Applying for a Canadian passport for the first time requires more than proof of citizenship and supporting documents. Applicants must also provide a guarantor who meets specific conditions set by the Canadian government. The person must satisfy seven requirements before they can help verify an applicant’s identity.
The Canadian government has outlined seven conditions that a person must meet to serve as a guarantor for an adult passport application submitted within Canada.
According to information published on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a guarantor helps confirm an applicant’s identity and may be contacted during the processing of the application.
The requirements cover the guarantor’s age, citizenship, relationship with the applicant, passport status and availability.
7 conditions a Canadian passport guarantor must meet
Anyone hoping to serve as a guarantor for an adult Canadian passport application submitted within Canada must satisfy the following conditions:
1. Must be at least 18 years old
The person must have reached the age of 18 before serving as a guarantor. Applicants cannot use someone below this age, even if the person knows them well.
2. Must have known the applicant for at least two years
A guarantor must have known the applicant personally for a minimum of two years. This means the person should know enough about the applicant to confirm aspects of their identity and personal information.
3. Must be a Canadian citizen
The guarantor must hold Canadian citizenship. Permanent residency or another immigration status does not satisfy this particular requirement for a standard passport application submitted within Canada.
4. Must hold a qualifying Canadian passport
The guarantor must have a Canadian passport issued for either five or 10 years. The document must still be valid or have expired less than one year before the Passport Program receives the application.
5. Must have been at least 16 when applying for their passport
The guarantor must have been 16 years or older when they applied for the Canadian passport they intend to use to establish their eligibility.
6. Must be available for verification
The person must be reachable if Canadian passport officials need to confirm the applicant’s identity, information or the guarantor’s involvement in the application.
7. Must speak English or French
The guarantor must be able to communicate in at least one of Canada’s two official languages: English or French. This allows passport officials to contact them and verify relevant information.
Can a family member serve as a Canadian passport guarantor?
Yes. The Canadian government allows relatives and members of an applicant’s household to serve as guarantors, provided they satisfy all the eligibility requirements.
This means an applicant does not necessarily have to approach a friend, colleague or unrelated person.
However, the person must still meet the citizenship, age, passport and two-year relationship requirements.
The government also states that a guarantor cannot charge an applicant for performing the required duties.
What does a guarantor need to do?
Beyond meeting the eligibility conditions, a guarantor has specific responsibilities during the application process.
They must complete and sign the relevant section of the passport application. They must also write a statement confirming that one of the applicant’s passport photographs is a true likeness of the person and sign the back of that photograph.
For an adult application, the guarantor must also sign and date photocopies of the applicant’s supporting identity documents.
These additional signatures are unnecessary when the applicant submits original identity documents instead of photocopies.
Who needs a guarantor when applying for a Canadian passport?
According to IRCC, applicants applying for a Canadian passport for the first time generally need a guarantor. People who are not eligible for the simplified renewal process also require one.
However, applicants renewing an eligible existing passport do not need a guarantor.
Applicants submitting their applications outside Canada may also have additional options, including certain licensed professionals who qualify under Canada’s occupation-based guarantor rules.
The government provides further details on its official passport guarantor requirements page.