A Global Passport Ranking report revealed Canada to be in the eighth rank with other countries, Greece, the Czech Republic, Malta, and Australia. This report is based on citizens entering other countries without the requirement of obtaining any visa. This is how passports achieve a ranking. As per the report, Canadians possessing a passport have the opportunity to visit at least 185 countries without needing any visa. With this advantage, Japanese passport holders can visit at least 193 countries. However, Singapore and South Korea held the second position with permission to enter at least 192 countries. The report suggested that Afghanistan had the least passport rank, allowing only 27 countries with free visa entry.
Canadian passport’s benefits while traveling
Having a Canadian passport implies that you can leave and enter the country without needing any visas and permits. However, to get a Canadian passport, you must hold Canadian citizenship. Those individuals possessing permanent residency or temporary status in Canada can’t meet the eligibility of acquiring a Canadian passport.
Suppose you already have a passport and would like to have a Canadian one; you won’t have to do away with your current passport. The country allows you dual citizenship with the permission to hold multiple passports, in case you’re eligible.
Canadian citizenship
To hold a Canadian passport, you must first acquire Canadian citizenship. To become a Canadian citizen, take the following steps:
- Get hold of permanent residency status first.
- Ensure to meet the requirements of Canadian physical presence.
- Make sure of the tax filing process, if required.
- Clear a test related to Canadian citizenship.
- Demonstrate your language abilities.
Irrespective of your attaining the permanent residency status, you must demonstrate your physical stay in Canada with an equivalency of three years out of five years. This will account for 1,095 days. On the whole, at least three years will contribute to getting Canadian citizenship.
Applying process for a passport
After becoming a Canadian citizen, you must wait to get hold of its certificate, without which you won’t be able to get a passport. Once you’re officially a citizen of Canada, you could apply for it, and in rarest cases, only you will undergo refusal to apply. The reasons behind your deemed eligibility could involve a range of factors, including misrepresenting the application, security concerns, arranged crime, or violating human or international rights.
The application procedure for a Canadian passport isn’t that complex or difficult. It is rather easy if you have all the essential documents ready with you. Additionally, you will have to submit original document copies attached with your application. Canadians (natural born) also need to provide a birth certificate as citizenship proof.
Along with your application, the following documents must also be enclosed:
- Evidence concerning Canadian citizenship.
- Any type of travel documents such as the identity certificate and refugee travel document.
- A document proving your identity.
- Two same passport-size photographs.
The Canadian government offers you two alternatives to submit your application. These could include: sending documents via mail and submitting them at a passport office for the purpose of processing.
Processing time
Countless Canadians are seeking new passports and the need to renew them. It is because of the easing of the travel restrictions due to the pandemic. As a result, an increased number of people are reuniting with their family and friends in Canada. The Canadian government is working harder to improve the processing time of immigration applications. Therefore, the government is in the process of creating application trackers. The latest information is that it might take a 13 weeks period for application processing. Another factor is at what time the individual chooses to mail the application.
Overall, beginning the application process is more significant if a candidate has travel plans outside Canada.
Added advantages
Owning a passport implies you already possess Canadian citizenship. Therefore, you will have the right to experience and enjoy the freedom and rights in Canada, similar to others living in the country.
For instance, you will have the right to vote in elections, and you will easily access the various job opportunities unavailable to permanent residents.
Becoming a Canadian citizen makes you free from repeatedly renewing your status. For instance, people who have permanent residency status in Canada will have to renew their status every five years through IRCC. As a Canadian citizen, you’ll be free from paying any fees in the future. Also, there’ll be no need to request any extensions from IRCC or submit applications.
Conclusion
More than eighty percent of individuals holding permanent residency in Canada choose Canadian citizenship because of the several advantages attached to becoming a citizen and attaining a passport.
