How to Apply for a Passport for a Newborn in Canada 

If you are a Canadian citizen and have recently welcomed a newborn, it is important to obtain a passport for your child as a form of travel documentation. In this article, we will guide you through the process of applying for a passport for a newborn in Canada, ensuring that you have accurate information and meet all the necessary requirements.

Eligibility to Apply for a Child's Passport

To apply for a child's passport in Canada, you must fall into one of the following categories:

• Parents: If you are one of the child's parents and are not divorced or separated, you are eligible to apply.
• Divorced or Separated Parents: In cases where the parents are divorcing or separated, the parent with the proper papers is responsible for the child's application. This includes providing all paperwork related to custody, access, or mobility, including any divorce judgment.
• Legal Guardian: If you are the legal guardian of the child and have the necessary paperwork to support your status, you can apply for the child's passport. Ensure that all court records attesting to your status as the child's legal guardian are included.

Application Process for a Newborn's Passport

When applying for a newborn's passport in Canada, follow these steps:

• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form for a baby's passport. It's important to note that the child will not be listed in the parent's passport. The child must be physically present when the passport application is processed.
• Parental or Guardian Approval: A minor's passport requires the approval of their parents or legal guardians. All parents or legal guardians must provide their consent. If the consent is provided in writing, it should include specific details such as the child's full name and date of birth, the giver's full name, date of birth, contact information, and signature. The consent should be in a language readable by embassy representatives, such as Finnish, Swedish, or English. Any potential restrictions regarding the duration or scope of validity should also be clearly stated.
• Identification of the Child: A parent or guardian may be required to be present to identify the child during the application process.

Required Documents:

• Completion and signing of both sections of the application form within the last 12 months, certified by a guarantor.
• Two identical passport photos of the child, one of which must be certified by the guarantor.
• Proof of Canadian citizenship for the child.
• Proof of parenthood.
• Additional Requirements in Canada: If the child was born outside of Canada, additional documentation may be needed, such as a Canadian visa or the child's Canadian Permanent Resident Card. If any Finnish parent(s) hold multiple citizenships, documentation proving their citizenship status should be provided. For a child with dual citizenship, the passport remains valid until they are 22, unless a document for maintaining Finnish citizenship between 18 and 22 is presented. It's important to note that only children registered with Finland's population registration system can receive passports.
• Payment: Payments for the passport and identity card should be made during the application process. If applying in Toronto or Vancouver, payment can be submitted in cash, a money order, or a certified check payable to the Finnish Embassy or Consulate.

Conclusion

Congratulations on your newborn! Applying for a passport for your child in Canada is an important step to ensure their ability to travel. By following the instructions and meeting the prerequisites outlined in this article, you can successfully apply for a newborn child's passport in Canada.

 FAQs

1. Can I apply for a passport for my newborn in Canada?

Yes, as a Canadian citizen, you can apply for a passport for your newborn as a form of travel documentation.

2. Who is eligible to apply for a child's passport?

The following individuals are eligible to apply for a child's passport in Canada:

Parents who are not divorced or separated.

The parent with proper papers if the parents are divorcing or separated.

Legal guardians with necessary paperwork attesting to their status.

3. Does the child need to be physically present during the passport application process?

Yes, the child must be physically present when applying for a newborn's passport in Canada.

4. What documents are required for a newborn's passport application?

The required documents include:

• Completed application form, signed within the last 12 months.
• Two identical passport photos of the child, certified by a guarantor.
• Proof of Canadian citizenship for the child.
• Proof of parenthood.

5. Are there any additional requirements for children born outside of Canada?

If the child was born outside of Canada, additional documentation such as a Canadian visa or the child's Canadian Permanent Resident Card may be required. Dual citizens should provide documentation proving citizenship status, and only children registered with Finland's population registration system can receive passports.