How to Apply for a Canadian Passport While in Australia

If you are a Canadian citizen living in or visiting Australia, you can apply for a new Canadian passport, renew your passport, or replace a lost or stolen passport through the High Commission of Canada in Canberra or the Canadian Consulates in Sydney and Melbourne. Below is a step-by-step guide.


1. Confirm Your Eligibility and Passport Type

Before applying, determine what kind of passport you need:

  • Adult Passport (age 16 and older) – valid for 5 or 10 years.
  • Child Passport (under 16 years old) – valid for 5 years.
  • Renewal – available if your most recent passport is still valid or expired within the last year, was issued when you were 16 or older, and meets other criteria.
  • Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports – require additional forms and explanation.

2. Complete the Correct Application Form

Forms for Canadians abroad are available on the Government of Canada website. Depending on your situation, you will use:

  • PPTC 132 – Adult Abroad General Application
  • PPTC 042 – Adult Simplified Renewal Abroad Application
  • PPTC 155 – Child Abroad General Application

Print the form, fill it out in black ink, and ensure no corrections are made with white-out.


3. Gather Required Documents

You must include:

  • Proof of Canadian citizenship (Canadian birth certificate or Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, or previous Canadian passport).
  • Two passport photos (meeting Canadian specifications—many professional photo services in Australia are familiar with these).
  • Valid identification (driver’s licence, foreign passport, or other government-issued photo ID).
  • Guarantor and references (for general applications; not always required for renewals).
  • Applicable fees (payable by credit card or bank draft/money order to the “Receiver General for Canada”).

4. Submit Your Application

You cannot apply online while abroad—you must submit your application by mail or in person to a Canadian government office in Australia:

  • High Commission of Canada in Canberra
  • Consulate General of Canada in Sydney
  • Consulate General of Canada in Melbourne

Contact details are available on the Government of Canada’s official site.


5. Processing Times and Passport Delivery

  • Standard processing abroad: Usually 20 business days or more, not including mailing time.
  • Urgent processing: Limited and only available in special circumstances (proof of emergency travel required).
  • Passports are usually returned by registered or courier mail, so provide a secure return envelope.

6. Lost or Stolen Passports

If your passport is lost or stolen in Australia, report it immediately to both local authorities and the Canadian mission. You’ll need to complete a Declaration (PPTC 203) and provide additional supporting documents before a replacement can be issued.


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