By Marissa Willman
The Canadian Flag
Canadian citizens need to possess a valid Canadian passport to travel internationally. Canadian children are also required to have their own passports. Canadian passports are valid for five years. To apply for a passport, the applicant must submit an application with two photographs and the applicable fees. A guarantor must also authenticate the application by signing the applicant's photos and providing personal information. The completed application can be submitted by mail or in person.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You'll Need:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship
- Proof of Canadian citizenship
Step 1
Obtain an application for a Canadian passport at a passport facility, post office or online (see Resources below). To apply for your first passport, use form PPTC 153. To renew your passport, use form PPTC 054. Fill out the application completely and sign it.
Step 2
Obtain two passport photos from a professional photographer. The photos must be identical and have the contact information of the photographer printed on the back. The photos should show a clear and unobstructed view of your face, chest and shoulders. Glasses should not be worn if they produce glare.
Step 3
Gather documents that prove your Canadian citizenship. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or a certificate of naturalization. Replacement birth certificates can be ordered through the Registrar of Vital Statistics in the province you were born in. A certificate of Canadian citizenship can be requested from the Registrar of Canadian Citizenship (see Resources below).
Step 4
Find a family member or friend to act as your guarantor. Your guarantor must be 18-years old or older, have at least a two-year relationship with you and hold a valid Canadian passport or a passport that has expired within the last year. The guarantor must fill out section 2 of your passport application with his personal information. The guarantor must also sign the back of one of your passport photos and write, "I certify this to be a true likeness of," on the back of the photo, followed by your name.
Step 5
Gather documents that prove your identity, such as a driver's license or health care card. Originals may be submitted and will be returned with your passport. To submit photocopies of these documents, have your guarantor sign and date the copies.
Step 6
Determine the passport application fee through the Passport Canada website (see Resources below). As of 2009, the fee for an adult passport with 24 blank pages was $87 in Canadian currency and $92 for a 48-page passport. Pay the fee with a personal check, money order or credit card. Additional fees can be paid to expedite the processing of your passport.
Step 7
Submit your completed application, Canadian citizenship documents, identification documents, fee payment and photos to a local Passport Canada Office or official receiving office. Use the Passport Canada website to determine the closest location (see Resources below). Submit your documents by mail or in person. The typical processing time is between two to four weeks.
Resources
About the Author:
Based in Southern California, Marissa Willman has been writing professionally since 2007. Her work has been featured in "The Desert Sun," a daily newspaper serving the Coachella Valley. Willman has also written for TheCelebrityCafe.com and The Frisky. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from California State University, Fullerton.
Photo Credits:
Public Domain Image Courtesy of MorgueFile.com
