The Benefits of a Canadian Passport
For many, the Canadian passport represents the final achievement in their immigration journey to Canada, a conclusive affirmation of citizenship status in a new country.
The benefits of your Canadian passport extend far beyond citizenship status and symbolic achievements. Canadian passport holders enjoy extensive visa-free access to other countries, significant rights inside and outside of Canada, greater job opportunities, and many other benefits.
Read on to learn more about how obtaining your Canadian passport can benefit you.
Please complete our contact form if you wish to schedule an initial free telephone consultation with our law firm.
What are the Main Benefits of a Canadian Passport?
Freedom of travel and increased visa-free travel
Canadian citizens and passport holders enjoy unrestricted freedom to travel in and out of Canada, without the need for visas or permits, and without the physical presence requirement imposed on permanent residents.
In addition to freedom of travel, Canadian passport holders benefit from having one of the most recognized passports in the world.
According to Henley & Partners, an investment immigration consultancy, Canadian passports are among the strongest in the world, offering visa-free travel to over 180 different countries around the world, including:
- the United States (6 months at a time);
- Mexico (6 months at a time);
- the United Kingdom (6 months at a time);
- the Schengen Area and candidate nations (90 days at a time);
- Australia and New Zealand (90 days);
- Brazil (90 days);
- the United Arab Emirates (30 days);
- the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (90 days);
- South Korea (6 months);
- Japan (90 days);
- Singapore (30 days);
- Pakistan (30 days, extendable to 90 days);
- Bangladesh (30 days);
- South Africa (90 days);
- Nigeria (90 days); and
- and over 100 other countries.
Notably, permanent residents are not afforded these same travel freedoms.
Irrevocable status and inheritance
Canadian passport holders have permanent irrevocable status in Canada. This is in contrast to permanent residents, whose status can be revoked, and who face other obligations.
Canadian passport holders can rely on this permanent status—unless they decide to give it up—and can pass on citizenship to children who are born after they become naturalized Canadian citizens.
Furthermore, passport holders do not have to maintain communications with Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), unlike permanent residents (for example, who must update IRCC with their registered residential address).
In addition, Canada allows dual citizenship with other countries, meaning that new citizens do not have to give up their current citizenship if they do not want to (assuming the home nation also allows dual citizenship).
Added benefits
Canadian citizens and passport holders also benefit from smaller perks. For example, those who have completed their citizenship test and ceremony enjoy free admission to all locations run by Parks Canada, for their first full year. This includes national parks (like the famous Banff and Jasper parks), national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas.
New Canadian citizens are even given one year of free admission to participating museums, science centres, art galleries, and parks across Canada. This policy is applicable to new citizens and up to 4 children per visit.
Applying for a Canadian Passport
If you are a new Canadian citizen, you must wait until after your citizenship ceremony to apply for your Canadian passport. IRCC will issue you a citizenship certificate, which you can use for your application.
Click here to learn more about general citizenship eligibility and to calculate your own eligibility for Canadian citizenship.
If you are already a Canadian citizen, you may use your Canadian provincial or territorial birth certificate to apply for your passport. Please note that the citizenship certificate and birth certificate are the only two documents accepted by Passport Canada as proof of Canadian citizenship.
When applying for your new adult Canadian passport, you must attach specific forms and information to successfully complete the process. There may be additional urgency requirements applicable to your situation, and special considerations for dual citizens.
Passport applications may be rejected due to misrepresentation, even if this occurs by mistake.
Contact Cohen Immigration Law for Canadian Passport and Citizenship Assistance
Cohen Immigration Law has a dedicated team of over 60 legal professionals, with more than 45 years of expertise in helping clients become Canadians. We can assess your eligibility, give you best practices for success, and submit your Canadian citizenship and passport applications to the Canadian government. Get in touch to learn more.