Changes to passport applications speed things up

Submitted by
Ken Boshcoff M.P.

Over the past few weeks my constituency offices have received numerous calls concerning changes to passport application procedures.

The Simplified Passport Renewal Process offers Canadians the opportunity to replace their passports without having to resubmit documents to support their application and guarantor information. This new process, introduced in August 2007, applies to Canadians who meet the following criteria:

•Live in Canada,

•Have been at least 16 years of age at the time of their previous application,

•Have a 5-year passport issued after January 31, 2002 in Canada that has not been altered, damaged or reported as lost or stolen,

•Have lived in Canada when their passport was issued, and

•Apply using the same name that appears on the previous (expiring/expired) passport.

The applicant must provide a completed form, including the current fee, two new photos and their previous passport in order for Passport Canada to process the Simplified Passport Renewal.
As of October 1st, a new guarantor policy is in effect. This new policy allows most Canadian adult passport holders residing in Canada or the U.S. to act as guarantors for passport applications. Under the new policy an eligible guarantor must:

•Be a Canadian citizen 18 years of age or older,
•Hold a five-year valid Canadian passport or one expired for no more than one year,
•Have been 16 years of age of older when they applied for their own passport, and
•Have known the applicant personally for at least two years.
These changes are designed to improve the efficiency in applying for a passport. Now any family member as well as any individual residing at the applicant’s address may act as a guarantor provided her or she meets these requirements.
I would also like to remind Canadian citizens traveling to the United States by land or water that as of January 31, 2008 you are required to present two pieces of government-issued photo identification. This may be a driver’s license and a birth certificate or a citizenship card. Youth under 16 may present a birth certificate or a valid passport. Canadian citizens flying to or through the U.S. must present a valid Canadian passport. The Government of Canada will continue to keep Canadians informed as the United States makes further changes to its entry requirements.
For more information on changes to passport applications or documentation required for travel to the United States visit www.pptc.gc.ca or www.cbsa.gc.ca or contact 1-800-567-6868.