How to Obtain a Canadian Passport Abroad For a Baby

Candian passports are valid for three years for children under the age of three.

Canadian passports can be obtained for babies while living or traveling abroad. Either of the child's parents, custodial parent or legal guardian must apply for the passport. In the case that the parents are divorced, the custodial parent must apply for the passport. Canadian passports are available only to citizens of Canada unless certain extenuating circumstances occur, such as being a refugee or having a valid reason for being unable to get a passport in the country where the child is a citizen.

Things You'll Need

• Completed application form
• 2 passport photos
• Proof of Canadian citizenship (original copy)
• Documents relating to custody
• Fee

Instructions

1. Fill out the Canadian application for a child's passport and sign the application. Applications can be found on the Canadian passport website or at a local Canadian Embassy, Canadian High Commissions Office or Canadian Consulate.

2. Provide the original copy of the baby's Canadian birth certificate. Provide any court paperwork on the child's custody if the parents are divorced or separated. Provide any court documentation relating to guardianship if the child is not in the custody of the parents.

3. Take passport photographs of the child. The photographs must be 50 mm by 70 mm in size with the child's head clearly in view. Many places abroad take passport photos, but if in doubt contact the local Canadian government office to find out local places that take these pictures.

4. Take the application, photos, proof of custody and child's birth certificate to the local Canadian government office in the place you are traveling or residing abroad. The Canadian passport website provides office locations.

5. Pay the fee to the office. As of March 2011, the fee is 20 Canadian dollars for a child under three years old and 35 Canadian dollars for a child over three years old. Submit the required documents. Ask the office about passport processing times, as they may vary.

References

• Passport Canada: Forms

Resources

• Passport Canada: Directory of Canadian Government Offices Abroad