Passport guarantors play a crucial role in confirming your identity when applying for a Canadian passport.
Their involvement ensures that you are indeed a Canadian citizen during the application review process.
Who Can Be a Guarantor For a Canadian Passport?
The spectrum of potential guarantors is quite broad, as long as they meet the government’s outlined requirements.
These requirements, however, can vary based on the type of passport you are applying for.
Whether it’s a family member, friend, or neighbor, anyone who fulfills the government’s criteria can serve as your guarantor.
It’s noteworthy that the criteria differ depending on the type of passport you’re seeking; a military passport, for instance, has distinct guarantor requirements from a standard one.
Guarantor Requirements in Canada
For a regular passport application submitted within Canada, the guarantor must meet several specific criteria:
- They must have known you for a minimum of 2 years.
- They must be available to be contacted by the government if necessary.
- They need to be a Canadian citizen aged 18 or older.
- They must provide any relevant information from their passport.
- They should hold a valid 5-year or 10-year Canadian passport that is not expired, damaged, inaccessible, or revoked.
You have the option to submit the guarantor information online or by visiting a Service Canada center.
Ensure that your chosen guarantor meets all the stipulated requirements in this process.
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Guarantor Requirements For A Regular Passport Submitted Outside Canada?
When submitting a guarantor’s information from outside Canada, different requirements and guidelines might apply.
It’s recommended to consult the government website for any updates in this regard.
Here are a few potential options that could apply to your situation:
- Occupation-Based Guarantors: These individuals should be registered or licensed to practice their profession, currently working in that profession, and fall under specific professions like Judge, Dentist, Pharmacist, Veterinarian, Police Officer, Notary Public, Lawyer, Medical Doctor, Head of University, or a Signing Officer of a bank or financial institution.
- Military Personnel: Military officers who have known you for more than 2 years can fulfill the role of a guarantor, and certain director roles within the military are eligible for this purpose.
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Who Can not Be a Guarantor Of Canadian Passport?
There are specific restrictions on who cannot serve as a guarantor for a Canadian passport:
- Parents Applying for a Child: If you’re a parent applying for your child’s passport, you cannot be the guarantor for their passport application.
- Less Than 2 Years Acquaintance: If the person hasn’t known you for a minimum of 2 years, they cannot act as your guarantor.
Additionally, individuals who do not meet the other requirements outlined by the government, such as being a Canadian citizen aged 18 or older and holding a valid, unexpired Canadian passport, would also not be eligible to be your guarantor.
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What Tasks Must Be Completed By Your Guarantor
Your chosen guarantor has specific responsibilities in the passport application process.
They are required to complete the following sections in your application:
- Signature of the guarantor
- Signed at
- Date
- The time they’ve known the applicant in years
These details provided by your guarantor help establish their relationship with you and contribute to the verification of your application.
Do You Need A Guarantor To Renew Your Passport?
No, a guarantor is not required for a passport renewal in Canada. The renewal process typically doesn’t involve the same level of identity verification as a new application.
However, it’s advisable to check the government website for any updates on renewal policies and requirements.
What To Do If You Can’t Find a Guarantor?
If you’re unable to find a suitable guarantor, you can follow these steps to have your passport application accepted:
- Complete the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor Form: Fill out this form, which serves as an alternative to having a guarantor.
- Find Someone to Administer an Oath: You’ll need to find someone who can administer an oath to you and sign the form. Inside Canada, this could be a notary public, justice of the peace, or commissioner for oaths. Outside of Canada, a British diplomat or a qualified local official can fulfill this role.
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FAQs
When do I need a passport guarantor?
You need a passport guarantor when applying for a Canadian passport. They confirm your identity during the application review process.
Who can be a guarantor for a Canadian passport?
Anyone meeting government requirements can be a guarantor, including family members, friends, or neighbors. Different types of passports have specific criteria for guarantors.
What are the requirements for a guarantor for a regular passport submitted in Canada?
The guarantor must have known you for 2 years, be available for government contact, be a Canadian citizen aged 18 or older, and have a valid Canadian passport.
What are the guarantor requirements for a regular passport submitted outside Canada?
Different requirements may apply. Registered professionals or specific military personnel are options. Refer to the government website for precise details.
Conclusion
Your guarantor needs to sign the document, indicate where it was signed, provide the date, and mention how long they’ve known you.
PS: Parents applying for their child’s passport cannot be the child’s guarantor.
If you can’t find a guarantor, you can complete the “Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor Form” and have someone administer an oath.
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