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Valid Passport — Express Entry

Your Passport Is Your Most Important Travel Document

A valid passport is required for all Express Entry applications. Without it, IRCC cannot issue your permanent resident visa or confirm your identity. Make sure your passport is valid before you create your Express Entry profile — and that it stays valid throughout the entire application process.

Why Your Passport Matters for Express Entry

Your passport is used to:

  • Confirm your identity and nationality
  • Issue your permanent resident visa
  • Allow you to travel to Canada and land as a permanent resident

A work permit, study permit, or any other immigration document is not a substitute for a valid passport.

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be:

  • Valid when you submit your Express Entry profile
  • Valid when you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA)
  • Valid when you submit your permanent residence application
  • Valid when your PR visa is issued
  • Valid when you land in Canada as a permanent resident

Recommendation: Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended date of travel to Canada. If your passport expires during processing, renew it immediately and update your IRCC secure account.

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All Family Members Need Valid Passports

If you are including your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application:

  • Every family member must have their own valid passport
  • Each passport must remain valid throughout the entire application process
  • Children travelling on a parent’s passport are generally not accepted — each person needs their own document

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What to Upload as a Valid Passport

When you submit your permanent residence application after receiving an ITA, you must upload:

  • A copy of your valid passport biographical page — the page with your photo, name, date of birth, passport number, and expiry date
  • If you have multiple valid passports — upload copies of all of them
  • If your passport was renewed during the process — upload both the old and new passport biographical pages

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If Your Passport Expires During Processing

  • Renew your passport as soon as possible
  • Update your IRCC secure account with your new passport information immediately
  • Do not wait until your application is approved — an expired passport can delay or affect your application

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Travel Documents — Special Cases

If you hold a travel document instead of a passport — such as a refugee travel document or a certificate of identity — you must still provide it as part of your application. IRCC accepts:

  • Refugee travel documents
  • Certificates of identity
  • Valid US Refugee Travel Documents with proof of lawful permanent resident status (for US lawful permanent residents only)

If you hold a travel document rather than a national passport, contact us to discuss how this may affect your Express Entry application.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No. A valid passport is a mandatory requirement. You cannot create a complete Express Entry profile or submit a permanent residence application without one.

Renew your passport and update your Express Entry profile in your IRCC secure account with the new passport details as soon as possible.

Yes. You must enter your passport details when creating your profile in the Express Entry pool.

You may use either passport. However, you must be consistent — use the same passport throughout your application. If you change passports during the process, update your IRCC account immediately and upload both passport biographical pages.

Apply for your child’s passport as early as possible. Every family member included in your application needs their own valid passport before you can submit your permanent residence application.

No. You must travel to Canada using the same passport that was used to issue your PR visa. If you have renewed your passport, ensure IRCC has updated your file before you travel.

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Related Resources

For the most current passport and travel document requirements, visit the official IRCC Passport and Travel Documents page.

Need Help?

Passport issues can delay or complicate your Express Entry application. If you are unsure about your passport situation or have a special case, we can review your profile and advise you on the best course of action.

📞 Call us: 647-409-2220 🌐 Visit: ghasedak.ca 📩 Start with a free eligibility assessment — book your consultation today.