Sean Fraser unveiled Canada’s newly updated passports. This is with reference to the design of the Canadian passport that has been in progress since 2013. According to the government, it is a standard procedure to keep updating the design with new modern features of security.
Sean Fraser unveiled Canada’s newly updated passports
Furthermore, it implies that the new design of passports enables keeping people’s identities safe. The new document will comprise a polycarbonate data page. Besides this, the personal details of the passport holders will be embedded without any ink printed on them. As a result, the data page will have longer durability and more resilience from tampering.
Additionally, the document will also depict a custom see-through window with the passport holder’s secondary picture, a laser image, and an ink feature having temperature resistance.
Fraser described the passport’s design as depicting the Canadian natural heritage. This specific design is a confirmation by several stakeholders.
He even reiterated a consistent need to update the passport’s design every few years to enhance security.
On the other hand, Minister Gould even stated that during the transaction period, several Canadians might get the older version of passports. However, they need not worry about the validity and security.
The recent Passport Canada statistics claim that in 2023, as of May 5, nearly 209,548 applications had reached the office. At the same time, the number of passports issued was 210,171.
Besides this, the recent strike concerning the Public Service Alliance of Canada caused unusual delays and affected 155,000 federal workers.
From April 17 to 23 and April 24 to 30, the number of processed applications declined by 45 percent.
The application process for a passport
In order to acquire a Canadian passport, an individual must ensure completion of a passport application. Additionally, the person must incorporate the following documents within the application:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship through a birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate.
- An authentic Canadian passport or travel document you must have received.
- A document demonstrating your true identity in the form of any ID photocopy.
- Two passport-size photographs that are identical with details such as the applicant’s name, address, and photograph dates (displaying on the backside).
Besides this, applicants must also ensure that all documents submitted must be in French or English. A formal translation script must be provided if the document is in a different language.
Additionally, the applicants will require to give two references within their application. These references must be someone else apart from the family members and known for at least two years.
Canada’s passport holds a superior rank
Last year in September, Canada held the eighth rank across the Global Passport Ranking, a report by Henley and Partners (global immigration consultancy). However, this position had a tie with other countries, including the Czech Republic, Greece, Australia, and Malta.
The passport rankings result from the number of countries an individual can enter without any Visa requirement.
The report claims that Canadian passport holders have the authority to enter 185 countries without the Visa requirement. In the same report on ranking, Japan held the first position, with an allowance of 193 countries for citizens. On the other hand, Singapore and Korea also tied for the second rank, with 192 countries. Afghanistan had an extremely low ranking, with visa-free access to only 27 countries.
