type and the conditions for obtaining a Canadian passport are provided:

• Canadian Regular Passport (with dark blue cover)

Blue regular passports are issued to Canadian citizens for travel, including vacations and business trips. They have 36 pages, with 29 pages for entry and exit stamps. Validity depends on age: 5 or 10 years for those over 15, and up to 5 years for children under 15.

White temporary passports are issued by some Canadian offices abroad for citizens with urgent travel needs or those awaiting regular, special, or diplomatic passports. Validity ranges from 6 months to 1 year depending on circumstances. There are no age restrictions, and issuance depends on the office’s decision.

The emergency travel document, known as the single-sheet travel document, is issued to Canadian citizens who intend to return to their country but do not have access to their regular passport.

In fact, this type of passport is a one-page document that contains the individual’s details, identity, and travel information. Overall, this type of passport states only the individual’s information, travel details, and expiration date.

The special passport, identifiable by its green cover, is reserved for senators, members of parliament, and individuals employed by the government. These employed individuals can also be non-diplomatic personnel traveling or going abroad on official missions.

This type of passport was the first to be converted into a smart passport in 2009. The validity of this passport is determined by the issuing office.

• Canadian Diplomatic Passport (with crimson cover)

The Canadian diplomatic passport is marked with a maroon cover. This passport is specifically for political figures and diplomatic officials of Canada.

High-ranking government officials, members of parliament, and representatives of the Canadian government, as well as their families, can use the Canadian diplomatic passport. The validity of this type of passport is also determined by the issuing office.

Conditions for Obtaining a Canadian Passport

To obtain a Canadian passport, individuals must meet specific requirements and follow certain steps. The main conditions for obtaining a Canadian passport are as follows:

• Canadian Citizenship

To apply for a passport, the individual must be a citizen of Canada. This means that those who have permanent residency but have not yet received Canadian citizenship cannot obtain a Canadian passport.

Individuals of any age can apply for a Canadian passport. For those under 16 years old, a child’s passport will be issued, and a parent or legal guardian must apply on their behalf.

• Identification

The applicant must provide valid identification documents. These documents usually include a Canadian birth certificate and a certificate of Canadian citizenship and nationality.

The applicant must submit two standard passport photos that must adhere to the precise government of Canada guidelines (including size, background, and facial expression).

• Identity and Guarantor Documents

A Canadian citizen who knows the individual well must confirm their identity. This guarantor must sign one of the applicant’s identification documents and legally affirm that the individual’s identity is correct.

• Application Fee

The applicant must pay the passport application fee. The fee varies depending on the type and validity of the passport. Regular passports are typically issued for 5 or 10 years.

• Legal Records

The applicant should not have any legal prohibitions preventing them from leaving Canada; for instance, some individuals may be barred from obtaining a passport due to legal issues, serious crimes, or matters of this nature.

Required Documents for Canadian Passport

To apply for a passport, applicants must submit specific documents. These documents may vary depending on the individual’s status (for individuals over 16 years or children and passport type). Generally, the necessary documents for applying for a Canadian passport include:

1. Original ID
2. Two passport photos
3. Guarantor
4. Passport application form
5. Name change documents (if applicable)
6. Proof of residency status
7. Payment of fee
8. Child passport application form

Ways to Obtain a Canadian Passport

The Canadian passport can be obtained through various methods. Generally, the methods of immigration to Canada can be categorized into six main groups. The image below shows these six categories. Malekpour Institute assists and guides you in all immigration pathways to Canada except for the asylum method until obtaining your passport. The following details the various ways to immigrate to Canada.

Obtaining a Canadian Passport Through Work

While you can’t obtain a Canadian passport directly through a Canada work visa, this pathway can lead to citizenship. By securing a work permit and living in Canada, individuals can gain valuable experience and eventually apply for permanent residency (PR).

After holding PR and residing in Canada for at least three out of the last five years, they become eligible for Canadian citizenship. Once citizenship is granted, they can apply for a Canadian passport and enjoy full rights and global travel benefits.

