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Citizenship3 min read

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Hands raised during a Canadian citizenship oath ceremony

Getting Your First Canadian Passport After Becoming a Citizen

Applicants who have recently become Canadian citizens can apply for their first Canadian passport. This guide will walk you through the process, including the required documents, guarantor requirements, and passport photo rules.

introduction to the canadian passport application process

Becoming a Canadian citizen is a significant milestone, and obtaining a Canadian passport is an essential step in exercising your rights as a citizen. A Canadian passport is a travel document that allows you to travel to and from Canada, as well as to other countries. To apply for a Canadian passport, you will need to provide proof of citizenship, which can be done using your citizenship certificate. You can find more information on the required documents and the application process on the IRCC website.

required documents for a canadian passport application

To apply for a Canadian passport, you will need to provide several documents. Your citizenship certificate is one of the required documents. You will also need to complete an application form, which can be downloaded from the IRCC website. Additionally, you will need to provide two identical passport photos and proof of identity, such as a driver's license or provincial ID card. In some cases, a guarantor's declaration may be required. It's also a good idea to check the citizenship page on our website for more information on Canadian citizenship and the application process.

guarantor requirements for a canadian passport

A guarantor is someone who can confirm your identity and verify the information on your passport application. The guarantor must be a Canadian citizen and have known you for at least two years. They cannot be a family member or live with you. The guarantor will need to sign a declaration and provide their contact information. You can find more information on the guarantor requirements on the IRCC website.

passport photo rules and regulations

Your passport photos must meet specific requirements. They must be 50 mm x 70 mm in size and be a recent photo. You should have a neutral expression and a plain background. It's a good idea to check the IRCC website for more information on the passport photo requirements. You can also check the news page on our website for more information on recent changes to the passport application process.

how to apply for a canadian passport

To apply for a Canadian passport, you can download and complete the application form from the IRCC website. Then, you can visit a Service Canada center or a participating passport reception center to submit your application and supporting documents. You may also want to consider consulting with an immigration lawyer or representative to help guide you through the application process. For example, you can read our using an immigration representative vs applying yourself article for more information. Additionally, you can check the renewing a Canadian passport from abroad guide for specific instructions on renewing your passport from outside of Canada.

Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content. canada.ca is the official Government of Canada website

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

Last reviewed: July 15, 2026

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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