Canada is a country that grants citizenship by place of birth (jus soli). This means that every child born on the territory of Canada automatically receives Canadian citizenship, even if their parents only have temporary status, are staying in the country on visas, work permits, study permits, or under special programs such as CUAET.
The fact that the child has Canadian citizenship does not change the legal status of the parents. They remain under the jurisdiction of Canadian immigration legislation, but the child immediately obtains all the rights of a Canadian citizen, in particular the possibility to obtain a Canadian passport.
Below is an official sequence of actions for obtaining the first Canadian passport for a newborn, with practical comments for families with temporary status, an example of the procedure in Ontario, and explanations of key nuances.
Registration of birth and obtaining a birth certificate
Passport processing is only possible after receiving an official birth certificate for the child, issued by the relevant Vital Statistics office of the province or territory where the birth took place.
The certificate must indicate information about the parents, citizenship, date, and place of birth of the child. This document confirms the fact of birth on Canadian territory and, accordingly, automatic acquisition of citizenship.
In Ontario, the procedure for obtaining a certificate provides the opportunity to submit an application both in person and through the official government portal. Simultaneously, you can register not only the birth but also apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), register for the RESP education savings program, and apply for Canada Child Benefits.
Official resource for submitting an application:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-or-replace-ontario-birth-certificate
Several types of birth certificates are issued in Ontario. For obtaining a passport, as well as for subsequent procedures related to confirming citizenship or obtaining Ukrainian documents, it is mandatory to order an extended certificate containing parental information (Birth Certificate with Parental Information). Its cost is 25 Canadian dollars.
There is also a standard short certificate at the same price, but it does not contain information about the parents and is often insufficient for official procedures.
Additionally, you can order a Certified Copy of Birth Registration for 35 dollars.
The delivery cost is usually included in the total amount, which is about 55 dollars.
The standard production time for documents is up to one week. Certificates are sent in English, translation for other purposes is ordered separately.
Preparation of documents for obtaining a passport for a newborn
After receiving the birth certificate, parents can begin preparing the package of documents to obtain a passport for the child. The main documents are: the original extended birth certificate with parental information, documents of one of the parents confirming identity and status in Canada, a completed application form, and two photographs of the child.
Photographs must be made according to established requirements, size 10×15 cm, with signatures from the photo studio and the guarantor.
The official passport application form for children is available on the Government of Canada website at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/child-passport.html#forms
It is important to remember that to obtain a passport, you must provide not only the child’s documents but also proof of identity of at least one of the parents. This can be passports, PR cards, valid work or study permits, or temporary resident permits. Even if the parents are not Canadian citizens, the status of the child born on the country’s territory remains fully valid.
The role of the guarantor and the procedure for confirming information
A mandatory requirement is the participation of a guarantor, a person who has Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status, knows the applicant and the child for at least two years, and can confirm the accuracy of the provided information.
The guarantor must be familiar with the family, know the child’s date of birth, parents’ personal circumstances, and the duration of their stay in Canada. Their presence during the submission of the application is mandatory, as the guarantor signs the form, confirms their information, and provides contact details.
In the absence of a guarantor, parents can provide details of at least two other individuals with legal status in Canada who know the family well. If such persons are not available, a notarized Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor is completed.
Signing the application and special cases
The passport application must be signed by one or both parents. If the father’s information is included in the birth certificate but he is absent or cannot sign the application, an official explanation must be provided or you must contact the Embassy of Ukraine to resolve legal issues.
If a guardian or legal representative is appointed for the child, this person signs the application on behalf of the child.
After completing the form, the following documents are attached to the application package:
- The original and a copy of the child’s birth certificate
- Proof of identity of the parents
- Two photographs signed by the guarantor and photo studio
- Receipts for payment for photographs and government fees
- A statement indicating the purpose of obtaining the passport (regular or urgent)
If necessary, a Statutory Declaration is included.
The procedure for submitting the application and processing times for the passport
Passport applications can be submitted at Service Canada offices. The application can be submitted in person, by mail, or, in some cases, through authorized online services, if provided.
The standard processing time for a newborn’s passport is two to three weeks from the date the documents are accepted. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee, with production time up to ten days and delivery by mail.
The standard fee for processing a child’s passport is 57 Canadian dollars. Costs for expedited processing are determined separately and depend on the specific situation.
Conclusions
Despite the temporary status of the parents, a child born in Canada automatically acquires Canadian citizenship and has the full right to obtain a passport.
Document processing for a newborn involves a number of legal and administrative procedures that require preparation, especially if the parents also plan to obtain Ukrainian documents or apply for social benefits.
The presence of a Canadian passport for the child does not change the immigration status of the parents, who remain subject to Canada’s current legislation regarding temporary residence.
To avoid mistakes and delays, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the requirements in advance, contact the relevant authorities, check the readiness of all documents, and ensure the availability of a guarantor or other individuals who can confirm your information.