Obtaining a Canadian Passport Through Education

Obtaining a passport directly through education is not possible, but studying in Canada can serve as a starting point for obtaining a Canadian passport. After being accepted into a recognized educational institution and receiving a Canadian study visa, students can work in Canada upon graduation and obtain work experience with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

This experience can help in applying for permanent residency. After obtaining permanent residency and living at least three out of the last five years in Canada, the individual can apply for citizenship and ultimately receive the Canadian passport.

Obtaining a Canadian Passport Through Investment

It can be said that investment in Canada is another way to obtain a Canadian passport, and individuals annually wish to undertake this process for various reasons such as profit-making and business or obtaining residency and a Canadian passport through investment.

Investing in Canada is feasible in various provinces with differing regulations and according to Canada’s economic development policies. For example, investment can be made in the provinces of Quebec, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia, which we will elaborate on below:

• Canadian Passport Through Intra Transfer Company (ICT)

Intra transfer company (ICT) in Canada is an innovative method developed by the Malekpour Immigration Institute that can be implemented in some of the world’s best countries. 

In this method, you must prove that you have a business where employees are under your employment and that you intend to establish a branch of it in Canada. In this residency method, you must register a company in Canada, with at least 51% of the shares in your name.

However, please note that simply registering a company will not enable you to obtain Canadian residency; instead, you must work within this company. In fact, the combination of company registration and active involvement will lead to your residency acquisition.

Buying property in Canada cannot directly lead to obtaining a Canadian passport, as residing in Canada through property purchase alone does not meet the conditions for permanent residency or citizenship. However, purchasing property can be part of a broader investment strategy that includes immigration programs like provincial programs and startup visas.

These programs allow investors and entrepreneurs who intend to invest or start businesses in Canada to obtain permanent residency. After receiving permanent residency and living at least three years out of the last five years in Canada, individuals can apply for citizenship and ultimately receive the Canadian passport.

Other ways to invest in Canada include company registration in Canada. Various types of companies can be registered in Canada, and a successful business plan is required for all types of companies. The minimum amount of capital required for investment in a company is not specified, and the costs related to company registration are mainly for operational expenses like brand registration and business name registration, etc.

Purchasing government bonds is another method of investing in Canada. Stocks and Canadian bonds can be purchased directly from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) or the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE), or through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or American depositary shares. Many foreign investors are not allowed to invest in or purchase Canadian government bonds.

Entrepreneurship in Canada is a method through which you can obtain residency and a passport of Canada. In fact, this is an investment method that requires investments starting from 50,000 Canadian dollars and upwards.

A significant advantage of this method is that the investment you make belongs to you; you simply need to prove that you are bringing capital into Canada and investing. Through this method, you can obtain residency for your spouse, children under 21 years, and yourself. It takes less than a year to immigrate to Canada using this method.

• Innovation (Start up) in Canada

If you have a new plan or idea that could be beneficial to the Canadian government, you can consider applying for Canada’s startup visa or innovation program.

This plan, based on a new business, allows you to obtain permanent residency in Canada for your spouse and children up to 21 years of age. Of course, some companies and individuals can assist you in this regard and help expand your idea or convert it into a newer idea.

Obtaining a Canadian Passport Through Birth

Obtaining Canadian residency through birth and passport is automatically granted to children born in Canada. In Canada, a child born to at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident automatically acquires Canadian citizenship. Parents must register the birth to obtain a birth certificate, which allows them to apply for a Canadian passport. This passport serves as international ID and enables visa-free travel to many countries.

Obtaining a Canadian Passport Through Marriage

Directly obtaining a Canadian passport through marriage is not possible, as this passport exclusively belongs to Canadian citizens, and marriage alone does not confer Canadian citizenship. However, marrying a Canadian citizen can pave the way for immigrating to Canada through marriage and ultimately receiving a passport. An individual married to a Canadian citizen can apply for a marriage visa and then for permanent residency through the spouse program.

After receiving permanent residency and living in Canada for the required duration, the individual can apply for Canadian citizenship. Ultimately, after obtaining citizenship, they can also apply for a passport, allowing the individual to travel to many countries without needing a visa.

