When you’re applying for a passport for your child, it can seem like a complicated process. But in reality, applying for a Canadian child passport is quite straightforward, as long as you have the right information.
Remitly is here to help you stay connected across borders. In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the process of getting a passport for a child under the age of 16. By following these steps, you’ll be able to confidently complete your application and get ready for family travel.
We’ll look at eligibility, the documents you’ll need, how to fill out the form, and all other aspects of the passport application process. Let’s go!
Who can apply for a Canadian child passport?
Canadian passports are available to children under the age of 16 who are Canadian citizens. That means children born in Canada and those who have become citizens through immigration.
If your child is a dual citizen, you should be aware that they must have a valid Canadian passport to re-enter Canada from another country.
You’re allowed to apply for a passport on a child’s behalf if you are:
- One of the child’s parents, if the parents are married or in a common-law partnership;
- The parent with custody or decision-making responsibilities if you’re separated;
- The child’s legal guardian.
Remember that during the application process, you’ll be asked to prove this relationship with the child. That means you’ll want their birth certificate, any custody arrangements and court documents, or adoption papers, if applicable.
Gather your essential documents
To make sure your passport application is successful, the authorities want proof that your child is eligible for a passport and that you’re the correct person to be applying on their behalf. That means you need:
Proof of the child’s Canadian citizenship
That could be a birth certificate or a citizenship certificate for children born outside of Canada. Photocopies are not accepted, so make sure you have the originals. If you’ve lost them, you first need to get authentic copies from the vital statistics office in the province where your child was born or became a citizen.
Proof of parentage or responsibility
It’s crucial to show that you’re the child’s legal guardian. If you were married or in a civil partnership when your child was born, this is relatively simple. Your name should be on your child’s long-form birth certificate. If your name is different from the one on the child’s birth certificate, you’ll need to provide a marriage certificate or a notice of legal name change to show that you’re the same person.
In the case of separated or divorced parents, it’s necessary to show that you’re the parent with custody and decision-making responsibilities. That means providing all documents that refer to custody, such as court documents. If you’re divorced, include a copy of the divorce judgment.
Two identical passport photos
The photographer must write the name and complete address of the studio and the date the photo was taken on the back of one of the two photos. It can be handwritten or an ink stamp, but it can’t be a stick-on label. Your guarantor must also sign the back of that photo.
Photos must be 50 mm wide by 70 mm high (2 inches wide by 2¾ inches high). The height of your child’s face must be between 31 mm (1¼ inches) and 36 mm (1⁷⁄₁₆ inches) from chin to crown of head (natural top of head).
The photo can be in colour or black and white, and it must be in focus, clearly show your child’s face, and be taken by a professional photographer. The photo needs to be taken no more than six months before the application is submitted.
Professional photographers usually know the specifications required. Even larger drugstores that have a photo department often have a staff member on hand who can take the photos required.
Your identification
You can prove your own identity with a government-issued ID, such as your own passport or driving licence.
Document checklist
- Proof of child’s Canadian citizenship (Canadian birth certificate or citizenship certificate)
- Proof of parentage or guardianship (birth certificate, adoption papers, court agreements if applicable
- Two identical passport photos
- Your ID
Filling out the application form (PPTC 155)
Once you have all the documents you need, it’s time to tackle the application form. The form to apply for a child passport is Form PPTC 155.
You can fill out the form on your computer and save it. However, the form doesn’t work well on phones or tablets. It’s best to use a desktop or laptop computer.
Child’s personal information
That means their first name, surname, place and date of birth, gender, eye colour, height, and current home address.
It’s also recommended to enter your anticipated date of travel so that the office can expedite more urgent requests. However, if you don’t have a specific date, you can just say the date of travel is unknown.
Children under the age of 16 do not have to sign the application form. However, children aged 11 to 15 are encouraged to sign.
Your personal information
Your personal information includes your surname, first name, date of birth, country of birth, current home address, telephone, and email address. You’ll need to sign and date this section.
If your child has had a Canadian travel document issued before (a passport, certificate of identity, or refugee travel document), you’ll need to give its number and date of issue. If this document has not expired, you need to include it with your application. If they’ve never had a travel document before, simply answer “no” to this question and move on to the next section.
Proof of the child’s Canadian citizenship
An original Canadian birth certificate will work. So will a citizenship certificate. You’ll need to enter the registration number or certificate number and the date of issue.
Then you’ll sign the Declaration of Applicant.
Declaration of Guarantor
The guarantor needs to enter:
- Their surname
- First name
- Date of birth
- Canadian passport number
- Date of issue and expiry of the Canadian passport
- Their home address
- Their relationship to you and how many years they’ve known you.
