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Travel and identification documents for entering Canada

From: Canada Border Services Agency

October 1, 2022 : COVID-19 emergency border measures ended

Refer to COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders for details.

Make sure you carry proper identification for yourself and any children or minors travelling with you. You must be able to confirm your legal right or authorization to enter Canada at the border.

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Residents returning to canada, travel with children and minors, international visitors to canada, electronic travel authorization, fake websites, related links.

Planning travel to Canada? Visit COVID-19 : Entering Canada requirements checklist for information about quarantine and your admissibility to Canada.

Carry a valid Canadian passport for all visits abroad, including visits to the United States (U.S.). It is the only universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada.

Acceptable documents to denote identity and citizenship

Other acceptable documents for establishing canadian citizenship, other acceptable documents to support identity, acceptable documents for establishing registered indian status and identity.

Upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry, travellers must satisfy a CBSA border services officer (BSO) that they meet the requirements for entry into Canada. For Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act, this can be done through questioning and through verifying documentation such as a:

• Canadian passport
• Canadian birth certificate
• permanent residence card
• citizenship card
• Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card or valid Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) card

If you do not have a passport, and are returning to Canada, the following documents can denote identity and citizenship :

• NEXUS card, held by a Canadian citizen, when entering Canada by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes
• FAST card (Free and Secure Trade), issued to a Canadian citizen (when arriving by land or marine modes only)
• Canadian emergency travel document
• Canadian temporary passport
• Certificate of Canadian citizenship (issued from 1954 to present)
• Enhanced driver's license issued by a Canadian province or territory
• Enhanced identification/photo card issued by a Canadian province or territory

Permanent residents of Canada who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence , and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

The following documents may be used to establish Canadian citizenship . Upon presentation by travellers, the documents should be supported by other government issued photo identification:

• Certificate of Canadian citizenship (large form issued between January 1, 1947, to February 14, 1977)
• Certificate of retention (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
• Certificate of naturalization (issued before January 1, 1947)
• Registration of birth abroad certificate (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977, by Canadian citizenship authorities)
• Provincial or territorial birth certificate (individuals born in Canada)

The following documents may be used to establish your identity :

• CANPASS card (air, corporate air, private air, remote area border crossing), held by a Canadian citizen
• Commercial driver registration program card, held by a Canadian citizen
• Provincial and territorial driver's license
• Employment or student card with photo and signature
• Provincial health insurance card
• Provincial identity card
• Canadian Forces identification
• Police identification
• Firearms acquisition certificate
• Credit card
• Vehicle insurance certificate
• Vehicle registration

Every person registered under the Indian Act can enter and remain in Canada by right as per subsection A19(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act . The Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS), more commonly referred to as the Status card, is an identity document issued by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada confirming that the cardholder is registered as a Status Indian under the Indian Act .

Note: The Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) was replaced by the SCIS in 2009. Existing versions of the CIS will remain valid until their renewal date.

If you plan to travel to or transit through the U.S., we encourage you to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information concerning the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements to enter or return to the U.S.

For information on Canada-U.S. border-crossing issues, visit Crossing the Canada-U.S. border with a status card .

When travelling with a minor, you should:

• carry copies of any legal custody documents, such as custody rights, if applicable
• arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the minor
• you share custody of the minor and the other parent or legal guardian is not travelling with you
• you are not the parent or legal guardian of the minor

A consent letter must include the custodial parents' or legal guardians':

• telephone number

Border services officers are always watching for missing children and may ask questions about any minors travelling with you.

To avoid delays, have your consent letter notarized to support its authenticity. For more information on consent letters and to download an interactive form, visit Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad .

More information

• Children and travel
• Our Missing Children program

Check Travel health measures

All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.

International transport companies, such as airlines, must make sure that travellers have proper, valid travel documents. If you do not have the proper documents, you may be delayed or refused entry into Canada . What you need will depend on where you are from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with. Consult entry requirements by country .

When you enter Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if you are arriving from a country for which one is required. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website to learn more about what travel documents are required.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS program may present their membership card as proof of identification and as a document that denotes citizenship, when arriving by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the FAST program may use their cards as proof of identity when arriving by land and marine modes only.

Permanent residents of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence , and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

All visitors arriving from or transiting through the U.S. are encouraged to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information concerning the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements to enter or return to the U.S.

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization ( eTA ) to fly to or transit through Canada.

Exceptions, or visa and eTA-exempt foreign nationals, include:

• U.S. citizens
• U.S Lawful Permanent Residents
• travellers with a valid Canadian visa
• Other exceptions

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents do not need to apply for an eTA.

Foreign nationals from select visa-required countries may also travel to or through Canada by air using an eTA , if eligible .

Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don’t wait until the last minute.

• Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization
• Get help with Electronic Travel Authorizations
• Dual citizens
• Canadian permanent residents
• Lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

Travellers who apply for an eTA are advised to be cautious in all dealings with companies that claim to offer help in getting an eTA. These companies are not operating on behalf of the Government of Canada. Many have established websites that charge a fee to provide information and submit eTA applications.

This Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an Electronic Travel Application .

• Travelling with animals
• Lost, stolen, seized, inaccessible or damaged passports
• Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada
• Programs for trusted travellers

Authorization Letter To Travel To Canada [Guide]

An authorization letter to travel to Canada, also known as a Travel Consent Form, is a document that is issued to the child and their legal guardian or parent travelling with them. The Travel Consent Letter, as it is also called, is issued by the non-accompanying parent and it is supposed to give formal consent that the child can be taken to Canada for a period of time and by the person specified in the letter itself. 

Although not a legal requirement, the letter of authorization simplifies the travel procedure and ensures that the Canadian government can easily let your child and the accompanying parent into the country. It is possible to travel without it as well, but it is clear that a letter like this can simplify the procedure and reduce the waiting times. 

What Is a Travel Authorization Letter for Canada?

A travel authorization letter is also known as a Travel Affidavit and it is a document that states that the child (named in the letter itself) can be taken in Canada for a specific period. This letter can only be issued by the non-accompanying parent and is issued for the immigration authorities so that they can allow the child to enter Canada. When it comes to the letter or the document itself, they have to be verified by a Notary Public, and a sworn translator, if the letter is being issued in a language other than English or French. 

The situation is the same for Canadian children travelling to a foreign country. With their Canadian passport , they (and you as the accompanying parent or legal guardian) should have a Travel Consent Form from the other parent or guardian. This way, the border services officers know that you can leave the country, and the foreign officials know that they can let you into their country. The letter is also necessary on your way back to Canada, you will need to show the letter of travel authorization at the port of entry. 

Travel and Identification Documents for Canada Entry

Whenever you travel to and from Canada, you have to have some documents for the purpose of the travel itself. If you are a foreign national travelling to Canada, these are different from the documents needed to apply for a Canadian visa , so bear this in mind. Here are some of the documents that you may have to present at the border crossing. 

Returning Canadian Residents

When travelling abroad, you will need to have your passport on you. This is true whether you are a permanent resident or a citizen of Canada. Besides this, your child will need a letter of travel authorization . Both of these documents will need to be shown to Canadian officials when crossing the border. The cross-border travel documents apply even when you are going to the US. 

Acceptable Identification and Citizenship Documents

When arriving in Canada, you will have to speak and present your documents to the immigration authorities. This is to say that all passengers need these documents. You will be subject to formal questioning, which is not carried out only during domestic travel. When it comes to acceptable identification and citizenship documents that are acceptable and accepted by the immigration authorities, they include: 

• Canadian passport (for all international travel)
• Canadian PR card – the Permanent Residence card
• Canadian citizenship card
• the SCIS – Secure Certificate of Indian Status – or a CIS card – Certificate of Indian Status
• additionally, you may need to present the Canadian birth certificate

If you do not have your passport when coming back to Canada after travelling internationally, there is other travel documentation that you may want to present: 

• NEXUS card – allowed when entering Canada from the US by means of air, land, or marine travel
• FAST card – allowed to a Canadian citizen travelling to Canada only by means of land or marine travel, no air travel is allowed 
• Canadian temporary passport (in case the old one is lost or stolen abroad; in this case, you may want to contact the embassy and check in with them)
• Canadian emergency, but still valid travel documents
• Canadian Certificate of Citizenship – only newer than 1954
• Enhanced ID card issued in Canada
• Canadian enhanced driver’s license 
• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (only issued from 1947 to 1977 – large form)
• Certificate of Retention (only issued from 1947 to 1977)
• Registration of birth abroad certificate (only issued by Canadian citizenship authorities between 1947 and 1977)
• Birth certificate for individuals born in Canada, issued by a Canadian province or territory 
• Certificate of Naturalization (older than 1947)
• CAPASS card – only to establish identity
• Commercial driver registration program card, only if issued to the Canadian government and to a Canadian citizen
• Vehicle registration card or vehicle insurance certificate
• Credit card
• Police Identification
• Canadian Forces identification
• Canadian province or territory-issued driver’s license
• Health insurance card issued in Canada
• Provincial identity card

Please bear in mind that some of these documents can be used to establish your IDENTITY, while some others are used to establish your CITIZENSHIP. Even if you have some of them, you may still need your passport when travelling from country to country or returning from your destination country to Canada. 

