Chaim V'Chessed

Canadian Citizenship

Published on January 16, 2023 Print this guide

For detailed information on the citizenship process, visit the Canadian Embassy’s website.

Passports for Children (0-16)

A first-time child passport application must be combined with an application for a Certificate of Citizenship (see below). Normally, a passport is only issued after one obtains a citizenship certificate, a process that takes a number of months. However, if your child needs a passport before the certificate will be ready, he or she may receive one, provided the Passport Program can confirm one parent’s Canadian citizenship.

You will need a guarantor to complete a child’s first-time passport application or renewal. A guarantor is a Canadian citizen aged 18 or older who holds a valid adult Canadian passport (issued after age 16), has known the parent for at least two years and has knowledge of the child.

Passports for children are valid for a maximum of five years. A child’s passport remains valid until it reaches its expiry date, even after the child turns 16. To renew a child’s passport, repeat the steps for a first-time child’s passport.

You must schedule an appointment online before visiting the Embassy for any reason besides document pickups. If this is your child’s first passport, be sure to schedule an appointment for both a passport application and a citizenship application.

Required Documents

All documents must be originals for your application to be accepted. Any documents that are not in English or French must be submitted along with a translation produced by a certified translator. Never send substitute documents or any documents that were not requested.

  1. Complete application form PPTC 042. To save time, complete it on the computer, then print. Do not leave anything blank; write N/A (not applicable) if a question does not apply to you.
  2. Original Certificate of Citizenship (see below)
  3. Two identical passport pictures, 2 X 2¾ inches. Photos must be taken within 6 months prior to application. Photo specifications must be met in order for applications to be accepted. Take pictures with a photographer that has experience with Canadian requirements. The Embassy will reject the picture if there is a shadow, the ears are not showing, etc. One photo must have the following information on the back:
    1. Guarantor’s note and signature of full name: “I certify this to be a true likeness of (applicant’s name)”
    2. Name and complete address of the photo studio and the date the photo was taken. This may be stamped or handwritten by the photographer.
  4. Original Israeli birth certificate with all details filled in. You may need to press the Misrad Hapnim official to fill it in completely.
  5. Any valid Canadian travel document under the child’s name, if applicable
  6. Canadian parent’s birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate
  7. Canadian parent’s passport and at least one extra form of photo ID, such as a Canadian health card or driver’s license
  8. Itinerary indicating travel plans within the next six weeks, if applicable
  9. Fee of 100 Canadian dollars, paid with a credit card that can be charged in Canada, or with a cashier’s check (personal checks not accepted)

Submit the application form and all documents to the Canadian Embassy in Tel Aviv in person or by mail. To pay for an application by mail with a credit card, fill out the official credit card authorization form.

Mail: Embassy of Canada, Consular Section, P.O. Box 9442, Tel Aviv 61093, Israel

Street address: Canada House, 3/5 Nirim Street, 4th Floor, Tel Aviv 6706038

Processing time is officially 20 business days, but during busy seasons, even that may not be practical. Preferably, submit your application six weeks before any planned travel.

Certificate of Citizenship

Information in this article pertains to acquiring proof of citizenship for a child born outside Canada to Canadian parent/s who were born in Canada.

Required Documents

This application must be submitted in person. If you are applying for more than one person at a time, include all of the applications in one envelope and they will be processed together.

For a first-time citizenship certificate, provide certified copies of all required documents. For a replacement, provide photocopies. All documents must be in English or French or submitted otherwise with a certified translation.

  1. Application form CIT 0001. Do not leave anything blank; write N/A (not applicable) if a question does not apply to you.
  2. Two identical passport pictures, 2 X 2¾ inches. Photos must be taken within 6 months prior to application. Photo specifications must be met in order for applications to be accepted. One photo must have the name and complete address of the photo studio and the date the photo was taken. This may be stamped or handwritten by the photographer. Note: if you are simultaneously applying for a passport, you will need four altogether.
  3. Israeli birth certificate that lists applicant’s parents
  4. Marriage/divorce certificate and/or legal name change certificate of applicant, if applicable
  5. All previous citizenship/naturalization certificates, if applicable
  6. For a minor’s application: Canadian parent’s birth certificate or Canadian citizenship certificate, Canadian passport and at least one extra form of personal ID, such as a Canadian health card or driver’s license
  7. The Documents Checklist: refer to for guidance and include in your application
  8. Application fee: 75 Canadian dollars (non-refundable)

Submit your application and all required documents to the Canadian Embassy. Processing takes between five months and a year. You may receive a temporary passport once you submit your citizenship certificate application. In this case, be sure to extend the terms of the passport later. Your application status may be viewed online.

Renewing an Adult Passport

To renew an adult Canadian passport, your old passport must meet the following criteria:
  • have the same name that you would like to appear on the new passport;
  • be issued with a 5 or 10 year validity;
  • have been issued within 15 years before the date you apply for the renewal
  • have been issued when you were at least 16 years of age.
To renew your passport, you will need:
  1. Form PPTC 482
  2. Your current passport ‒ it will be canceled and may not be used for travel in the future
  3. 2 identical passport photos ‒ according to Canadian photo specifications
  4. In case of name change: original marriage certificate or name change documentation. You may be required to appear in person.
  5. Fee: 190 Canadian dollars for a 5-year passport or 260 Canadian dollars for a 10-year passport, paid with a credit card that can be charged in Canada or with a cashier’s check (personal checks not accepted)

On the form, list two references. These are used to confirm the identity of the applicant. It is best to use someone who lives in the country you are currently located in. A reference needs to have known you for at least 2 years, may not be an immediate family member, and must be at least 18 years of age.

Submit application to the Canadian Embassy in Tel Aviv in person or by mail (registered mail recommended). The Embassy will notify you when your documents are ready for pickup. Alternatively, you may request that they be mailed to you.

Who Needs to Appear at the Canadian Embassy?

Certificate of Citizenship application (generally combined with first-time passport application): Adult applicant or one Canadian parent of child applicant (child need not appear)

Child/adult passport renewal application: May be mailed or submitted in person by one parent (note: use registered mail, as you will be sending in original documents)

Document pickup: The applicant (or parent, in case of child) OR a messenger who bears (a) original personal photo ID, (b) the applicant’s original photo ID, and (c) a statement of consent containing the applicant’s ID number and signed by the applicant. You may alternatively request that your documents be mailed to you.