Then, they just need to sign and date the form.
It’s a good idea to read the instructions on the form carefully, as they provide guidance as to how the authorities want the form to be completed. If you’re using a paper application form, you should write clearly in black or dark blue ink.
Note that all of a child’s parents or legal guardians must sign the application form. If you’re not in contact with the child’s other parent, you can contact Immigration Canada and explain your situation to see if they can waive this requirement.
Finding the right guarantor
One of the potentially trickier parts of getting your child a Canadian passport is finding an eligible guarantor.
A guarantor is a person who can confirm the child’s identity. They need to have known you personally for at least two years, and they need to know about the child. They must also currently hold a valid five-year or 10-year Canadian passport. They also need to be over the age of 18.
As the applying parent or legal guardian, you cannot be the guarantor for your child’s application. However, the other parent can be if they meet the requirements.
In the case of adopted children, before the adoption is final, the child’s guarantor could be the provincial director of family services or the director of the family services agency.
Anyone with a Canadian passport who knows you personally can be a guarantor. They don’t need to work in a specific profession. They can be a family member, a friend, your family doctor, a coworker, or any Canadian passport holder.
If you can’t find a guarantor, you can contact Immigration Canada to get a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor. This form is not available online. Then, you can have a Notary Public or a justice of the peace who doesn’t know you personally sign the form.
The guarantor needs to sign your application form in section 6. They also need to sign the back of one of the passport photos to certify that it’s a genuine likeness of your child. They’ll need to provide their contact information, and Immigration Canada may contact them to verify your application.
Submitting the application and paying fees
Once you’ve filled out the form, it’s time to submit it. There are two ways you can do this:
By mail
Once your application form is completed, printed out, and signed, you can mail it together with your supporting documents to:
Government of Canada
Passport Program
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0G3
Because you’re sending original copies of important documents, it’s a good idea to use registered mail so that nothing gets lost and you can track your document on its journey. If you use a courier instead of Canada Post, you’ll ship to a different address:
Government of Canada
Passport Program
22 De Varennes Street
Gatineau, Quebec J8T 8R1
In person
In most cases, you can submit passport applications at a Service Canada Centre. Only in certain complex situations will you need to go to a passport office.
Submitting in person saves you money on postage fees and saves some time, too. It’s a good idea to book an appointment to make sure you’ll be helped on the day you visit.
You can find a location near you here.
If you’re in a hurry to get your Canadian child passport, going to a passport office in person can make the process quicker.
It usually takes 20 business days to get your passport issued. This does not include the time the application spends in the mail, which could be a few days depending on the mail service you choose.
In urgent cases, passports can be processed in two to nine business days with express pickup at a passport office, or even by the end of the next business day. However, it’s not a good idea to rely on this, and it’s always better to apply for your passport with plenty of margin before you travel.
Fees
The price for a Canadian child passport is the same whether you apply in person or via mail. It costs $100 CAD. It costs $210 if you’re applying for an urgent passport, as you may be issued a temporary passport for $110 and then the regular passport for $100.
You can pay your fees online if you’re applying by mail. You’ll need a credit or debit card, a valid email address, and a printer. Once you’ve made your payment, you have to print a receipt of your payment and include it with your application.
If you’re applying in person, you may have more payment options available, depending on the Service Canada Centre or passport office where you apply.
Getting your child a Canadian passport
If your child is a Canadian citizen, they are entitled to a Canadian passport. And if you’re travelling with them, they are required by law to have one.
The process for getting one isn’t too difficult, but it’s a good idea to leave yourself plenty of time. That gives you margin to gather all the necessary documents, complete the form accurately, find a guarantor, submit the application, and then wait 20 business days to receive your passport.
The process has multiple steps, but it’s straightforward and easy to follow if you take it one step at a time. With the guidance in this article, you’re one step closer to your next family adventure!
FAQs
How long is a Canadian child passport valid for?
A Canadian child passport is valid for a maximum of five years. Child passports can’t be renewed. If your child’s passport expires, you need to start a new application to get another one.
What if the other parent isn’t available to sign the application?
All parents or legal guardians of the child need to sign the passport application. If you’re no longer in touch with the child’s other parent, you’ll need to explain the situation to Immigration Canada. The best thing to do is to contact them.
How long does it take to get a child passport in Canada?
It normally takes up to 20 business days to get a child passport in Canada once your application has been received. Note that this does not include the time it takes to mail your application to the passport office. For an additional fee, it’s possible to get your application processed as “urgent”. In some cases, passports can be issued on the following business day if you go to a passport office.