Travelling With Minors and Children

Children travelling abroad are especially vulnerable, especially considering that there are always children who go missing, both in Canada and abroad. For this reason, you will need to carry:

• legal documents (such as custody documents) confirming your custody rights, 
• a consent letter (the minor travel consent letter) if you share custody over the child and the partner and the legal custodian of the child is not travelling with you

You will also need to travel in the same vehicle as the child if you are crossing the Canadian border over land. If you are crossing over water (marine travel), you will need to be on the same vessel as your child. The same goes for air travel, you will need to travel by the same airplane. Please bear in mind that a biological parent does not need to prove their custody rights, but rather have a consent letter. 

If the other partner is a deceased parent, you may be asked to prove this. You also need to check entry requirements by country and exit requirements as well. The best way to do so is to visit the website of the country that you plan to visit. In some cases, you may also need to check what the transit requirement for children is when transiting in another country (especially applicable to long-haul flights, such as Canada to Australia). 

Canada’s International Visitors

If you are an international visitor to Canada, you will need to have appropriate travel and identification documents with you. You will also need to have a Canadian visa, and you will need to present all these documents to the border officers. When it comes to the  types of Canadian visas , there are many of them, and you will need to be able to choose and apply for the right one. 

Please bear in mind that there are also visa-exempt countries for Canadian citizens. This means that you do not need a visa, but you may still need an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) This is a sole Canadian requirement for citizens coming from many countries of the world. 

If you are from a visa-exempt country, and your child is a citizen of the same country, the Canadian immigration officer may only need your identification and travel documents to let you enter the country. However, you should be able to prove that you have legal rights over the child, such as sole custody or joint custody rights and you will still need to show the travel authorization letter. 

What Is Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?

The eTA or Electronic Travel Authorization is a legal document that citizens of Canada visa-exempt countries need to have to be able to enter Canada. The document is issued online (it is also an electronic document, so you do not get it in the form of a card or a paper document), and the processing times are very short, usually no longer than 5 minutes. 

When you have these documents, all you need to do is show your passport to the Canadian immigration officials at the border crossing. You also need to convince them that you are eligible to enter Canada and you need to make sure you have enough funds for the entire trip, unless you will be staying with your family or friends. The immigration officials need to be convinced, so you may be asked to provide additional supporting documents (hotel bookings, itinerary, etc.). 

When it comes to the eTA itself, this is a document issued by the government of Canada and is valid for up to 5 years. If your passport expires in less than 5 years, you will need to get a new eTA with your new passport. When it comes to damaged passports, you will need to ask for a new one with the new passport as well. An eTA allows many international trips to Canada, each of which can be up to 6 months long. 

Who Needs eTA?

When it comes to the eTA and who needs it, you will generally need an eTA when traveling to Canada from a visa-exempt country. Please beware that you do not need an eTA if you are coming from the USA, especially if you are coming via land. Here is a list of visa-exempt countries: 

• British citizen, even if naturalized in Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Island, Saint Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands
• Brunei Darussalam
• Czech Republic
• Hong Kong 
• Israel (must have an Israeli passport)
• Republic of Korea
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Romania 
• Solomon Islands
• Switzerland
• United Arab Emirates
• Vatican City State

eTA Eligibility Criteria

When applying for an eTA, you will need to meet three requirements: 

• you need to have had a valid Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years, or you need to hold a US nonimmigrant visa
• you need to be coming to Canada for a short visit, for short business activity or tourist activity, for no longer than 6 months
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Philippines
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago

What To Do If You Are Unable to Apply for an eTA?

Sometimes, people will confuse their passport number and enter the wrong one. This may cause issues when you try to travel to Canada both in the present and in the future. For this reason, you will need to use the eTA help guide available here , and you will also need to ensure that you retype the number correctly. This will help you avoid any issues down the road. This is where you can apply for your eTA.  

In addition to this, many people also get confused by the processing times for an eTA. In general, it takes several minutes for the full processing of your eTA application. However, sometimes, it may take longer, depending on your specific case and whether you need additional supporting documents or not. You will still need to prove that you are eligible to enter Canada, so be patient and gather all the required documents. 

Who Are Not Required To Use an eTA?

As we’ve mentioned before, US citizens do not need an eTA to travel to Canada. However, the same goes for US permanent residents. They do need to show their official proof of status or an equivalent document. In addition to this, they will also need to present their official passport from their own country, and they will need to be eligible and admissible to enter Canada.

How Do I Get an eTA for a Trip to Canada?

To get an eTA to travel to Canada, you will need to make an online application with the government of Canada. To do so, you will need to enter your details (including your passport details), and you will also need to have your debit or credit card and your email address. 

