One of the first things new Canadian citizens do is apply for a Canadian passport. Here is your complete guide to the process. CitizenPass makes mastering this easy — read on, then start practicing for free.
Trusted by thousands of new Canadians. CitizenPass is the #1 free citizenship test prep platform — 600+ practice questions, AI coaching, and lessons covering every chapter of the Discover Canada guide.
When to Apply
You can apply for a Canadian passport as soon as you receive your citizenship certificate at the ceremony. There is no waiting period.
Recommended: Apply within the first week after your ceremony while the process is fresh in your mind.
What You Need
Required Documents:
- Citizenship certificate — Received at your ceremony
- Completed passport application form (PPTC 153 for adults)
- Two identical passport photos — Meeting Canadian passport photo requirements
- Proof of identity — For first-time applicants
- Guarantor information — Someone who has known you for 2+ years
Passport Photo Requirements:
- Size: 50mm x 70mm (2" x 2.75")
- Taken within the last 12 months
- White background
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Both ears visible
- No glasses
- Head covering only for religious reasons
Guarantor Requirements:
Your guarantor must:
- Have known you for at least 2 years
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Hold a valid Canadian passport
- Be 18 years or older
- Sign your application and the back of one photo
- Not be a family member (recommended but not always required)
How to Apply
Option 1: In Person at Service Canada
- Complete the application form
- Gather all required documents
- Visit a Service Canada office that accepts passport applications
- Submit your application and pay the fee
- Receive a receipt with your expected pickup date
Option 2: By Mail
- Complete the application form
- Include all required documents
- Include payment (cheque or money order)
- Mail to the Passport Program address on the form
- Your passport will be mailed to you
Recommended: Apply in person for faster processing and fewer issues.
Fees (2025)
| Passport Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult 5-year | $160 |
| Adult 10-year | $260 |
| Child (under 16) 5-year | $57 |
| Urgent processing (add-on) | $110 |
| Express processing (add-on) | $50 |
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Processing Times
| Service Level | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Standard | 10-20 business days |
| Express | 2-9 business days |
| Urgent | Same day or next business day |
Note: Processing times may vary. Check the Government of Canada website for current timelines.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Double-check your photos — Rejected photos are the most common cause of delays
- Fill out the form completely — Missing information causes delays
- Choose a reliable guarantor — Someone who will be available if IRCC contacts them
- Apply in person — Faster and allows staff to catch errors immediately
- Keep copies — Photocopy your citizenship certificate and application before submitting
- Consider the 10-year passport — Better value for adults who travel
After Receiving Your Passport
Keep It Safe
- Store in a secure location when not traveling
- Note the expiration date and renew before it expires
- Report a lost or stolen passport immediately
Travel Tips for New Citizens
- Your Canadian passport allows visa-free travel to 185+ countries
- Always check visa requirements before traveling
- Register with the Government of Canada's Registration of Canadians Abroad service
- Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original when traveling
A New Chapter Begins
Your Canadian passport is more than a travel document — it is a symbol of your new citizenship and the freedoms that come with it. Congratulations on reaching this milestone. CitizenPass is proud to have been part of your journey from study to citizenship.
Pass Your Citizenship Test — With CitizenPass
Thousands of newcomers have used CitizenPass to pass their citizenship test on the first attempt. Here is what you get — completely free to start:
- 600+ Practice Questions — Same format as the real IRCC test, with detailed explanations for every answer
- AI-Powered Coach — Identifies your weak areas and builds a personalized study plan just for you
- 80+ Bite-Sized Lessons — All 12 Discover Canada chapters, broken into 10-minute study sessions
- Real-Time Progress Tracking — See exactly when you are ready to pass
- Bilingual Support — Study in English or French, switch anytime
- Mobile + Desktop — Available on iOS, Android, and web — study anywhere
CitizenPass users score an average of 18/20 on their first attempt — well above the 15/20 passing score.
Your Canadian dream is one test away. Join thousands of successful new Canadians — start your free CitizenPass preparation today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1How soon after the ceremony can I apply?
You can apply the same day you receive your citizenship certificate. Many new citizens apply within the first week.
2What documents do I need?
You need your citizenship certificate, two passport photos, a completed application form, and a guarantor's signature. If applying for the first time, you also need proof of identity.
3How much does a Canadian passport cost?
For adults: $160 for a 5-year passport or $260 for a 10-year passport. For children (under 16): $57. Fees are subject to change.
4Can I travel internationally before getting my passport?
You need a valid passport to travel internationally. Until you receive your Canadian passport, you can use your previous country's passport if still valid, but you should enter Canada with Canadian identification.