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 cannot use these documents to travel to your country of citizenship.

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 custodial parent with all the necessary legal documents
• the child’s legal guardian with proof of legal guardianship

• Next: How to apply