The fee that is to be paid is CAD7, and your eTA will be valid for five years or until your passport expires. You will also need to understand that most applications are processed within minutes. Some, however, may take longer, up to several days if you need to submit some supporting documents. 

Check Out How to Request Written Authorization From IRCC – Reunite With Extended Family Canada :

Consent Letter for Children Traveling Internationally

Even if your child wants to have a day trip abroad, the services will still need to make sure that your child will be traveling safely. In fact, all minor citizens need to have travel authorization when traveling alone, with one parent or legal guardian, with relatives or friends, or even with a group or a school group – such as for sports, school, musicals, or with a religious group. 

Although this letter is not a prerequisite, it may still be asked whether you have it or not. A responsible adult will always have a letter like this, whenever necessary, to expedite the crossing process and to ensure the child’s safety. When it comes to family travel, especially with more than one child, you will need a travel authorization letter for all children. 

Can I Get Canadian Citizenship Through My Grandparents?

Yes, there are ways to get Canadian citizenship through your grandparents. This rule only applies to you if you have been born before April 17th, 2009. If you were born after, your birth certificate will need to show that at least one legal parent had Canadian citizenship. With this in mind, you will need to check your status and prepare documents if you are to look for Canadian citizenship. You should also check with your current country of citizenship, as Canada does support dual citizenship, but your home country does not have to. 

What Documents Does a Child Need to Travel to Canada?

When a child is travelling to Canada, the child will need three basic documents to prove their status and how legal their travel is. These include their own passport, a copy of the certificate of birth, as well as a travel authorization letter signed by both legal parents. The child may need the signature of one parent or guardian only when the other parent is dead or when the child was adopted. 

How Much Money Do I Need to Bring to Canada?

When travelling to Canada, you will need to have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay there. You will need to have enough funds for your own stay (around CAD700 per month) and will need funds for each family member travelling with you. You may also need to have proof of accommodation payment as well as the itinerary of your stay. If you plan to carry a higher amount of money, you may need to declare this to customs, especially if the amount is over CAD10,000. 

How Long Does the Travel Document Take?

Depending on the kind of document you may be looking for, it can take around 20 days to process your passport and around 5 days to deliver it to you via mail. This being said, if you are looking for ways to migrate to Canada, you should know that processing a visa application can take much longer – sometimes upwards of six months. 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to your child travelling, the aim of the Canadian government is to ensure the safety of the child at all costs. For this reason, whether the child is travelling alone, with a biological or a foster parent, or whenever he is not travelling with both biological parents, the child will need an authorization letter to travel abroad and re-enter Canada. Although this is not a definite prerequisite, you may still be asked to present a travel authorization, so it is always best to have one. You may also decide to validate it with a Notary Public to give it more authenticity. 

Updated on 11-15-23

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IRCC Webform

Changes to the Web form

Please note that we’ve made some changes to the Web form.

As of November 14, 2023, when choosing to upload documents for some types of applications/enquiries, the free text box will no longer appear. If you need to provide additional information about the documents being submitted, please upload a letter of explanation with the documents.

If you want to ask general or case-specific questions about the application after uploading the documents, we invite you to submit a new IRCC Web form.

You may use this form if:

• You have submitted an application or profile .
• Your application has exceeded normal processing times . We will not respond to your enquiry if the application is within normal processing times .
• You wish to report important changes, such as a change in contact information, births, deaths, marriages, divorces, adoptions, changes in employment, withdrawal of application, refund request, or urgent requests. If you are reporting a change in contact information, it will take 5 business days for it to be updated. During this time you should continue to monitor your old contact information .
• You wish to add, change or cancel a representative and you are ready to upload your Use of Representative Form (IMM5476) or you authorize IRCC to release information from your case file and you are ready to upload your Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM5475).
• proof of travel (itinerary or ticket) that shows your full name, destination and travel dates;
• proof of payment for the travel that shows the date you paid, the full amount you paid, and how you paid;
• a letter explaining the reason for the urgency ; and
• proof of the urgency (e.g. a doctor’s note, death certificate, or letter from your employer).
• type of application (work permit, study permit or visitor record, etc) in the 'Your enquiry' field;
• approximate date that the application was submitted, if applicable, in the 'Your enquiry' field.
• complete address (including the postal code) in the 'Your enquiry' field. If the residential address is different from the mailing address, please provide both addresses;
• Unique Client Identifier (UCI) number / Client ID number, if you have one;
• online application reference number, if you have one;
• telephone number. If you have more than one contact number, please provide them all;
• screenshot(s), if possible.

Please select the name of the application that you have applied for. You must have already submitted the application in order to send your enquiry.

