When you become a Canadian citizen through naturalization, you don’t automatically receive a Canadian passport. You have to apply for one yourself — it’s an important final step on your journey to enjoying the full rights and travel privileges of Canadian citizenship. If you’re about to apply, or are simply planning ahead, knowing what to expect — including which documents you need, who can act as your guarantor, and where to submit your forms — can help you avoid delays and feel confident about the process. So, here’s all about how you can get your first Canadian passport.
Let’s begin!
Why Should You Apply For A Canadian Passport?
Holding a Canadian passport comes with major benefits.
In 2025, the Canadian passport was ranked the seventh most powerful passport in the world, thanks to the number of countries you can visit without needing a visa in advance.
As of this year, Canadians can travel to 188 destinations visa-free, thus giving them incredible freedom to explore the world.
While you don’t technically need a passport to re-enter Canada as a citizen, presenting one at the border makes your return smoother, faster, and far less stressful.
How To Apply For Your First Canadian Passport?
In order to get your first Canadian passport, here’s what you’ll need to do, step by step.
Step 1: Gather The Right Documents
Before you even fill out the application form, make sure you have all the required documents ready to go.
Proof Of Citizenship
For naturalized Canadians, this means your citizenship certificate.
- If you requested a paper certificate, you must include the original document with your application.
- If you chose a citizenship e-certificate, print out a copy and attach it.
If you’re a citizen by descent, your proof of citizenship will be needed instead.
If you were born in Canada, your birth certificate usually serves as proof.
Proof Of Identity
You also need an official ID that verifies who you are. Some acceptable examples include:
- A provincial or territorial driver’s licence (or an equivalent abroad)
- A provincial or territorial health card (or the equivalent abroad)
- A foreign passport
- A military ID
- An ID card issued by the federal, provincial, or territorial government (or equivalent abroad)
- An employee ID issued by the federal, provincial, or territorial government (or equivalent abroad)
You can provide a clear photocopy or the original. If you send a photocopy, make sure both sides are copied and that it’s signed and dated by your guarantor or a signing official.
Step 2: Choose A Guarantor And References
When applying for your first passport, you’ll need to name one guarantor and two references.
Your guarantor and references play different roles, so you can’t use the same person for both.
Who Can Be A Guarantor?
A guarantor must be a Canadian citizen who can confirm your identity. They must meet the following criteria if you’re applying from inside Canada for a regular passport:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have known you for at least two years
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Hold a valid Canadian passport (or one that expired no more than one year ago)
- Have been 16 years or older when they got their own passport
- Provide the necessary information from their passport on your application
- Be reachable if IRCC needs to verify your application
Who Can Be A Reference?
Your references also need to meet some basic requirements:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have known you for at least two years
- Agree to let you use their name and contact details for your application
A reference cannot be your guarantor or any of your family members. (IRCC’s official website has a full list of family relationships that are excluded.)
Guarantor vs. Reference
| Guarantor | References | |
| Must be a Canadian citizen | Yes | No |
| Must have known you for two years or more | Yes | Yes |
| Must be 18 years or older | Yes | Yes |
| Can be a member of your family | Yes | No |
| Must hold a 5- or 10-year Canadian passport valid or expired for no more than one year | Yes | No |
| Agrees to your using their information for your application | Yes (passport info) | Yes (name & contact) |
| Must be available if IRCC wants to contact them | Yes | Yes |
Step 3: Get Official Passport Photos
All Canadian passport applications require two identical photos taken by a professional photographer.
On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write or stamp:
- Their studio or company name
- The complete address
- The date the photos were taken
One of your photos must also be signed by your guarantor.
Step 4: Complete The Application Form
Once you have your documents, ID, guarantor, references, and photos, you can download the official application form directly from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
After filling out the form, you can submit your completed application and documents either:
- In person at a Service Canada Centre
- By mail
If you mail your application, any original documents you included will be returned to you by mail too.
To apply in person, you can either book an appointment online in advance or try your luck with a walk-in visit.
Step 5: Submit Your Application And Pay The Fee
The last step to follow in order to get your first Canadian passport is to submit the application and pay the fee.
When you submit your application, you’ll need to pay the applicable fee.
Here are the standard fees for Canadian passports:
- 5-year adult passport: $120
- 10-year adult passport: $160
Processing times for a regular passport submitted within Canada are usually about 20 business days. Some Service Canada locations offer faster processing — sometimes within just 10 business days.
If you need your passport urgently, you can request Express Pickup (within 2 to 9 business days) for an extra $50 fee.
Emergency Passport Services
If you find yourself in a real bind — for example, needing to travel within 24 hours — you may be able to get your passport by the end of the next business day.
This urgent service is only available at passport offices that offer same-day pickup, which are separate from regular Service Canada Centres.
You don’t need an appointment for this service, but you do need to bring proof that you truly need your passport immediately.
When your passport is ready, it will either be mailed to you (which usually takes about five business days) or you can pick it up in person if you paid for a pickup service.
Final Thoughts
Applying for your first Canadian passport is a big milestone. Many new citizens choose to work with an immigration lawyer to ensure their documents are accurate and their application goes smoothly, especially if they have tight travel deadlines.
By understanding the steps, requirements, and options for urgent processing, you’ll be well-prepared to get your first Canadian passport and make the most of your new freedom to travel the world as a Canadian citizen.
CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.