About Canadian Citizenship
Dual citizenship is allowed under Canadian law through the Citizenship Act. Canadian citizenship is conferred either by birth in Canada (jus soli), by descent through having an Canadian parent (jus sanguinis), or by naturalization in Canada through immigration.
Canadian Citizenship by Birth – Born in Canada
All individuals born on Canadian soil are Canadian citizens by law through the principle of jus soli (the law of the soil).
As a Canadian citizen, you can easily apply to renew your Canadian passport from anywhere in the world. If you are inside Canada, you can appear at any Passport Canada office or submit the application by mail. If you are outside Canada, depending on your circumstances, you may be allowed to renew your Canadian passport by mail rather than in person at the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy.
If you are outside Canada this is your first Canadian passport application, or your previous Canadian passport has been lost or stolen, you will be required to apply for your passport at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.
Canadian Citizenship by descent – Born Outside Canada to a Canadian Parent
All children born outside Canada to a parent who was Canadian by birth or naturalization at the time of the child’s birth inherit Canadian citizenship when they are born.
A child born outside Canada to a Canadian parent needs proof of their Canadian citizenship to apply for their Canadian passport. Find out more about getting proof of Canadian citizenship here: First Canadian Citizenship Certificate
Current processing times for proof of Canadian citizenship applications are longer than 18 months. Contact us to expedite the application.
Children who are adopted by Canadian parents outside Canada are also eligible to inherit Canadian citizenship through their adopted parent. This requires a special application which is different from the standard first citizenship application. Contact us for more information.
Canadian Citizenship through a Canadian grandparent
A parent who was born outside Canada to a Canadian parent cannot usually transmit Canadian citizenship to their own child born outside Canada however, due to a recent legislative change this is now not the case.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has introduced legislation aimed at broadening citizenship by descent beyond the first generation, in an inclusive manner that upholds the integrity of Canadian citizenship.
Under this proposed legislation, individuals born abroad to a Canadian parent who was also born abroad before the legislation takes effect would automatically be granted Canadian citizenship. Additionally, it would allow children born abroad and adopted by a Canadian parent beyond the first generation to be eligible for a direct grant of citizenship. Once the legislation is in force, parents born outside Canada who have or adopt children abroad will need to have spent at least 1,095 cumulative days physically present in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption to pass on Canadian citizenship.
How do I know if I might be Canadian?
Take our simple test to find out if you may be eligible for citizenship either by descent or by naturalization
If you believe you are a Canadian citizen based on the information provided in the chart above, or if you would like to apply for Canadian citizenship because you meet the residency requirements as a permanent resident, please select one of the options below.
Apply to become a Canadian Citizen
Replace my Citizenship Certificate
PR Card Renewal
If you have more questions then get in touch with one of our team and they can advise you.
Book Appointment
How to Apply for a Canadian Passport Inside Canada or the US
Step 1: Complete the application form here: Canadian Passport Application
Step 2: Gather your documents to send to Passport Canada:
Documents needed for a Canadian Passport Inside Canada or the US |
|
Renewal |
First tme |
| Your most recent passport | Proof of Canadian Citizenship – This can be a birth certificate or a citizenship certificate Replace my Citizenship Certificate |
| 2 x identical photos – Click Here for specifications | At least 1 valid document to support your identity
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| 2 x References who have know you for at least 2 years – Click Here for details | 2 x identical photos – Click Here for specifications |
| 1 x guarantor and 2 references – Click Here for Information on Guarantors | |
| Who can renew a passport
You can only renew your Canadian passport if your last passport
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Step 3: Submit your passport renewal application and supporting documents to Passport Canada:
Use a courier such as Purolator or FedEx, or trackable mail service such as Canadapost Xpresspost to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents.
Mailing Address (Canadapost) |
Courier Address |
| Government of Canada
Passport Program Gatineau Quebec K1A 0G3 |
Government of Canada
Passport Program 22 Varennes Street Gatineau, Quebec, J8T 8R1 |
Urgent Processing
Urgent processing for renewal or a new Canadian passport application can be accessed for additional fees.
Canadian Passport Application Processing Time Inside Canada
| Submitted in Person – delivery by mail | Submitted by Mail – delivery by mail | Pickup at Passport Office | |
| Regular Service | 10 business days (not including mailing time) | 20 business days (not including mailing time) | 20 business days |
| Urgent Service | – | – | Next business day |
| Express Service | – | – | 2 – 9 business days |
Once you submit your 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.
Canadian Passport Fees for Renewal Inside Canada
| Passport type | CAD$ |
|---|---|
| 5-year adult passport (age 16 or over) | $120 |
| 10-year adult passport (age 16 or over) | $160 |
| Child passport (0 to 15 years of age) | $57 |
Additional fees may apply
You may need to pay extra fees on top of the fees above if you need
- to replace a lost or stolen passport
- urgent and express processing (only available if you apply in person at a passport office)
- standard pickup at a passport office
- other administrative services
Check what services are available at the offices near you.
| Expedited services | CAD$ |
|---|---|
| Urgent pickup (by the end of the next business day) | $110 |
| Express pickup (within 2 to 9 business days) | $50 |
| Standard pickup (on or after 10 business days) | $20 |
| Services | CAD$ |
|---|---|
| Additional administrative fee for replacing a valid lost or stolen passport
You must pay this fee if you report a passport as lost or stolen and are applying for a replacement. This fee does not include the cost of the new passport. |
$45 |
| Certified true copy of one page of a passport (1 to 3 copies) | $45 |
| File transfer (to a different passport office in Canada) | $45 |
How to pay your Canadian passport fees in Canada
Apply in Person |
Apply by Mail |
You can pay using any of the following:
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Fill out the payment section on your application form with any of the following:
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| Passport Canada does not accept cash or personal cheques. | |
How to Apply for a Canadian Passport from Outside Canada and the US
Step 1: Complete the application form here: Adult Abroad General Passport Application
Step 2: Gather the documents to submit with your passport application:
Documents needed for a Canadian Passport Outside Canada or the US |
|
Renewal |
First tme |
| Your most recent passport | Proof of Canadian Citizenship – This can be a birth certificate or a citizenship certificate |
| 2 x identical photos -https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/photos.html | At least 1 valid document to support your identity
|
| 2 x References who have know you for at least 2 years – https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/travel-documents-references-guarantors.html | 2 x identical photos -https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/photos.html |
| 1 x guarantor and 2 references | |
You may need to provide extra documents if you’re:
Submit all documents in French or English. If a document is in another language, provide an official translation. Find a Guarantor and 2 References: For new passport applications, you need to find a guarantor to sign:
You also need to include 2 references on your application. They:
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Step 3: Pay your fees:
For Canadian passport applications made outside of Canada and the US, you need to pay your fees before you submit your application. Your fees and payment options depend on:
- the type of passport you’re applying for
- the services you need
If you apply for a passport and your application is refused, you will only be refunded the consular fee. They can’t refund any other fees.
Find out what the fees are and how to pay them.
Step 4: Submit your application to the nearest Canadian consulate or Embassy.
After you pay, include your receipt with your application and submit it to your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.
Traveling on a Canadian Passport
If you are a Canadian citizen, you are not allowed to enter Canada using anything but your Canadian passport. The only exception to this regulation is travelers using a US passport.