You will receive a confirmation by email as soon as the documents have been added to the file. If you need to provide additional information about the documents you are submitting, please upload a letter of explanation with the documents.

If you also want to ask general or case-specific questions about the application, we invite you to submit a new IRCC Web form .

Dependent child must be 19 or 20 or 21 years of age.

Information of dependent child

Your message must be in English or French, Canada's official languages. (Please limit the text to 1500 characters).

Note: If you are submitting an address change, include your new address (street name, street number, city, province, postal code and country). If you are submitting a change in email address, include and specify your old email address and your new email address.

A family name is a last name. A last name is also referred to as a surname.

For example: If a person's name is Mark Paul Jenkins, his last name is Jenkins. Family name as per your current passport/travel document.

A given name is the name(s) given to a person at birth and by which that person is most commonly referred to. A person's given name includes his or her first name and middle name.

For example: If a person's name is Mark Paul Jenkins, his given name is Mark Paul. Given name as per your current passport/travel document. If you do not have a given name you may enter N/A in the Given name field.

This is the day that you indicated when you were born on your application to IRCC.

If you do not know your date of birth, you may have entered the date that appears on your passport, travel document or identity document. If your date of birth has only the year (e.g. 1985/**/**), you may select January for the Month and 01 for the day.

This is where you were born. It is the country you have entered on your application to IRCC.

A Client ID Number, also referred to as a Unique Client Identifier Number (UCI), can be found on any official document issued by an IRCC office, Case Processing Centre or a Canadian visa office outside Canada.

A person who has never dealt with IRCC before will not have a UCI. If you do not have a UCI, leave the field blank.

If adding a dependent child, please input the Principal Applicant’s (i.e. the parent’s) “Client ID number”, also known as unique client identifier (UCI).

An application number can be found on any official document or correspondence issued by an IRCC office, Case Processing Centre or a Canadian visa office outside Canada.

If adding a dependent child, please input the Principal Applicant’s (i.e. the parent’s) “Application ID number”.

Representative: A person who has the permission of someone wanting to immigrate to Canada to conduct business with IRCC on their behalf. The representative can be paid or unpaid. When someone appoints a representative, they may also authorize IRCC to share information from their case file with this person. Canada’s immigration law covers representatives and defines the terms of their services.

See Immigration consultant , Authorized representative .

If you are a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant then please enter your member number here.

Leave this section blank if you are not a consultant or you are not using a consultant for your application.

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants are approved by the Immigrant Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council. Consultants may represent a client before IRCC.

By supplying your email address (in your enquiry or previously in your application), you have initiated an email communication with IRCC. By this action, you have authorized IRCC to use the email address provided by you for communication with you including the transmission of personal information on your file/case. When you supply your email address to IRCC, it is also understood that you are aware that this channel may not be a secure channel. IRCC is not liable for the electronic disclosure of personal information to a third party where IRCC has taken reasonable means to ensure the identity of the party. IRCC is also not liable for the misuse of this information by a third party.

See IRCC policy on internet use .

Protect your personal information: IRCC takes the confidentiality of your information seriously as we use sophisticated security techniques to protect your privacy. Clients should be careful to protect their application number, client ID number, date of birth and all other personal identification information. As these personal identifiers may allow individuals to receive information about their files from IRCC via email, clients should not share this information with unauthorized third parties.

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Travelling with children

Whether you and your children plan to travel or live abroad together or your child will be travelling alone, prepare well in advance to ensure a safe and happy trip.

Travel documents

Check the entry and exit requirements of each country you plan to visit in our Travel Advice and Advisories . Do you need visas? Do your passports have to be valid for a certain period of time after your return date to Canada? Do you need to carry return air tickets? Contact the embassy or consulate  of each country you plan to visit to check their entry requirements.

All children should carry a valid Canadian passport when they are travelling or living abroad. Children under the age of 16 can sign their own passports. If they do not, leave the signature block on page 3 blank. If you sign it on behalf of the child, the passport will be invalid.

If you or your children are dual or multiple citizens, always travel with your Canadian passport so you can access Canadian consular services while you are abroad and re-enter Canada. Always present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities, especially when entering and leaving the country of your other nationality, unless you must use that country's passport to do so.

Carry supporting identification for each child , such as a photocopy of their birth or citizenship certificate; divorce papers; consent letter for children travelling abroad; all documents referring to the custody of, mobility of, or access to the child; or a death certificate, if one or both parents are deceased. This will help prove the child's citizenship, residency and your custodial and decision-making rights when you return to Canada.

