Protected Persons in Canada
Travel Documents for Refugees
If you have protected person status in Canada and need to travel abroad, you may be able to apply for a Canadian refugee travel document. It provides eligible protected persons with a Canadian-issued document for international travel.
01 Who Can Apply
Canada issues two travel documents for non-Canadians. The document that applies depends on your status and circumstances; IRCC decides which document to issue and how long it will be valid.
For protected persons in Canada
A refugee travel document is issued to protected persons in Canada, including Convention refugees and persons in need of protection. You must be in Canada when you apply.
A different document for some permanent residents
A certificate of identity may be issued to a permanent resident who is not a protected person and is stateless, or who cannot obtain a passport or travel document from another source. It is distinct from a refugee travel document.
02 What You Need to Apply
A complete application must establish your identity and status and satisfy the travel document requirements.
Application and status documents
Use the adult form if you are 16 or older, or the child form for a child under 16. Include the required proof of immigration status and any valid passport or travel document issued in the applicant’s name.
Identity and photos
Adult applicants must provide at least one valid identity document and two identical passport photos. If you submit copies of your identity documents, your guarantor must sign and date both sides.
Guarantor and references
Adult applicants need an eligible occupation-based guarantor in Canada and two adult references. Each must have known the applicant for at least six months. For a child’s application, the guarantor must have known the applying parent or guardian for at least six months and know of the child.
03 How to Apply
A refugee travel document application must be prepared carefully and submitted by mail. Follow the steps below to understand the application process.
Complete the current application package
Complete the correct application form and gather the required documents, identification, photos, and any additional supporting documents. Make sure you also meet the applicable guarantor and reference requirements.
Pay the applicable government fee
Pay the required application fee and include proof of payment with your application. Check the current fee before submitting, as fees may change.
Submit from within Canada
Send your complete application to the address provided by IRCC. Using a traceable mail or courier service can help you track delivery.
Allow time for processing and mailing
After you submit your application, IRCC will review it. Processing times may vary, and IRCC may contact you if more information or documents are needed. Do not finalize your travel plans until you receive your travel document.
04 Before You Travel
A refugee travel document helps establish your identity for international travel, but it does not guarantee entry to another country or replace that country's visa requirements.
Ask the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit whether it accepts the document and whether you need a visa.
You cannot use a Canadian refugee travel document to travel to your country of citizenship.
IRCC decides how long the document will be valid. Check the expiry date and leave enough validity for the destination and carrier.
05 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply from outside Canada?+
Can a refugee claimant apply for this document?+
Do I still need a visa for the country I am visiting?+
Can I apply for a child?+
Talk to a Licensed Expert
Planning travel with protected person status?
We can help you understand the travel document requirements and prepare a complete application.
