The Benefits of a Canadian Passport
For many, the Canadian passport signifies the culmination of their immigration journey, affirming their citizenship in a new country.
The benefits of holding a Canadian passport extend beyond mere citizenship. Passport holders enjoy extensive visa-free travel, significant rights both in Canada and abroad, enhanced job opportunities, and more.
Read on to discover how obtaining your Canadian passport can benefit you.
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What are the Main Benefits of a Canadian Passport?
Freedom of Travel and Visa-Free Access
Canadian citizens enjoy unrestricted freedom to travel in and out of Canada without visas or permits, unlike permanent residents. With one of the most recognized passports globally, Canadian passport holders can travel visa-free to over 180 countries, including:
United States: 6 months
Mexico: 6 months
United Kingdom: 6 months
Schengen Area: 90 days
Australia and New Zealand: 90 days
Brazil: 90 days
United Arab Emirates: 30 days
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
These travel freedoms are not available to permanent residents.
Irrevocable Status and Inheritance
Canadian passport holders have permanent, irrevocable status in Canada, unlike permanent residents, whose status can be revoked. They can pass citizenship to children born after naturalization and are not required to maintain communication with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Canada allows dual citizenship, so new citizens can retain their original citizenship if their home country permits it.
Added Benefits
Canadian citizens enjoy additional perks, such as free admission to Parks Canada locations for their first year. This includes national parks like Banff and Jasper, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. New citizens also receive free admission to participating museums, science centers, and galleries for one year, applicable for themselves and up to four children per visit.
Applying for a Canadian Passport
As a new Canadian citizen, you must wait until after your citizenship ceremony to apply for your Canadian passport. Once you receive your citizenship certificate from IRCC, you can use it for your passport application.
If you are already a Canadian citizen, you can apply using your provincial or territorial birth certificate. These two documents—the citizenship certificate and the birth certificate—are the only accepted proofs of Canadian citizenship by Passport Canada.
When applying for your adult Canadian passport, ensure you attach the required forms and information. Be aware that there may be urgency requirements based on your situation, and special considerations for dual citizens. Applications can be rejected for misrepresentation, even if it’s unintentional.
Contact THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION For Canadian Citizenship Assistance
THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION team consists of over 60 legal professionals with more than 11 years of experience in assisting clients on their journey to Canadian citizenship. We can evaluate your eligibility, provide best practices for success, and handle your Canadian citizenship and passport applications. Contact us to learn more!