Do I need a valid foreign passport when I apply for citizenship

[gn02090867]

Hi all,

Due to some complex reasons, I would not be able to renew my foreign passport (and it has expired), but I have a Canadian PR for 2 years. Would I be able to apply for Canadian citizenship without a valid passport?

Thanks,
Terry

 

[us2yow]

PR (card) is normally for 5 years ? What do you mean by " I have Canadian PR for 2 years"

 

[gn02090867]

Sorry, I meant I have been a canadian PR for 2 years.

 

[gn02090867]

And I think I found some answers. I will need to write a letter to explain such situation.

 

[viva1canada]

you need a passport for 4 years preceding the application

 

[thecoolguysam]

Hi all,

Due to some complex reasons, I would not be able to renew my foreign passport (and it has expired), but I have a Canadian PR for 2 years. Would I be able to apply for Canadian citizenship without a valid passport?

Thanks,
Terry

You have to write explanation letter as well as you have to send the copies of your all passports held in the last 4 years duration.

Two pieces of ID: make sure you don't use the expired passport as a copy. Use driver's licence and health card. They may not accept expired passport as piece of personal identification.

Before you make decision call call centre at 1-888-242-2100

 

[amissa]

Hi all,

Due to some complex reasons, I would not be able to renew my foreign passport (and it has expired), but I have a Canadian PR for 2 years. Would I be able to apply for Canadian citizenship without a valid passport?

Thanks,
Terry

Hi gn02090867
Did you finally contacted the call center ? What was the reply as I am in the same situation and planning to send my application before I could renew the passport .
Could anyone else have similar experience to share ?
Thanks in advance

 

[eileenf]

Please note: If the applicant came to Canada as a refugee, they should not renew or use their home country passport or contact the embassy of the country they sought refuge from.

 

[amissa]

Please note: If the applicant came to Canada as a refugee, they should not renew or use their home country passport or contact the embassy of the country they sought refuge from.

Thanks Eileenf for the clarification. I come as " regular " PR through skilled worker. I just didn't have time to renew my passport before 20th January when I become eligible to apply for citizenship ( you understand that I don't want to delay if possible).

Amissa

 

[paw339]

amissa

You don't need a foreign passport to apply for citizenship. I know of a family who didn't have a valid passport between them when they became Canadians (they weren't refugees). The issue comes if CIC thinks you might be trying to hide a valid passport so as to conceal overseas travel.

 

[amissa]

You have to write explanation letter as well as you have to send the copies of your all passports held in the last 4 years duration.

Two pieces of ID: make sure you don't use the expired passport as a copy. Use driver's licence and health card. They may not accept expired passport as piece of personal identification.

Before you make decision call call centre at 1-888-242-2100

For the last two days I was trying to speak to an agent from the above number. Not possible and also there is no French option. What is happening ?

 

[thecoolguysam]

For the last two days I was trying to speak to an agent from the above number. Not possible and also there is no French option. What is happening ?

i don't know french.
However, if you call the number then press 4 and then 0. If it says "We are currently experiencing high volume of calls". In that case, just callback again until the system accepts your call and puts you on hold to speak to an agent.
You have to call multiple times in order to get hold of the agent. sometimes maybe 20+times

 

[amissa]

i don't know french.
However, if you call the number then press 4 and then 0. If it says "We are currently experiencing high volume of calls". In that case, just callback again until the system accepts your call and puts you on hold to speak to an agent.
You have to call multiple times in order to get hold of the agent. sometimes maybe 20+times

Thanks thecoolguysam.
I just spoke to an agent. He indicated that I don't need a valid passport to apply, however I should write a letter explaining that I don't have another passport since the current one expired.
For work records I should provide documents ( e.g paystub, employer letter, T4, NOA, etc) demonstrating that I was working during any period in the last 4 years.
For education I started while working a certificate which I didn't complete. He suggested to write it as well and provide supporting documents if I can.
I would suggest to anyone before calling to write down your questions ( I had a question regarding my wife's language proof and I forget to ask him, thus I will have to call again

 

[thecoolguysam]

Thanks thecoolguysam.
I just spoke to an agent. He indicated that I don't need a valid passport to apply, however I should write a letter explaining that I don't have another passport since the current one expired.
For work records I should provide documents ( e.g paystub, employer letter, T4, NOA, etc) demonstrating that I was working during any period in the last 4 years.
For education I started while working a certificate which I didn't complete. He suggested to write it as well and provide supporting documents if I can.
I would suggest to anyone before calling to write down your questions ( I had a question regarding my wife's language proof and I forget to ask him, thus I will have to call again

Did you submit your application already or not?

As per new CIC form, you are not required to send work records. Please check the application form for more clarification and contact call centre again to be sure. Sometimes some agents have less knowledge however, try to contact them again to get clarification.

 

[amissa]

Did you submit your application already or not?

As per new CIC form, you are not required to send work records. Please check the application form for more clarification and contact call centre again to be sure. Sometimes some agents have less knowledge however, try to contact them again to get clarification.

No I didn't submit yet and certainly I will call again.