Canadian passport
Canadian Passport Application: A passport is an important document, especially when traveling abroad. It acts as an identity proof and confirms that the passport holder is a citizen of the country mentioned on the passport. To avail of a passport, the individual needs to be a citizen of the country. For example, to apply for a Canadian Passport, the individual needs to be a Canadian citizen first. Those who are not Canadian citizens, but wish to obtain a Canadian passport, have to apply for citizenship first.
Canadian passport applications are now available in electronic format, in the PDF format that can be printed. The printed application form can then be filled in, by hand or typed. All Canadian application forms have codes. For adults, 16 years and above, the form code is PPTC 044 and for children, under 16 years of age, the code is PPTC 046. In the case of a lost, damaged, destroyed or inaccessible passport that is still valid, the code is PPTC 203.
Canadian Passport office: The Canadian Passport Order defines the Canadian Passport Office rules and regulations. The Passport office is responsible for issuing, revoking, withholding, recovering and the use of Canadian passports. The office is also responsible for assisting the passport applicants and supervises the issue of all Canadian travel documents. The Canadian Passport order has four regional operation zones, western, eastern, central and Ontario. There are 33 passport-issuing offices across the nation.
The Passport office manages all its finances from the fees charged for the passports and other travel documents. The passport office does not avail of any aid from Government funds and the applicants, not the taxpayers support the services.
Canadian Passport renewal: Canadian Passports are valid for five years from the date of issue. Thereafter, an application for a new passport has to be submitted to the passport office, since Canadian Passports cannot be renewed. An individual has to compulsorily apply for a new passport after the original Canadian passport expires, otherwise on traveling to abroad with the same old passport, he is declared an illegal traveler. As mentioned earlier, the renewal of a Canadian Passport is not possible, however the list of documents to be submitted is different the second time. The application can be sent via mail, in person or through an agent.
For renewing or replacing a lost, stolen or inaccessible Canadian Passport, an additional form, PPT 203, has to filled and submitted along with a copy of a Police report.
Canadian Passport form: A Canadian Passport form is available online, in a downloadable format. The forms can also be picked up at any Canada Post Outlet or Service Canada Centre. The next important step is to furnish the authorities with the desired information. This includes personal information, proof of Canadian citizenship, submission of documents to support identity and a payment of the requisite fees. Finally, the form has to be submitted, along with two identical passport photos. A guarantor needs to complete and sign the ‘Declaration of Guarantor’.
Passport fees vary with the type of documents required and also the age of the applicant. Fees can be paid via a personal check or by money order, payable directly to the Canadian office. The office forbids people to send cash via mail.
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