Who can apply

There are 2 types of travel documents for non-Canadians:

• refugee travel document
  • We issue these to protected persons in Canada, including Convention refugees and persons in need of protection.
• certificate of identity
  • We issue these to permanent residents of Canada who either
    • are not protected persons and are stateless or
    • can’t obtain a passport from their country or a travel document from any other source

Once we receive your application, we decide

• which type of travel document to give you
• how long it will be valid for

You can't use these documents to travel to your country of citizenship.

You should contact the embassy of the country you plan to visit (opens in a new tab) to check if your travel document will be accepted.

Travel documents for children

You may apply for a travel document for a child (under the age of 16) if you are 1 of the following:

• one of the child’s parents with proof of parentage
• if separated or divorced, the person with parental rights and all the necessary legal documents
• the child’s legal guardian with proof of legal guardianship

• Next: How to apply