Obtaining a Canadian Passport Through Asylum

Seeking asylum is one of the worst ways to obtain a passport in Canada. The Malekpour Institute does not provide any services regarding asylum and recommends that individuals pursue legal pathways with the most suitable costs when considering immigration.

While asylum doesn’t directly grant a Canadian passport, it can lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship. After a successful asylum claim, individuals can apply for PR, and by living in Canada for at least 3 out of 5 years, they become eligible for citizenship. Once granted, they can apply for a Canadian passport, offering visa-free access to many countries.

Power and Credibility of the Canadian Passport

The Canadian passport is recognized as one of the most reputable and powerful passports globally. It allows Canadian citizens to travel to over 185 countries without a visa or with a visa obtained on arrival, showcasing its credibility and power on an international level. According to reputable global rankings like the Henley Passport Index, this passport typically ranks among the top 8 passports worldwide.

Advanced security features, such as color-changing pages and microprinting, help to prevent counterfeiting and misuse. Additionally, this passport provides Canadian citizens access to an extensive consular network and support services abroad. This credibility and power of the Canadian passport enable individuals and companies to operate easily in global markets and benefit from international opportunities.

Cost of Canadian Passport

The price of a Canadian passport varies based on the type of passport and its validity period. Currently, the costs associated with the passport are as follows:

Which Countries Can You Travel to with a Canadian Passport?

The Canadian passport allows citizens of this country to travel to many countries without needing a visa or with a visa obtained upon arrival due to its high credibility and international agreements. Currently, with this passport, you can travel to over 185 countries and territories. This includes various countries in different regions of the world. Below is a list of the type of access provided to the citizens of this country:

Countries Visa-Free with Canadian Passport

• Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland.
• North America: Canada, United States.
• Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore.
• Other: Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica

Converting PR to Canadian Passport

To convert Canadian permanent residency (PR) into a passport, first apply for Canadian citizenship after living 3 of the last 5 years in Canada. Complete forms, provide documents, and pass the citizenship test. Once approved, apply for a Canadian passport to enjoy visa-free travel and full citizenship rights.

Time Required to Obtain a Canadian Passport

Passport issuance in Canada varies by service: standard processing takes 10–12 weeks, expedited services 2–9 weeks, and emergency processing can deliver a passport within 24–48 hours with proof of urgency. Additional time may be needed for mailing.

Guarantor and Reference: Who Are They and What Requirements Must They Have?

In the process of applying for a Canadian passport, having a guarantor and a reference is essential as part of the identity verification and validation steps for applicants.

Renewing a Canadian Passport

Renewing a Canadian passport involves submitting a renewal form, previous passport, and a new photo. Fees depend on the passport type and service (standard, expedited, or emergency). Processing time ranges from 10 weeks to 48 hours depending on the selected service.

To avoid issues and delays, it is recommended to begin the renewal process before the current passport expires and use the official website of the Canadian Passport Office to get accurate and updated information.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Canadian Passport

• How many countries can Canadian passport holders visit without a visa?

Currently, Canadian passport holders have visa-free access to 188 destinations worldwide.

• How much does a 10-year passport cost in Canada?

The cost of a 5-year adult passport (16 years or older) is 120 dollars, and the cost of a 10-year adult passport (16 years or older) is 160 dollars, while the child passport (0 to 15 years) costs 57 dollars.

• How quickly can I receive a passport in Canada?

The standard service time for processing your application is 10 business days.

• Is a passport a citizenship document in Canada?

The Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for international travel.

The Canadian passport ranks among the world’s most powerful, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 185 countries. It comes in adult, child, and temporary formats, with advanced security features to prevent misuse. Canadian citizens and eligible permanent residents can apply, and fees vary based on type and service speed. Renewal follows a similar process.

Holding a Canadian passport provides global travel freedom and consular support abroad. The Malekpour Immigration Institute offers expert guidance on obtaining a Canada passport and meeting citizenship requirements. For free consultation, contact our official offices or leave your questions in the comments—our team will respond promptly.