Navigating Canadian Citizenship with Limited Documentation: A Guide for Aspiring Citizens
April 22, 2024
A Comprehensive Guide to Work and Study Permit Replacement in Canada
April 29, 2024
Cassandra Fultz, RCIC-IRB
British citizens have found a unique place to call Canada their home, blending their heritage with the allure of the Great White North. For many British citizens, the transition to life in Canada is seamless, thanks to shared historical ties and cultural affinities. The familiarity of the English language, coupled with a similar legal and political system, eases the integration process. Yet, beneath these surface similarities lie distinct differences that add depth to the British experience in Canada.
Dual nationality is allowed under UK law. British citizenship is conferred either by birth, by descent (by having British parents), by registration, or by naturalization in the UK.
British Citizenship by descent: Born Outside the UK to a British Parent
If you fit into the following criteria, then you are a British citizen through descent. British citizens through descent are not required to register for citizenship or take any other measures – they can apply for their first British passport straightaway:
- Born to a British mother outside of the UK after January 1983
- Born to a British father before 2006 and married to your mother, outside of the UK
- Born to an unmarried British father after July 2006 outside of the UK
When the application is received, Her Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) will confirm the validity of your British citizenship, and then issue the passport, which will be sent to you in your country of residence.
NOTE: If you were born before January 1, 1983, outside the UK to a mother who was British, but your father was not British, then you must submit a different type of application called Registration as a British Citizen. Likewise, if you were born between 1983 and 2006 to an unmarried British father, then you also qualify for Registration as a British Citizen. Click here for more information on how to Register as a British Citizen.
How to Apply for a British Passport
UK passport applications are no longer accepted at any UK High Commission or Embassy and if any applications are sent there, they will be returned to you via regular mail. All UK passport applications must be completed online, whether you are renewing your passport, applying for the first time, or replacing a lost or stolen passport. Once you submit your information, you are then required to mail in your original supporting documents to the UK. When submitting documentation to HMPO, only originals are accepted. You cannot send photocopies, as your application will be returned or put on hold until you provide the original documents required.
If you are renewing a passport, the expired one must be submitted with the application. If your previous UK passport has been lost or stolen, a special declaration must be made. Once your passport application is processed, your old passport will be cancelled and sent to you if it is not damaged in any way, along with any other original documents that were requested for your application.
Our Service
Our office will help you renew or obtain your first UK Passport. We will:
- Advise what additional documents may be required for your application
- Review your supporting documents to avoid any complications and subsequent delays to processing
- Complete and submit the online application for you
- Please advise what originals you must send to our office
- Submit your originals to HMPO in a timely and secure fashion
- Keep you updated of the processing and when you should expect your new passport back
Cost of a British Passport Application 2024
New passport fees are in force as of April 11, 2024:
- a standard online application made from within the UK will cost £88.50 for adults and £57.50 for children
- a standard postal application will cost £100.00 for adults and £69.00 for children
- a standard online application when applying from overseas will cost £101.00 for adults and £65.50 for children
- a standard paper application when applying from overseas will cost £112.50 for adults and £77.00 for children
An additional fee of £32 is charged for the courier cost to return the passport and supporting documents outside of the UK.
Our office charges a professional fee of $560 in local currency, including government fees, courier fees and any taxes.
British Passport Application Processing Time
The average processing times for a UK passport renewal is approximately 4-6 weeks but this is subject to change and has been affected by COVID. If your application is missing documentation, this can also affect the processing times.
Once you submit your online application, you can no longer use your passport to travel, so it is always advised not to make any travel plans until you receive your new passport.
HMPO does not recognize any form of urgency. You cannot submit a passport application to HMPO and request urgency.
If you do need to travel urgently and you have an expired or lost passport, you must contact the UK Embassy or UK High Commission in your country of residence.
Proof of UK Citizenship is Required To:
- Live permanently in the UK
- Work in the UK
- Study in the UK
- Join the British Armed Forces (Her Majesty’s Armed Forces)
British Citizens in Canada Passport Renewal & PR Card Tips
Rules for British citizens living in Canada regarding the renewal of passports and PR Cards:
- Valid Passport Requirement for PR Card: British citizens living in Canada should renew their passports well in advance of the expiry date. Many countries, including Canada, require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. If your passport’s expiry date extends beyond 10 years from the issue date, it will be considered expired after 10 years from the issue date.
- Renewal of Passport: When you leave Canada you do not need to show your PR Card but to re-enter you must show a Valid PR Card. Check your PR Card expiry date before leaving Canada and remember to renew your PR Card the Primary Document for the application is a Valid Passport. If you leave Canada with an expired PR Card or lose your PR Card whilst outside Canada you will not be able to re-enter and must then apply for a PRTD(Permanent Resident Travel Document).
- Application for PRTD: If your PR Card expires while you’re outside Canada, or you lose your PR Card, you must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) in order to return to Canada. The processing time for a PRTD can vary depending on the country, ranging from two weeks to one year. Remember – you can only apply for the PRTD when you are outside of Canada.
