How to Apply for a Canadian Passport After Becoming a Citizen

Your Canadian passport is your ticket to the world as a new citizen. This guide walks you through every step of the application process. CitizenPass helps you prepare for every step — read on, then start practicing for free.

You can apply for your Canadian passport as soon as you receive your citizenship certificate at the ceremony (or by mail for virtual ceremonies). There is no waiting period.

Recommended: Apply within the first week after your ceremony, especially if you have travel plans.

Which Should You Choose?

• 10-year passport — Best value for adults; recommended for most people
• 5-year passport — Good if you expect your name to change or want a lower upfront cost
• Express/Urgent — Only if you have travel plans within the next 20 business days

For Your First Canadian Passport

1. Citizenship certificate — The original document (not a copy)
2. Passport application form (PPTC 153 for adults, PPTC 155 for children)
3. Two passport photos — 50mm x 70mm, taken within the last 6 months
4. Proof of identity — One additional government-issued photo ID
5. Guarantor information — A Canadian citizen who has known you for 2+ years

About the Guarantor

Your guarantor must:

• Be a Canadian citizen
• Hold a valid Canadian passport (or have held one in the last year)
• Have known you personally for at least 2 years
• Not be your spouse (in most cases)
• Sign your application form and one of your photos
• Provide their passport number

If you do not have a guarantor, you can use a statutory declaration process with a notary public instead.

Step 1: Get the Application Form

• Download from the Passport Canada website
• Pick up at any Service Canada office or Canada Post outlet

Step 2: Get Passport Photos

• Visit a photo studio that does Canadian passport photos
• Size: 50mm x 70mm (same as citizenship photos)
• Plain white background
• Taken within the last 6 months

Step 3: Fill Out the Form

Complete all sections of the application form carefully:

• Personal information (must match your citizenship certificate exactly)
• Travel document history
• Guarantor information
• Emergency contact

Step 4: Have Your Guarantor Sign

Your guarantor must:

• Sign the application form
• Sign the back of one of your photos
• Write their own information on the form

Step 5: Submit Your Application

In Person (Recommended for First Passport):

• Visit a Service Canada office that accepts passport applications
• Bring all original documents
• Pay the fee by credit card, debit, cash, or certified cheque
• Receive a receipt with your application number

By Mail:

• Mail all documents to the Passport Program
• Include a cheque or money order for the fee
• Use registered mail or a trackable courier
• Processing takes longer: 20+ business days

Tracking Your Application

• Use the online tool at passport.gc.ca
• Call 1-800-567-6868
• Check your email for status updates

1. Submitting copies instead of originals — You must present original documents
2. Photos that do not meet specifications — Get them done professionally
3. Name mismatch — Your passport name must match your citizenship certificate
4. Invalid guarantor — Ensure they meet all requirements
5. Incomplete form — Fill out every section, even if not applicable (write "N/A")

Keep It Safe

• Store in a secure location when not traveling
• Make copies (digital and physical) of the photo page
• Note the expiry date for future renewal

Register with the Government

• Register your travel plans with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service
• This helps the government contact you in case of emergency while abroad

Plan Your First Trip

• Verify visa requirements for your destination country
• Some countries require a visa even for Canadian passport holders
• Check travel advisories on the Government of Canada travel website

If you hold citizenship in another country:

• Canada allows dual (or multiple) citizenship
• Your other country may or may not allow it — check their laws
• When entering Canada, always use your Canadian passport
• When entering your other country, use that country's passport (if applicable)

Before the passport comes the test. Thousands of newcomers have used CitizenPass to pass on their first attempt — 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

Your Canadian dream is one test away. Join thousands of successful new Canadians — start your free CitizenPass preparation today.