Make sure you have a  consent letter for children travelling abroad or a court order , if required, if a child is travelling abroad alone, without all parents or legal guardians, or with friends, relatives or a group. A consent letter demonstrates that the child has permission to travel abroad, away from parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who are not accompanying them. It may be requested by authorities when a child enters or leaves a foreign country or by Canadian officials when the child re-enters Canada.

The consent letter should be signed by all persons or organizations who are not travelling with the child and who have the legal right to make major decisions for the child, including anyone with access, custody rights or guardianship rights or parental authority .

Make sure the letter includes the date on which the child is to return home. It may also help to have the letter witnessed by a notary public so that border officials will be less likely to question it.

Speak with a lawyer if you are involved in a custody dispute or if a dispute might develop while the child is abroad. If you already have a custody order or agreement, make sure that it permits the child to travel outside Canada. Travelling abroad with the child without the legal right to do so may result in legal or criminal consequences. Canadian custody orders are not automatically recognized or enforceable in other countries without going to court. Check with your destination country’s embassy or consulate if you have any questions.

If your child has been abducted or retained without authority abroad , contact the local police and the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate abroad. For more information, visit Child abduction and custody issues . 

Keep a business card or a piece of paper with emergency phone numbers in your child’s pocket in case you become separated. If the child has a cellphone, activate the GPS tracking system to make it easier to locate them.

Carry recent photographs of your child in case of emergency. If your child goes missing, take a screen shot of the map location where you last saw them.

Stay healthy

Visit your health care professional preferably 6 weeks before leaving Canada to learn how to protect your child’s health while you are in areas where there are infectious diseases that are not common here. You may need to arrange an alternative or accelerated childhood immunization schedule for your child. Research the medical facilities available in your destination country. For more information on health risks at your destination, see our Travel Advice and Advisories .

Children flying alone

Some airlines will provide services for an unaccompanied child for a fee. If your child will be travelling alone, make sure you

• confirm with the airline whether its staff will escort and supervise your child from check-in through arrival
• find out if there are age limits or flight restrictions for unaccompanied children
• ensure that your child carries their passport on them and pack other identification in their luggage
• ensure that a parent or legal guardian stays at the airport until the flight has departed, even if it is delayed
• ensure that the person meeting the child has appropriate identification and authorization

Important: Global Affairs Canada does not escort or supervise unaccompanied children travelling to or from Canada.

Contact your airline, bus, train or other transport company to check its policies for child travellers, particularly when children are travelling on their own.

Make sure you read about Taking small children through security screening .

If you are flying with a child under the age of 2 , you can carry baby food, milk, formula, water, juice and gel packs in small containers in your carry-on bag. You must declare these items when you go through security screening.

Pregnant travellers

If you are pregnant or expect to give birth in a foreign country, be sure to consult your health care professional preferably 6 weeks before you travel. Ask them about diseases that may have negative effects on your pregnancy. Make sure you find a local hospital or birthing facility that meets your standards in advance. For more information on health risks at your destination, see our Travel Advice and Advisories.

Make sure your travel health insurance covers pregnancy-related conditions, pre-term and full-term birth and neonatal care. Ask your airline about its policy on flying while pregnant before you book your flight.

If your baby is born abroad, contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to find out how to apply for the child's Certificate of Canadian Citizenship and passport.

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Parent consent letter and custody documents

• Thread starter SandeepS77
• Start date Jul 5, 2021

Hey all, i need help in Parent consent letter and custody document. i am in Canada and my wife and my 7 years old son in India. So i am going to apply to call them in Canada. And i am stuck with this letters. so, anyone can help me that how to make Parent consent letter and custody document? Or if they have any formats for this letters the please share with me. Its an urgent. thank you  

SandeepS77 said: Hey all, i need help in Parent consent letter and custody document. i am in Canada and my wife and my 7 years old son in India. So i am going to apply to call them in Canada. And i am stuck with this letters. so, anyone can help me that how to make Parent consent letter and custody document? Or if they have any formats for this letters the please share with me. Its an urgent. thank you Click to expand...

armoured said: Follow the instructions. What do the instructions say? At minimum you will need the IMM5604 'declaration of non-accompanying parent.' https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5604e.pdf Read the rest of the instructions. You may need to demonstrate custody. If it's your child with your spouse, you may not need the consent letter/form or demonstrate custody - READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. Click to expand...

nageswara said: But these documents shows as mandatory in in IRCC online application even it is not applicable to me as my kids with spouse. Can you help me on this Click to expand...

armoured said: If they're not required in your case, why are you asking how to write custody letter etc? Because you asked about that I assumed was child from other marriage. If it's your child together , the question makes no sense. Read the instructions and do that. Click to expand...

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Application for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV)

You need to give your biometrics.

In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply.

Find out who needs to give biometrics and how the new application process works.

