Getting your passport in Canada can be a complex process, particularly if you are struggling to find a passport guarantor. In this article, we will discuss the requirement of a guarantor and what to do if you can’t find one for yourself.
Last update:3/23/2024
When do you need a passport guarantor?
Passport guarantors are used to confirm your identity when applying for a Canadian passport. During the review of your application, the government will contact your guarantor to ensure that you are a Canadian citizen.
Who can be a guarantor for Canadian passport?
A guarantor can be anyone that meets the requirements set out by the government. This includes a family member, friend, or even neighbor.
It is important to note that the requirements will change depending on the type of passport that you are applying to get, for example, a military passport will require a different type of guarantor that your standard passport.
How to submit guarantor requirements for a regular passport submitted in Canada?
- They must have known your for at least 2 years
- They must be available if the government will contact them
- They must be a Canadian citizen aged 18 or older
- They must provide any information needed that is in their passport
- They must hold a 5-year or 10-year Canadian passport port that is not expired, damaged, inaccessible, or revoked. It must be a valid passport.
You may submit the guarantor for a regular passport application in Canada either online or through visiting a Service Canada centre. Although, it is important to ensure that your guarantor meets all of the requirements mentioned above.
Guarantor requirements for a regular passport submitted outside Canada?
When submitting a guarantor outside of Canada, you may be required to follow different requirements and guidelines. Please check the government website to check for changes. Here are a few of the options that may apply to your submission:
Occupation-based guarantors
- Registered or licensed with the appropriate authority to practice their profession
- They are current working in that profession
- Must be one of the following professions
- Judge
- Dentist
- Pharmacist
- Veterinarian
- Police Officer
- Notary Public
- Lawyer
- Medical Doctor
- Head of University
- Signing officer of a bank or financial institution
Military Personnel
If a military officer has known you for 2 years or more, you can select from one of the following directors:
- NDHQ
- Base commanders
- Commanding officers
- NDHQ career managers
- NDHQ directors general
- Personnel administrative officers
Who can not be a guarantor for Canadian passport?
If you are the parent signing and applying for your child, then you cannot be the guarantor for their passport. If you have not known the person for more than 2 years, you cannot be the guarantor. Refer to the list above that mentions other requirements of a guarantor and those that do not meet these requirements are unable to act as a guarantor.
What tasks must be completed by your guarantor?
On your application, your guarantor is responsible for completing the following sections:
- Signature of the guarantor
- Signed at
- Date
- Time you’ve known the applicant in years
Do you need a guarantor to renew your passport?
A guarantor is not required for a passport renewal. If you want to learn more about passport renewals in Canada, make sure to visit the government website and read any updates policies and requirements.
What to do if you can’t find a guarantor?
In some cases, you may be unable to find a guarantor and will need to follow the steps outlined below to have your application accepted:
- Complete the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor Form
- Find someone who is willing to administer an oath to swear to and sign the form.
- Inside Canada: a notary public, justice of the peace, or commissioner for oaths.
- Outside of Canada: British diplomat, qualified local official
Found your guarantor? Take your passport photo with your phone (at a cheap price)
Smartphone iD’s reputable and affordable app allows you to take a passport from your phone and in your own home. If you want to speed up your passport application, it is important to submit a passport photo that meets all the government requirements. Smartphone iD includes a compliance check using Ai and a team of experts with every photo taken to ensure it passes inspection on the first attempt.
Summary
In summary, a guarantor is an important part of your passport application, and you will need to find an individual willing to sign the document. Additionally, you will need to include 2 identical passport photos in your application. We recommend using our Smartphone iD app to take photos that pass inspection and are low cost.
