Canada expands passport access for adopted persons

Canadian adopted persons can now apply for full-validity passports from abroad.

They can apply from abroad using their electronic citizenship certificates (e-certificates), in accordance with updated instructions to officers published on April 24, 2026 on the immigration department's website.

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Prior to this change, applicants in such situations were required first to apply for limited validity passports (LVPs) to facilitate their initial entry into Canada, after which they would apply for full validity passports.

Internationally adopted children who are granted Canadian citizenship may access Canadian passport services.

How to get a full validity passport for an adopted person residing abroad

Adopted persons abroad who are in possession of a citizenship e-certificate can bypass the application process for an LVP and pursue a full validity passport instead. Paper certificate holders, on the other hand, generally must obtain an LVP.

If an applicant initially chose a paper certificate but would prefer an e-certificate, they should contact the processing office, and one will be provided if the paper version has not already been issued.

To receive a full validity passport for an adopted person abroad, a complete passport application must be submitted, including the correct forms and documents.

The form that must be filled out will differ based on where the adoptive parent or adopted child is applying from.

For children under the age of 16, the adoptive parent must complete the form.

In contrast, children 16 years of age or older are must fill out the form themselves.

Passports issued to children under 16 years of age are valid for a maximum of five years.

From the US

For adopted children under 16 years of age, one of the following forms must be completed (situation dependent):

For adopted children 16 years of age or older, one of the following forms must be completed (situation dependent):

From outside Canada and the US

For adopted children under 16 years of age, the following form should be completed: Child passport application for Canadians applying abroad (PPTC 042).

For adopted children 16 years of age or older, the following form should be completed: Adult passport application for Canadians applying abroad (PPTC 040).

Once the applicable form (one of the above, depending on one’s situation) is filled out, it can be submitted along with the correct documentation. The required documentation differs depending on one’s situation and is outlined within the form.

The correct fee must be paid when submitting the passport application. Canadian passport fees have recently increased (as of March 31, 2026). Here are the fees for passports being mailed outside Canada (for both within and outside the US):

Child passport (age 0 to 15): $102.50
Five-year adult passport (age 16 and up): $194.25
10-year adult passport (age 16 and up): $266.25

These fees are different from those associated with an LVP.

The Government of Canada notes that in most cases, passport applications will be processed within 20 business days (not including mailing time).

As of April 1, if a passport isn’t processed within 30 business days, a full refund will be automatically issued.

Note: The Government of Canada advises that in cases where a country does not recognize dual citizenship, a facilitation visa may be placed in the adopted child’s foreign passport. If the applicant still wishes to obtain a Canadian passport, they will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging the risks associated with continuing to hold their other passport.

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