Canada allows adopted persons to get full passports abroad, i.e., Canada has expanded passport access for adopted persons, allowing them to apply for full-validity passports from outside the country. This change removes an extra step that many applicants previously had to follow and makes the process simpler and faster.
According to updated instructions shared on April 24, 2026, adopted persons can now apply for a full-validity Canadian passport using their electronic citizenship certificates (e-certificates), even if they are living abroad.
Earlier, applicants in this situation had to first apply for a limited validity passport (LVP). This temporary passport helped them travel to Canada. After arriving, they had to apply again for a full-validity passport. With the new update, this extra step is no longer needed.
Internationally adopted children who have been granted Canadian citizenship can also access Canadian passport services under these updated rules.
How To Apply For A Full Passport From Abroad?
Adopted persons who are living outside Canada and already have an e-certificate can directly apply for a full-validity passport. This makes the process more direct and convenient.
However, those who hold paper citizenship certificates may still need to apply for a limited validity passport first. If an applicant has chosen a paper certificate but prefers an electronic one, they can contact the processing office. An e-certificate may be issued if the paper version has not already been sent.
Moreover, to apply for a passport, applicants must submit a complete application along with all required documents. The form that needs to be filled out depends on the location of the applicant.
For children under 16 years of age, the adoptive parent must complete and submit the application form. For those aged 16 or older, the applicant must fill out the form independently.
Passports issued to children under the age of 16 are valid for up to five years.
From The US
For adopted children under 16 years of age, one of the following forms must be completed (situation dependent):
- Child passport application for Canadians applying in the USA (PPTC 155); or
- Child application (living in the USA) (PPTC 142).
For adopted children 16 years of age or older, one of the following forms must be completed (situation dependent):
- Adult passport application for Canadians applying in the USA (PPTC 153); or
- Adult application (living in the USA) (PPTC 140).
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).
After completing the correct form, applicants must submit it with the required documents. The exact documents needed may vary based on each case and are listed in the application forms.
Applicants must also pay the correct fees when submitting their passport request. As of March 31, 2026, passport fees have increased for applications sent from outside Canada. The current fees are:
- 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 charged for limited validity passports.
Application timelines are generally around 20 business days, not including mailing time. Starting April 1, if a passport is not processed within 30 business days, applicants will receive a full refund automatically.
Important Note:
The Government of Canada has advised that some countries do not allow dual citizenship. In such cases, a facilitation visa may be placed in the adopted child’s foreign passport.
If an applicant still chooses to get a Canadian passport, they must sign a waiver. This confirms that they understand the possible risks of holding another country’s passport along with Canadian citizenship.
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