Applying for a passport for Canadian son

[stevewbruce]

Hi all, this is hopefully an easy one. I need to apply for a Canadian passport for my son to visit his grandparents at Christmas. My wife is Canadian so my son is too, we have his citizenship cert.. I'm reading through the application notes and want to make sure I get this right first time. Please bare with me.

Can my wife sign as a guarantor? if not, can my mother in law?
My wife lives here, so no problem. If my mother in law is needed then do I have to send the photo to her?
The other thing I can't make head nor tales of is the photo itself. The accompanying notes say that a professional photographer needs to sign the back? seems a bit harsh but is it necessary?

to reiterate, all I really need is to get my son a passport before he heads back for Christmas. We live in the UK, My wife is Canadian. My son has a Canadian citizenship certificate.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Naturgrl]

Hi all, this is hopefully an easy one. I need to apply for a Canadian passport for my son to visit his grandparents at Christmas. My wife is Canadian so my son is too, we have his citizenship cert.. I'm reading through the application notes and want to make sure I get this right first time. Please bare with me.

Can my wife sign as a guarantor? if not, can my mother in law?
My wife lives here, so no problem. If my mother in law is needed then do I have to send the photo to her?
The other thing I can't make head nor tales of is the photo itself. The accompanying notes say that a professional photographer needs to sign the back? seems a bit harsh but is it necessary?

to reiterate, all I really need is to get my son a passport before he heads back for Christmas. We live in the UK, My wife is Canadian. My son has a Canadian citizenship certificate.

Many thanks in advance.

Your wife cannot sign as guarantor since she is signing the application. You can have someone in the UK sign such as your family doctor (see list below). If no one in the UK can do it, your mother in law can as long as she meets the requirements. You send her the photos and the application which requires the guarantor’s signature. All photos must be stamped with date and spot for signature. In Canada, photo places have a stamp but it is necessary as you provide two photos. If not stamped it will be returned. There are many place you can get a photo in the UK.

Guarantor requirements for a regular (blue) passport submitted outside Canada
Your guarantor can be anyone who meets the basic guarantor requirements for a regular (blue) passport in Canada, including a family member or member of your household.

Occupation-based guarantors
You may also use an occupation-based guarantor for an application submitted outside Canada, as long as that person is

• registered/licensed with the appropriate local authority to practice their profession
• currently working in that field
• practicing one of these professions:
  • judge
  • dentist
  • pharmacist
  • veterinarian
  • police officer
  • notary public
  • lawyer/notary
  • medical doctor
  • dean/head of university or college
  • signing officer of a
    • bank or trust company
    • financial institution that offer a full range of banking services (cash withdrawals, deposits and savings)

You need a guarantor to sign

• your child’s application and
• 1 of the 2 passport photos

 

[stevewbruce]

Thanks Naturgrl. have you any familiarity with this 'other parent' terminology?

"If you’re the parent or legal guardian that is applying on behalf of a child, you cannot sign as guarantor on the child’s application. However, the other parent or legal guardian (not submitting the application) can sign as long as they meet the requirements."

I am a UK citizen, do you think I would be able to apply on behalf of my son and therefore my wife sign? she is Canadian with 5 years left on a 10 yr passport and has definitely known our son for long enough

 

[Naturgrl]

Thanks Naturgrl. have you any familiarity with this 'other parent' terminology?

"If you’re the parent or legal guardian that is applying on behalf of a child, you cannot sign as guarantor on the child’s application. However, the other parent or legal guardian (not submitting the application) can sign as long as they meet the requirements."

I am a UK citizen, do you think I would be able to apply on behalf of my son and therefore my wife sign? she is Canadian with 5 years left on a 10 yr passport and has definitely known our son for long enough

I don't see why not as it states,


Who can apply for a child’s passport
To apply for a child’s passport, you mustbe one of the following:

• one of the child’s parents (if you’re not separated or divorced)
• the parent who has custody of the child (if you areseparated or divorced) with the correct documentation
  • Include all documents (including any divorce judgment) about the child’s custody, mobility or access.
• the child’s legal guardian, with the correct documentation
  • Include all legal documents proving your legal guardianship of the child.

It says nothing about being a Canadian citizen. Many people are in your situation, living outside Canada and only one parent is Canadian. I would seek advice first. Maybe someone on the forum will respond who has done this.

 

[stevewbruce]

That's kind of what I thought but just wanted to check with someone that knows more than I do.

Thanks again