Common menu bar
Frequently Asked Questions
- I am a Canadian citizen currently in the U.S. Do I need a passport to travel to Canada?
While Canadian citizens do not necessarily need a passport to re-enter Canada from the U.S., separate requirements exist for exiting the U.S. Canadian visitors leaving the U.S. by air must present a valid passport or a valid Nexus card. Canadians residing in the U.S. may also depart the U.S. for Canada on a U.S. Permanent Resident card. This card is accepted both for exit from the U.S. and entry into Canada. (The Nexus Card and the U.S. Permanent Resident card are only acceptable for direct travel between Canada and the U.S., not overseas travel).
If returning to Canada from the U.S. via surface, or returning to Canada from Bermuda direct by air, a passport is not required. A summary of documentary requirements for entry to Canada is shown here.
- My passport is expired/is about to expire and I need to travel soon. I live in the United States. How do I apply for a new passport?
Canadian Government Offices in the U.S. do not/not accept passport applications. Whether residing in the US temporarily or permanently, the holder must apply for a new passport by mail to Canada or in Canada in person.
- How soon should I apply for a new passport?
New passports can be applied for up to one year prior to their expiry. Some countries have entry requirements that demand the traveller's passport be valid for at least six (6) months at the time of entry. Given the possibility that persons may be required to travel to a country with such restrictions, it is recommended that a passport be renewed at least seven (7) months prior to its expiry.
- How long does it take for a passport to be issued by Passport Canada? Can I obtain expedited service?
For current processing times by mail, please click here.
If a passport is needed in an emergency, in-person application can be made at a Regional Passport Canada office in Canada. The applicant will need to prove the urgency and pay an additional fee. The incremental amount to be paid varies depending on whether the passport is required in 24-48 hours or within nine (9) or 10 days. The applicant must appear in person both to drop off the application and collect the passport. For details on fees and documentary requirements for expedited issuance, please click here.
- I did not realize until today that my passport is expired. I need to travel soon. Can I get an emergency extension?
Canadian passports are only made valid for a maximum of five (5) years and cannot be extended. If the holder received a full validity passport and it is has expired, he or she must apply for a new passport.
- I was issued a passport valid for only one year, because I did not have my proof of citizenship available at the time. I now have a new birth certificate. Can I extend my passport?
Passports may be made valid for less than five (5) years for a number of reasons. If issued a limited-validity passport before February 2009 because of lacked of proof of citizenship at the time of application, the applicant has until February 2010 to extend the passport once a new birth or citizenship certificate is obtained. Mail to Passport Canada the original proof of citizenship (birth or citizenship certificate), passport, and a fee of $12. The fee can be paid by credit card, money order or bank draft made payable to the Receiver General of Canada. For an explanation of fee payment methods, click here. If issued a limited validity passport during or after February 2009, the passport cannot be extended, and a new passport must be applied for.
- My passport is still valid, but I travel frequently and I have run out of pages. Can I add more pages?
No, it is no longer possible to add pages to a Canadian passport. A new passport will have to be issued. Persons who travel extensively may wish to apply for a 48-page, rather than the regular 24-page, passport for a slightly higher fee.
- My passport went through the washer and looks a little damaged. Can I still travel on it?
Passports can be brought to the Consular Services Section, where an officer will examine it to see if travel is still possible/advisable. In-person visits can be made Monday-Friday, 9 A.M.-12 P.M. or from 1-3 P.M. (except holidays), or send an email to request an appointment, specifying the reasons for the appointment, times available, and full contact information.
- My passport application has been rejected by Passport Canada because the photos I submitted did not meet the specifications. Do you know of any place which takes Canadian Passport photos to the specified requirements?
For your convenience, the Consulate General has compiled a list of photo studios in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Bermuda that have the specifications for and routinely produce Canadian passport photos.
- The photo studio that took my photos did not stamp the back of the photo with their name and address. Can I hand-write it in?
Yes, but please make sure to write lightly so the ink does not come through the other side and spoil the photograph.
- I dont know anybody here who can serve as my guarantor. What other options do I have?
The Standard application form and the Old application form have different eligibility standards for guarantors. Check both forms to find a guarantor who meets the requirements of one of the forms. Both forms are available for downloading from the Passport Canada website.
If an eligible guarantor cannot be found, complete the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor which can be collected from the Consular Services Office in-person, or be requested from us by email.
- Both the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (PPTC 132) and the Statutory Declaration concerning a lost, stolen or damaged passport (PPTC 203) require an official's signature. Can I have the form signed at the Canadian Consulate General?