Biometrics and the application process

We refer to your fingerprints and photo as biometrics. We collect biometrics for most applications. Find out what happens from when you submit your application to when you get to Canada and where biometrics fits in the process.

1. Apply for your visitor visa, study permit or work permit

If you want to visit, study or work in Canada, make sure you’re eligible to apply. Use our application guides to help fill out your application properly, then submit your application.

Avoid processing delays by sending us a complete application .

2. Get your fingerprints and photo taken

If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you probably need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).You only need to give your biometrics once every 10 years to make repeat trips to Canada easier.

• You must pay the  biometrics fee   when you submit your application.  Otherwise you may experience delays.
• Get this done  as soon as you get the letter  from us that tells you to give biometrics.
• You have  30 days  to do this from the date on the letter.

Find out who needs to give , how to give , and  where to give your biometrics .

COVID-19: Biometrics deadline

Some biometrics collection sites are closed. If the site closest to you is closed, we’ll extend your deadline to give your biometrics. Find out how COVID-19 is affecting biometrics .

3. We process your application

After we get your biometrics, we start processing your application. See how long it takes to process your application.

If we need more information from you, we’ll contact you.

4. We make a decision on your application

When we finish reviewing your application, we let you know if you’re approved to come to Canada. If you are, we issue your documents.

If your application is refused, we send you a letter that tells you why.

5. You travel to Canada (if you’re approved)

Make sure you travel with the documents we gave you. This includes travel documents like a visitor visa, study or work permits or an eTA (electronically linked to your passport).

Airline staff and border service officers at ports of entry will ask to see your travel documents. If you don’t have them, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

Make sure children under 18 travel with the right documents .

6. We check your identity when you arrive in Canada

When you arrive, we check your identity to make sure that you are the same person who was approved to travel to Canada. We may use your biometrics to do this.

If we can’t verify your identity, you may be detained by a border services officer. These officers help protect the health and safety of Canadians.

If the officer determines that you’re not admissible to Canada, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. If you came by air, you’ll have to take a return flight to where you came from.

7. You’re allowed to enter Canada

If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements , the border services officer stamps your passport and lets you know how long you can stay in Canada. You’re normally allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months.

Children under 18 must meet the same entry requirements as adults. The border services officer may ask minor children to show other documents depending on whether the child is travelling alone or with someone.

Basic entry requirements

You must meet some basic requirements to enter Canada. You must:

• have a valid travel document, like a passport
• be in good health
• have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
• convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country
• convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
• The amount of money you will need depends on how long you will stay and if you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.

Some people are not admissible to Canada, which means they are not allowed to enter the country. You can be inadmissible for several reasons, including being involved in:

• criminal activity
• human rights violations
• organized crime

You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons.

Find out more about inadmissibility .

Biometrics fee

• Individual  applicant: CAD $85
• Families applying at the same time : maximum total fee of CAD $170
• Groups of 3 or more performing artists and their staff  who apply for work permits at the same time: maximum total fee of $CAD 255

You can apply online or on paper (in specific situations) for:

• visitor visas (also known as temporary resident visas)
• super visas (for parents and grandparents)
• transit visas

Apply online

Before you apply, make sure you need a visa to enter Canada. Find out what document you need to enter Canada .

You must have both of these to apply online:

• access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents to upload
• a valid credit card to pay with

How you apply depends on what you apply for. Select the document you want to apply for to get instructions:

Visitor visa : Option 1 of 3

Apply for a visitor visa

Super visa (for parents and grandparents) : Option 2 of 3

Apply for a super visa

Transit visa : Option 3 of 3

Apply for a transit visa

Apply on paper (in specific situations)

Before you apply , make sure you need a visa to enter Canada. Find out what document you need to enter Canada .

Read the instruction guide to get all the details to apply on paper.

• Instruction Guide 5256

Once you have read the guide, you can prepare your application package. You must select the country or territory from which you will apply to get your local visa office instructions.

Permanent residents of Canada

We do not issue temporary resident visas (TRV) to permanent residents (PR). If you are outside Canada without a valid PR card, you must apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) instead. If you meet the requirements for a PRTD, you can return to Canada as a PR.

If you no longer want to be a PR, or if you know you do not meet the requirements to keep your PR status, you can voluntarily give up (renounce) your PR status to apply for a TRV.

Application for Temporary Resident Visa

You can’t fill out and save the application form using your Internet browser. To use the form, you need to:

• Use your computer (Mac or PC). The form won’t open on mobile devices (iPads, tablets, mobile phones, etc.)
• Install Adobe Reader 10 (or higher)
• Download the PDF file to your computer . Save the file in a place you can remember.
• Make sure you use Adobe Reader to open the form. Sometimes if you try to open the form directly, it will use your Internet browser to try to open it.

