One of the best things about being a Canadian citizen is the right to carry a Canadian passport when travelling abroad. Travelling is much easier with a Canadian passport and you can rest assured that if anything goes awry, the Canadian government will be right there to back you up.
If you’re not a Canadian citizen yet, you should consider applying. There are only a few requirements to becoming a Canadian citizen. However, the most prominent requirement for citizenship is Permanent Residency. If you haven’t obtained your Permanent Residency Card yet, you should, and then start on your way to become a Canadian citizen.
There are many other great things about citizenship, but passports are an absolutely ubiquitous example of the benefits of Canadian citizenship.
Who do I contact for my passport?
The Canadian government has its own department for handling the issuance and regulation of passports called Passports Canada. You can find Passport Canada service centers throughout Canada, but it is important to remember that no other organization can speed up your application for a passport and Passport Canada is the most reliable way to apply for a passport.
You can find all of the Passport service centers in Canada here.
What do I need to apply?
In order to apply for a passport you will need to submit some identification. Proof of citizenship will also be required. If you were born in Canada, you will only need your birth certificate to prove this. If you are a naturalized citizen you will need to show your proof of citizenship. If you do not have this document or you have lost it, you will need to have it replaced.
To prove your identity you can show a number of documents such as driver’s licenses or social insurance cards. The important part of identification is that it links your name to other identifying information such as your photograph or other identifying numbers.
After you have gathered you appropriate documentation you can then file the passport application form. As mentioned above, you can go into a Canadian service center to do this, or you can mail in your application.
How much does it cost?
Passports for adults 16 years of age or older are $87, Canadian. For children under the age of three, they are $22. For Children between the ages of three and 15, the cost is $37.
You can pay for your passport with a credit card, a debit card, a check or money order. Keep in mind that certain payment options are only available in person.
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