Either form can be signed by any public notary, who can typically be found on staff at U.S. banks. Alternatively, to have these forms notarized at the Consular Services Section, e-mail to request an appointment. When coming to the Consulate, bring the completed passport application, and the Statutory Declaration, which should be completed but NOT signed. Also bring all the additional supporting documents required with your application (e.g., photos and valid photo identification). There is a fee of $43 USD or $50 CAD for this service, to be paid in cash (exact change), via money order, bank draft or certified cheque made payable to the Canadian Consulate General.
- My passport was lost/stolen. What do I do?
Inform the local police and get a report number; then contact Passport Canada at (800) 567-6868 to report your passport lost/stolen (please note that New York City police will not issue a police report solely for the loss of a passport). Once it is reported lost, apply to Passport Canada for a new passport. The holder must complete and include a Statutory Declaration concerning a lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed or inaccessible Canadian passport or travel document for a downloadable version of the form, please click here. If you are a visitor to the United States and need to return home urgently, please refer to the Canadian Consulate General in New York - Passport Services section of this web site.
- I recently lost my passport and I informed Passport Canada. Fortunately, I just found it. Can I still use it to travel?
No. Once Passport Canada is informed a passport is no longer in the holder's possession (due to loss, theft, or inaccessibility), the passport is cancelled and can no longer be used for travel. Canadian passports are the property of the Government of Canada and passports found after-the-fact must be returned to the nearest Canadian diplomatic office abroad or to Passport Canada.
- I am in the process of renewing my passport, but just realized that I no longer have my original proof of Canadian citizenship. What shall I do?
If born in Canada, proof of citizenship is normally a birth certificate. Contact the Vital Statistics department in the province or territory of birth and apply for a replacement certificate.
If born outside of Canada, the proof of citizenship likely comes in the form of a wallet-size Canadian citizenship certificate. If the holder no longer has that certificate, he or she must apply for a replacement. Please refer to the citizenship section of this web site for instructions on how to apply.
- Can I still apply for a passport even though I don't currently have my original proof of citizenship? I travel often for business, I need my passport and cannot wait until a replacement of the citizenship certificate is issued.
Passport Canada will return the application as incomplete if an applicant fails to submit original proof of citizenship (unless application was made using the simplified form).
If proof of citizenship has been lost, stolen or damaged, application can still be made
for a limited validity passport if:
- proof is submitted that application was made for a replacement document,
- proof is submitted to show that a valid passport is required for local residency requirements or required for urgent travel.
Proof of urgent travel must be in the form of an airline/bus/boat/train ticket or a travel itinerary that shows proof of payment. If travelling by surface, the applicant can submit a written statement, but validation is at the discretion of the passport issuing officer, the applicant appears in person at a Regional Passport office in Canada.The applicant must appear in person both to submit the application and collect the passport
- The passport application requires me to submit a supplemental piece of ID. I do not have any items of Canadian identification. Is a U.S. state drivers license or U.S. permanent resident card acceptable?
Yes. Use any photo identification as long as it is valid, issued by a state or federal government, bears a signature, and displays the name as it should appear on the passport.
- Do I need to send my original driver's license to Passport Canada together with my passport application?
No. You should submit a copy of both sides of the identification. These copies need to be signed and dated by the guarantor.
- How can I pay the passport fee? I was unable to obtain a money order in Canadian currency.
The recommended form of payment is credit or debit card. Passport Canada accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express. On the application form there is a section to write down your credit/debit card information.
- I sent my application to Passport Canada. How can I check on its status?
Call Passport Canada directly at (800) 567-6868 or enquire on-line.
- I was recently married and I wish to change the name which appears in my passport. How do I do that?
If you wish your passport to bear your new name, whether it has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal change of name you must apply for a new passport in that name. Proof of the change of name needs to be submitted as does valid personal identification issued in the new name.
- I recently had a baby in the U.S. and would like to apply for his/her Canadian passport. We will be travelling soon and he/she needs a passport. What can I do?
Passports are only issued in exceptional circumstances at Government of Canada offices in the USA. Since the child was born in the U.S., he or she is most likely an American citizen and eligible for a U.S. passport. Bear in mind that U.S. citizens are required by law to exit and enter the U.S. as an American citizen on a U.S. government-issued travel document when travelling by air.
- I live in the U.S., but my wife and child live in Canada. My wife is applying for our child's passport, and she needs me to provide the passport office with an Acknowledgement/Consent to Provision of Passport Services for a Minor Child (PPTC 028). How can I do that?
Visit the Consulate General in-person to complete the appropriate form. Please bring valid official identification bearing photograph and signature. Two items of identification are preferred. Office visits can be made Monday-Friday, 9 A.M.-12 P.M. or 1-3 P.M. (except holidays). Alternatively, send an email to request an appointment, specifying the reasons for the appointment, times available, and full contact information.
