When naturalized as a Canadian citizen, you don’t automatically receive a Canadian passport. You must apply for one.
If you happen to be applying or are thinking about applying for your first Canadian passport, knowing what to expect, what documents are needed and where you need to submit them can go a long way.
Why apply for a Canadian passport?
There are many benefits of having a Canadian passport.
In 2025, the Canadian passport was ranked the seventh most powerful in the world, based on the number of visa-free travel destinations it offers.
Those holding Canadian passports can visit 188 destinations visa-free, as of 2025.
As a Canadian citizen, you do not require a passport to enter Canada—but being able to present a Canadian passport to Canadian border authorities can make for a smoother entry into Canada.
How to apply for your first Canadian Passport
Steps 1: Gather necessary documents
Before you apply for a Canadian passport, you need to have the following:
Proof of citizenship
For naturalized Canadians, this will be a citizenship certificate.
You can request a paper certificate or a citizenship e-certificate.
- If you requested a paper certificate, you need the original document to apply for a Canadian passport.
- If you asked for an e-certificate, you will have to attach a printed copy with your application.
For citizens by descent, this will be your proof of citizenship.
For persons born in Canada, generally it will be your birth certificate.
Proof of identity
You need to have a document that supports your identity. Some examples of valid ID include
- A driver’s licence issued by a province or territory (or the equivalent abroad);
- A health card issued by a province or territory (or the equivalent abroad);
- A foreign passport;
- Military id;
- ID card issued by the federal government, or a provincial or territorial government, (or the equivalent abroad); or
- Employee identification issued by the federal government, or a provincial or territorial government (or the equivalent aboard).
You can use a photocopy or the original for the passport application process. Just ensure that if using a photocopy, you show both sides, and have it signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official (more on this below).
Step 2: Select a guarantor and references
When applying for your first Canadian passport, you must select one guarantor and two references.
Your guarantor cannot also serve as a reference.
Who can be a guarantor?
A guarantor is a Canadian citizen who can verify your identity.
A guarantor must meet specific requirements, which can vary depending on the type of passport you’re applying for and where you’re applying from.
These are the guarantor requirements for a regular passport submitted in Canada:
- Be 18 years or older;
- Have known you for at least 2 years;
- Be a Canadian citizen;
- Have a Canadian passport that is valid on the day you submit your application;
- Have been age 16 or older when they applied for their passport;
- Include the necessary information from their passport on your application form; and
- Be available if IRCC needs to contact them.
Who can be a reference?
A reference needs to meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 years or older;
- Have known you for at least two years’; and
- Agree to your using their name and contact information for your application.
A reference cannot be
- Your guarantor; or
- A family member (details on who qualifies for those can be found here).
Guarantor versus reference
| Guarantor | References | |
| Must be a Canadian citizen | Yes | No |
| Must have known you for two years or more | Yes | Yes |
| Must be 18 years or older | Yes | Yes |
| Can be a member of your family | Yes | No |
| Must hold a 5- or 10-year Canadian passport that is either still valid or expired for no more than one year at the time of your application | Yes | No |
| Agrees to your using their information for your application | Yes (information from their passport) | Yes (name and contact information) |
| Must be available if IRCC wishes to contact them | Yes | Yes |
Step 3: Get official passport photos taken
You need to have two identical passport photos.
On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write or stamp
- Their studio or company name;
- Their complete address; and
- The date the photos were taken.
One of the photos must also be signed by your guarantor.
Step 4: Fill out an application form
You can download the application form online through the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Once the form has been filled out, you have a few options for submitting it along with all other necessary documentation:
- In person at a Service Canada centre; or
- By mail.
If you choose to submit your application by mail, any original documents you include will be returned to you by mail as well.
If you choose in-person, you can make an appointment online in advance, or go without an appointment (walk-in).
Step 5: Submit your application
While submitting your application, you must pay a fee. The fees you pay depends on the passport you apply for and what services you are getting:
- 5-year adult passport: $120.
- 10-year adult passport: $160.
Processing times for regular passport applications submitted within Canada are typically 20 business days. Some Service Canada locations may offer faster service, with processing in as little as 10 business days.
If you need your passport sooner, you can opt for Express Pickup (within 2 to 9 business days). This has an additional $50 fee.
Emergency services
There is also an option for those who need their passports by the end of the next business day. This service is only available for emergencies.
For this service, you will need to go to a passport office which offers urgent pickup services (these are different from regular Service Canada centres).
In this case, you do not need an appointment.
When requesting emergency passport services, you will need to show proof that you need your passport urgently.
Once your passport is processed, it will be sent to you by mail, unless you paid for pick-up service. Delivery by mail generally takes around five business days.
Since applying for a Canadian passport is an important and final step in the Canadian immigration journey, many choose to hire an immigration lawyer for the process.