Note: If you are applying online , you don’t need to print and sign the form. Leave the signature section empty.

Get the form

• Application for Temporary Resident Visa [IMM 5257] (PDF, 556.66 KB) June 2019

Having issues with the form?

• I can’t open my visa application form in PDF format. What can I do?
• After clicking the “validate” button on my visa application form, nothing happens and I don’t see the barcodes. Why is this happening?

How-to video

Find out if you are eligible

Living in Canada tool

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Studying in Canada as a minor

Find out what a minor child needs to do to study in Canada if they’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

On this page

Who is a minor child, caring for a minor child in canada, find out if your child needs a study permit, applying for a study permit for a minor.

Each province and territory decides the age when a person becomes an adult. This is known as the age of majority. A person under the age of majority is a “minor child”.

The parents or legal guardians must prove the minor child will have the care and support they need during their stay in Canada. Minor children under the age of 17 must either

• come with their parent or legal guardian or
• have a custodian in Canada

A custodian is a responsible adult, who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, who will take care of and support the minor child. A custodian is optional for minors 17 years of age and older, but an officer can request one on a case-by-case basis.

How to appoint a custodian

To appoint a custodian, send us the Custodianship Declaration form (PDF, 1.02 MB) , along with the minor child’s study permit application.

The 2 pages of the form look similar, but

• the first page needs to be signed by the custodian and notarized (certified by a lawyer or notary) in Canada
• the second page needs to be signed by the parents or legal guardians of the minor child and notarized in their home country

The following table summarizes whether a minor child at the primary and secondary school level needs a study permit to enrol in a school. School authorities may also use the table to help determine when school fees apply.

Why get a study permit if the minor doesn’t need one

Having a study permit means, if the minor wants to, they may be able to

• remain in school when they’re no longer a minor
• get a secondary school  co-op work permit
• have access to social services in some provinces or territories

Generally, if you’re applying for a study permit for a minor (even at the primary or secondary school level), you need to provide a letter of acceptance from the educational institution in Canada that the child is going to. You may provide either the original letter of acceptance or an electronic version.

Minor children don’t need a study permit for programs that are  6 months or less , but may still apply for one before entering Canada.

Minor children who want to study for  6 months or more  must apply for a study permit before they enter Canada.

If you’re a lone parent applying for a minor, you may need additional documents when you submit the application. Find out what documents you may need .

Outside of Canada

Minor children who want to study in Canada must apply for a study permit before they enter Canada. This includes minor children who come with parents who already have a valid study or work permit.

Minors coming to Canada with parents who have a  valid  study or work permit don’t need to provide a letter of acceptance from a school when applying for a study permit.

Apply for a study permit outside Canada

Already in Canada

Minors already in Canada should apply for a study permit. In some provinces or territories, they may need one to receive social services.

Minor children who are already in Canada may study  without a study permit  if they

• want to go to pre-school, kindergarten, or primary or secondary school and have a parent who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
• are refugees or refugee claimants whose parents are refugees or refugee claimants
• came to Canada as a visitor for a course or program of studies of 6 months or less
• will study in a course or program of 6 months or less
• are in Canada by themselves on a visitor status
• work permit holders
• study permit holders
• not physically in Canada
• business visitors and others authorized to work without a work permit

Minors who don’t have a study permit must have  valid  visitor status during their stay in Canada.

Applying for a study permit in Canada

Minor children need a letter of acceptance if they’re

• in Canada with a family member and
• that family member had a work or study permit approved before they entered Canada

Study permits for primary school students are issued for a period of 1 year and can be renewed.

Study permits for students enrolled in secondary school (grades 9 to 12 in all provinces and territories except Quebec, and grades 9 to 11 in Quebec) can be issued for the full length of the intended period of study at a secondary school in Canada (maximum of 4 years).

Apply for a study permit within Canada

Extending a study permit in Canada

Minor children need a letter of acceptance to  extend their study permit  inside Canada. The length of a minor’s study permit is based on the letter of acceptance.

Make sure to apply for the new permit at least 90 days before the current permit expires. You can find your permit’s expiry date on the study permit itself.

If their study permit expires

Minor children must keep valid  status during their stay in Canada. Usually, this means having a valid study permit. If your minor child is allowed to study in Canada without a study permit, then they must have a valid visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) .

If you haven’t applied to renew their study permit before it expires, they’ll lose their student status and have 90 days to apply to restore it. They’re allowed to continue studying until a decision is made.

Related links

• Standard custodian form letters ( PDF , 1.02 MB )
• Immigration Quebec

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