Introduction: Travel Documents for a Grant of Citizenship for an Adopted Person
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the updated Program Delivery Instructions from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding travel documents for a grant of citizenship for an adopted person. Updated on April 24, 2026, these instructions include critical new information about electronic citizenship certificates (e-certificate). Whether you are an adoptive parent or a legal guardian, understanding these changes is essential for ensuring a smooth travel process for the newly adopted Canadian citizen.
What Are These Instructions For?
These instructions provide guidance for IRCC decision-makers who assess applications for citizenship for an adopted person under section 5.1 of the Citizenship Act. They outline the procedures for issuing travel documents, such as limited validity passports (LVPs), temporary passports, and emergency travel documents (ETDs), to adopted persons who need to travel to Canada urgently following their grant of citizenship.
Key Update: The Role of the e-Certificate
The most significant change in the April 2026 update is the inclusion of the electronic citizenship certificate (e-certificate). Decision-makers are reminded that applicants who choose to receive an e-certificate can apply for a full validity passport and do not need to follow the instructions to obtain a limited validity passport. This streamlines the process for many adoptive families.
If an applicant selected the paper format on their application form but wants to receive an e-certificate instead, they can advise the office responsible for processing the citizenship application. If a paper certificate has not already been issued, the office will issue an e-certificate to the applicant.
For more details, you can get more information about the e-certificate from IRCC directly.
Facilitation Visas and Special Authorizations
Facilitation visas were originally created to allow Canadian dual-nationals travelling on a foreign national passport issued by a visa-exempt country to re-enter Canada. However, these have been replaced by special authorizations. Importantly, 5.1 applicants do not meet the requirements to be issued a special authorization. Facilitation visas or special authorizations should no longer be offered to 5.1 applicants.
Limited Validity Passport (LVP)
If the applicant chooses to receive a paper citizenship certificate and there is an urgency for them to travel to Canada following their grant of citizenship, a Limited Validity Passport (LVP) may be issued. An LVP is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance, and the application fee is the same as that of a full validity passport.
Alternatives to an LVP
In some situations, a temporary passport or an emergency travel document (ETD) may be issued instead of an LVP:
- Where travel is required prior to the receipt of the regular (blue) passport at the Canadian government office abroad, a temporary passport may be issued as per the temporary passport policy.
- For immediate return to Canada, an ETD may be issued.
How to Request an LVP
If an adopted person or their legal guardian confirms that they would like to proceed with an LVP, the citizenship decision-maker must communicate via e-mail to the consular section at their mission with the following information:
- Given name(s) and surname(s)
- Unique client identifier (UCI)
- Date that the application was approved in the Global Case Management System
Note: The application will only be accepted at one of the following offices:
- The Canadian government office abroad responsible for processing the 5.1 grant application, OR
- The Canadian government office abroad responsible for processing passport applications from residents of the country where the adoptee resides, where it is different.
The timeframe in which the application can be processed without a certificate of citizenship is limited to 1 year from the grant issue date.
Application Requirements for an LVP
To apply for an LVP, you must provide the following documents:
- Proof of imminent travel: Such as an airline ticket or travel itinerary.
- Proof that the adopted person has been granted citizenship: For example, the part 2 approval letter.
- Notice for LVP form: To be provided by the consular office at the time of submission.
Passport Application Forms
Depending on your location, use the appropriate forms:
| Location | Applicant's Age | Form Number | Form Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outside Canada and the US | Under 16 years of age | PPTC 042 | Child Abroad General Passport Application (PDF, 1.8 MB) |
| Outside Canada and the US | 16 years of age or over | PPTC 040 | Adult Abroad General Passport Application (PDF, 1.7 MB) |
| In the United States | Under 16 years of age | PPTC 142 | Child General Passport Application (in the USA) (PDF, 2.0 MB) |
| In the United States | 16 years of age or older | PPTC 140 | Adult General Passport Application (in the USA) (PDF, 1.9 MB) |
Passport Photos
You must provide 2 identical and unaltered passport photos of the adopted person. On the back of one photo, include:
- The name of the photographer or studio, their address, and the date the photos were taken (can be handwritten or a stamp).
- The photos must be taken no more than 6 months before the application is submitted.
- The guarantor must sign the back of the photo.
Additional Documents for Adopted Children
For adopted children only, you must also submit:
- Proof of parentage: Such as a court-issued adoption order that includes the name of the adoptive parents.
- All documents related to custody, decision-making responsibilities, access, parenting time, or mobility of the child.
Fees for Travel Documents
Fees for passport applications abroad must be paid online. Below is the fee schedule:
| Document Type | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Child passport (under 16 years old) | $100 |
| 5-year adult passport (16 years and older) | $190 |
| 10-year adult passport (16 years and older) | $260 |
Additional fees apply for temporary passports and ETDs:
| Document Type | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Temporary passport | $110 |
| Child ETD (under 16 years old) | $30 |
| Adult ETD (over 16 years old) | $75 |
Pay your fees online: Online Payment.