IRCC Passport: The Ultimate Guide

If you are planning to travel to Canada, you will need a passport issued by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The IRCC passport is a travel document that allows Canadian citizens to travel outside of Canada for business or pleasure. This ultimate guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about IRCC passports, including the application process, fees, renewal, and other essential details.

What is an IRCC Passport?

An IRCC passport is a travel document issued by the Government of Canada to Canadian citizens. It is an official proof of Canadian citizenship, and it allows the holder to travel to and from Canada and other countries. The IRCC passport is valid for five years for adults and five or ten years for children, depending on their age at the time of application.

Who Needs an IRCC Passport?

All Canadian citizens, including newborns, children, and adults, need an IRCC passport to travel outside of Canada. Permanent residents of Canada do not need an IRCC passport, but they need a valid permanent resident card to return to Canada.

How to Apply for an IRCC Passport

You can apply for an IRCC passport online or by mail. To apply online, you need to create an account on the IRCC website, fill out the application form, and upload the required documents. To apply by mail, you need to download the application form from the IRCC website, fill it out, and mail it with the required documents to the Passport Program.

The required documents for an IRCC passport application include:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship (such as a birth certificate, certificate of Canadian citizenship, or a Canadian passport)
• A valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or a provincial health card)
• Two identical passport photos
• The application fee

Passport Photo Requirements

The IRCC has specific requirements for passport photos. The photos must be:

• Taken within the last six months
• In color
• 50 mm wide and 70 mm high (2 inches wide and 2.75 inches high)
• Taken against a white or light-colored background
• Showing a full face view, head, and shoulders
• Without glasses (if possible)
• Without headwear (unless it is for religious or medical reasons)

Passport Application Fees

The IRCC passport application fees depend on the age of the applicant and the type of passport. The fees are as follows:

• Regular five-year adult passport: $160
• Regular ten-year adult passport: $190
• Regular five-year child passport (ages 0-15): \$120
• Regular ten-year child passport (ages 0-15): $160
• Expedited processing fee: $110 (for applications that need to be processed within 24 hours)

How to Renew an IRCC Passport

If your IRCC passport is expiring or has already expired, you can renew it by mail or in person at a Service Canada Centre. To renew your passport by mail, you need to fill out the renewal application form, include your expired passport, two identical passport photos, and the application fee. To renew your passport in person, you need to make an appointment at a Service Canada Centre, bring your expired passport, two identical passport photos, and the application fee.

IRCC Passport Processing Time

The IRCC passport processing time depends on the type of application and the time of year. Regular passport applications take approximately 20 business days to process, while expedited applications take approximately 24 hours. However, during peak travel seasons, the processing time may be longer.

IRCC Passport FAQs

Q: Can I have two passports at the same time? A: Yes, if you have a valid reason, such as traveling to two countries that do not have diplomatic relations, you can apply for two passports at the same time.

Q: Can I travel with a damaged passport? A: No, if your passport is damaged, you need to apply for a new one.

Q: Can I use an IRCC passport to travel to the United States? A: Yes, you can use an IRCC passport to travel to the United States.

Q: Can I use an expired passport to return to Canada? A: No, you need a valid passport to return to Canada.

Conclusion

An IRCC passport is an essential travel document for Canadian citizens. This ultimate guide has provided you with all the information you need to know about IRCC passports, including the application process, fees, renewal, and other essential details. If you are planning to travel outside of Canada, make sure you have a valid IRCC passport.