Requirements for a Convention Travel Document in Canada in 2026

A Convention Travel Document (CTD) is a travel booklet issued by the Canadian government to people who cannot obtain a passport from their country of nationality or habitual residence. It allows the holder to travel internationally and return to Canada. There are two types: one issued under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (for recognized refugees), and one issued under the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons (for stateless individuals).

If you are a protected person, a permanent resident, or a Canadian citizen who holds refugee or stateless status and cannot access a national passport, the CTD may be the only travel document available to you. The process is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and applications are submitted by mail or in person at a Passport Canada service point operated through Service Canada.

What this procedure is and what it’s for

A Convention Travel Document is a passport-equivalent booklet that enables international travel for people who are unable to obtain a passport from any country. It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry to other countries, but it is widely recognized by countries that are signatories to the relevant conventions.

Who it applies to:

• Recognized refugees in Canada (protected persons) who cannot obtain a passport from their country of origin.
• Stateless persons residing in Canada who are not nationals of any country and cannot obtain a travel document from any state.
• Permanent residents or Canadian citizens who hold protected person status and are unable to use a national passport.

Who is responsible:

The procedure is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Applications are processed through Passport Canada services, which are delivered via Service Canada offices and passport-specific service points across Canada.

Note: if you are a Canadian citizen and also a recognized refugee, you should apply for a Canadian passport instead of a CTD. The CTD is specifically for those who cannot access a national passport.

Documents required

The following documents are required when applying for a Convention Travel Document. Bring originals unless otherwise stated. Photocopies may be required in addition to originals — check the current IRCC checklist before your appointment.

Identity and status documents:

• Completed application form IMM 5524 (Application for a Travel Document), available on the IRCC website.
• Proof of protected person or stateless person status in Canada — this is typically your Notice of Decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) or a letter from IRCC confirming your status.
• Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) if you are a permanent resident, or proof of another valid immigration status in Canada.
• Any existing travel document or identity document you currently hold (e.g., a national passport, even if expired, or a previous CTD).
• Two identical passport-quality photos taken within the last six months, meeting IRCC photo specifications.

Supporting identity documents (at least one):

• Birth certificate (original or certified copy; if not in English or French, a certified translation is required).
• National identity card (original).
• Any other government-issued identity document bearing your photo and date of birth.

Additional documents that may be required:

• Certified translation of any document not in English or French, prepared by a certified translator.
• If applying on behalf of a minor: proof of legal guardianship or custody, and the child’s birth certificate.
• If your name has changed: legal name-change document (e.g., marriage certificate, court order).

Important: Do not submit original documents that you cannot replace. IRCC may request originals for verification but will generally return them. Confirm this with the service point before submitting.

Steps to complete the procedure

1. Confirm your eligibility. Verify that you qualify for a CTD — you must be a recognized refugee or stateless person in Canada who cannot obtain a national passport. Review the IRCC eligibility criteria at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.

2. Download and complete form IMM 5524. The form is available on the IRCC website. Fill it out completely in English or French. Do not leave any fields blank — write “N/A” where a question does not apply to you.

3. Gather all required documents. Collect originals and make photocopies as instructed in the IRCC document checklist. Arrange certified translations for any documents not in English or French.

4. Obtain passport photos. Have two identical passport-quality photos taken at a photo studio. Ensure they meet IRCC specifications (white background, specific dimensions, no glasses, taken within six months).

5. Choose your submission method.

   • In person: Attend a Passport Canada service point (located within Service Canada offices). An appointment may be required at some locations — check the Service Canada website or call 1-800-567-6868 to confirm.
   • By mail: Send your completed application package to the address listed on the IRCC/Passport Canada website for your province or territory.

6. Pay the application fee. Payment can be made at the service point (debit, credit card, or money order) or included with your mailed application (money order or certified cheque payable to the Receiver General of Canada).

7. Submit your application. If applying in person, bring all documents and your payment. If applying by mail, use tracked delivery and keep a copy of everything you send.

8. Wait for processing. IRCC will review your application and may contact you for additional information or to verify original documents.

9. Receive your CTD. Once approved, the document will be mailed to your address or made available for pickup, depending on the service point.

Fees and timelines

• Application fee: Approximately CAD $190 for adults (18 and over) and CAD $100 for children (under 18), as of 2026. Fees are subject to change — confirm the current fee on the IRCC or Passport Canada website before applying.
• Estimated processing time: Approximately 20 business days for standard service when applying in person. Mailed applications may take longer. Processing times can vary and may be longer during peak periods.
• Urgent service: Urgent processing (same-day or next-business-day) may be available at select Passport Canada offices if you have documented proof of urgent travel within two business days. An additional fee applies.
• Validity of the CTD: A Convention Travel Document is typically valid for 5 years for adults and 3 years for children under 16. Validity may be shorter in some cases depending on your immigration status.
• Note: The CTD is not automatically renewed — you must apply for a new one before it expires if you continue to need it.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Submitting an incomplete form IMM 5524. Leaving fields blank or writing illegible answers is one of the most common reasons for delays. Review every field carefully and write “N/A” where a question does not apply.
• Not providing certified translations. Any document not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation. A bilingual friend or family member cannot provide this — use a certified translator recognized in Canada.
• Passport photos that do not meet specifications. Photos taken at home or that do not meet IRCC’s exact size, background, and quality requirements will be rejected. Use a professional photo service familiar with Canadian passport photo standards.
• Applying when you are eligible for a national passport. If you have regained the ability to obtain a passport from your country of nationality, you may no longer qualify for a CTD. Applying when ineligible will result in rejection. If you are unsure of your status, contact IRCC before applying.
• Mailing original irreplaceable documents without keeping copies. Always keep certified copies of everything you submit. If originals are lost in transit, replacement can be extremely difficult.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a Convention Travel Document to travel to any country? Not necessarily. The CTD is recognized by countries that are signatories to the 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1954 Stateless Persons Convention, but individual countries may still require a visa. Check the entry requirements of your destination country before travelling.

Does holding a CTD affect my permanent resident status or citizenship application? No. Holding a CTD does not negatively affect your permanent resident status or your eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship. It is simply a travel document issued in the absence of a national passport.

What happens if my CTD expires while I am abroad? Contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate immediately. They can assist you in obtaining an emergency travel document to return to Canada. Do not wait until your CTD is close to expiry before renewing it.

Can I apply for a CTD if I already have a valid passport from my country of origin? Generally, no. The CTD is intended for people who genuinely cannot obtain or use a national passport — for example, because doing so would put them at risk. If you hold a valid national passport, you are typically not eligible for a CTD.

Where do I find the nearest Passport Canada service point? Use the Service Canada office locator at canada.ca or call Service Canada at 1-800-567-6868. Not all Service Canada offices offer passport services, so confirm before visiting.

Summary and next steps

To apply for a Convention Travel Document in Canada, the most critical documents are your completed form IMM 5524, proof of your protected person or stateless person status, a valid identity document, and two passport-quality photos. Your first concrete step is to download form IMM 5524 from the IRCC website at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship and confirm your eligibility.

Requirements, fees, and processing times can change. Always verify the most current information directly with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at canada.ca or by calling Service Canada at 1-800-567-6868 before submitting your application.