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By Jessica Thakur,
January 22, 2024
Henley & Partners, a global immigration consultancy firm, has positioned the Canadian passport as the 7th most recognized in the world, sharing the spotlight with esteemed passports from the United States, Poland, Greece, and Czechia. According to Henley & Partners' latest report, the Canadian passport facilitates visa-free access to 183 countries, solidifying its status as one of the most powerful passports globally. In comparison, Singapore and Japan claimed the top positions, with access to 193 and 192 countries, respectively, while the Afghanistan passport ranked last, offering entry to only 27 countries without a visa.
Traveling with a Canadian Passport
Possessing a Canadian passport significantly influences travel experiences. It grants holders unrestricted entry or exit from Canada without the need for permits, visas, or other travel restrictions. However, it's essential to note that only Canadian citizens, not permanent residents or individuals with temporary status, are eligible for a Canadian passport.
Canadian passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to over 183 destinations worldwide, including countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, the Schengen Area, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates.
Moreover, Canada allows dual citizenship, meaning individuals can hold multiple passports if their home country also permits dual citizenship. This flexibility provides travelers with the option to maintain passports from different countries.
Becoming a Canadian Citizen: Prerequisite for a Passport
To acquire a Canadian passport, individuals must first obtain Canadian citizenship, a process involving several steps:
1. Permanent Residency: Candidates must be permanent residents of Canada and adhere to the country's physical presence rules, demonstrating at least three years of residency within the past five years.
2. Tax Compliance: Filing taxes is a mandatory step for citizenship applicants.
3. Citizenship Test: Passing a Canadian citizenship test and showcasing language skills are crucial components of the application process.
Applicants must meet these conditions, regardless of how they obtained permanent resident status. The process typically takes a minimum of three years for naturalization.
Note: Children born to Canadian citizens may inherit citizenship from their parents.
Passport Application Process
Once citizenship is secured through a ceremony and the receipt of a citizenship certificate, individuals can apply for a Canadian passport. Every Canadian citizen is eligible to apply, and dual citizenship is allowed.
The application process requires specific documents, including proof of Canadian citizenship (citizenship certificate or Canadian birth certificate), a valid Canadian passport or other travel document, two references supporting the application, a document confirming identity, and two identical passport-size photographs.
For first-time applicants, a guarantor is necessary. The guarantor's requirements may vary based on the type of passport and the application location.
Application submissions can be made online or in person at a Service Canada centre with or without a pre-arranged appointment.
Passport Processing Duration
Due to heightened demand caused by easing global travel restrictions, the Canadian government has introduced a tool for tracking processing times. As of now, regular service processing takes 10-20 business days, while urgent processing can range from 2-9 days or even as quick as the end of the next day. To ensure timely receipt of a passport, applicants are advised to initiate the process well in advance.
Other Benefits of a Canadian Passport
Beyond unrestricted travel, holding a Canadian passport offers numerous advantages. It signifies full Canadian citizenship, granting rights such as voting in elections, running for political office, and eligibility for jobs requiring higher security clearances. Additionally:
- Status Renewal: Canadian passport holders avoid the renewal hassles every five years faced by permanent residents, saving costs and streamlining the process.
- New Citizen Perks: New Canadians receive complimentary perks for the first year of their citizenship, making the transition more rewarding.
Conclusion
Applying for a Canadian passport is a crucial step in fully embracing the rights and privileges of Canadian citizenship. While the process may seem straightforward, many individuals opt for immigration lawyers' assistance to ensure adherence to best practices, providing peace of mind during this significant step in their immigration journey.
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