How to Apply for a Refugee Travel Document or Certificate of Identity in Canada
Learn how to apply from inside Canada for a refugee travel document or certificate of identity, including who qualifies, the PPTC 190 application, proof of status, guarantor and reference rules, 2026 adult fees, mailing addresses and the 20-business-day service standard.
CA Canada
Immigration & Travel ~ 12 min read
18 FAQ
Updated 2026-08-27
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Canada uses one application process for both refugee travel documents and certificates of identity, and the issuing office decides which document you qualify for. A refugee travel document is for protected persons in Canada, including Convention refugees and persons in need of protection. A certificate of identity is for permanent residents who are not protected persons and are stateless or cannot obtain a national passport or travel document from another source. You must be in Canada and apply by mail; in-person applications are not available. Adults use Form PPTC 190 and need proof of immigration status, identity documents, any valid passport or travel document in their name, 2 passport photos, an eligible guarantor and 2 references. As of March 31, 2026, the adult refugee travel document fee is CAD $122.50 and the adult certificate of identity fee is CAD $266.25. The service standard is 20 business days after a complete application is received, not including mailing time.
What you need
- You must be in Canada when you apply because these travel document services are only available in Canada.
- Adults age 16 or older use Form PPTC 190.
- You need a photocopy of acceptable proof of your immigration status in Canada.
- You need at least one valid identity document that meets the Passport Program requirements.
- You must submit any valid passport or travel document already issued in your name.
- You need 2 identical passport photos that meet the official photo requirements.
- You need an eligible guarantor who lives in Canada, is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, has personally known you for at least 6 months and belongs to an approved occupation.
- Adult applicants also need 2 references who meet the travel document reference requirements and have known them for at least 6 months.
- Documents must be in English or French, or accompanied by an official translation.
- You must pay the applicable fee and include the payment receipt with the mailed application.
Eligibility
A refugee travel document is issued to protected persons in Canada, including Convention refugees and persons in need of protection.
A certificate of identity is issued to permanent residents of Canada who are not protected persons and who are either stateless or unable to obtain a passport from their country or a travel document from any other source.
The same application process is used for both documents. You do not choose the final document type yourself; after reviewing the application, the issuing office decides whether to issue a refugee travel document or certificate of identity and determines its validity period.
You must be physically in Canada to apply. These documents are not issued through Canadian missions abroad.
How to do it
- Confirm that you are in Canada and fit either the protected-person rules for a refugee travel document or the permanent-resident rules for a certificate of identity.
- Download and complete Form PPTC 190 if you are age 16 or older. Sign every page that requires your signature.
- Gather proof of your immigration status in Canada, such as an eligible permanent resident card, temporary resident permit, Immigration and Refugee Board notice of decision, IRCC Verification of Status or positive pre-removal risk assessment results letter.
- Gather at least one valid identity document that includes your name, date of birth, photo and signature and meets the Passport Program requirements.
- Include any valid passport or travel document already issued in your name.
- Get 2 identical passport photos. Have the photographer add the required information to the back of one photo and have your guarantor certify that photo.
- Find an eligible guarantor who meets the special requirements for refugee travel documents and certificates of identity.
- Provide 2 eligible references who have known you for at least 6 months.
- Translate any supporting document that is not in English or French according to the official requirements.
- Pay the applicable travel document fee online and print the receipt. For applications received on or after March 31, 2026, the adult refugee travel document fee is $122.50 and the adult certificate of identity fee is $266.25.
- Mail the complete application to the Passport Program. In-person applications are not available for these documents.
- Use traceable mail or a certified courier if you want proof of delivery.
- Do not finalize travel plans until the travel document has been issued. The service standard is 20 business days, not including mailing time.
- When the document arrives, check all personal information immediately and sign page 3 with a black or blue ballpoint pen if you are an adult.
Which Canadian travel document should you apply for?
Canada issues two travel documents for eligible non-Canadians: the refugee travel document and the certificate of identity.
You use the same application process for both. You do not need to decide which document to request before applying because the issuing office reviews your immigration status and circumstances and decides which document to issue.
The official process is explained on the travel documents for non-Canadians page.
Who qualifies for a refugee travel document?
A refugee travel document is issued to residents of Canada who are protected persons, including:
- Convention refugees;
- persons in need of protection.
IRCC and the Passport Program may use documents such as an Immigration and Refugee Board decision, Confirmation of Permanent Residence, Verification of Status or positive pre-removal risk assessment documentation to confirm the relevant immigration status.
Who qualifies for a certificate of identity?
A certificate of identity is intended for a permanent resident of Canada who is not a protected person and who either:
- is stateless; or
- cannot obtain a national passport from their country or a travel document from any other source.
Permanent resident status alone does not automatically qualify someone for a certificate of identity. The inability to obtain another national travel document is part of the eligibility test.
Can you apply from outside Canada?
No. You must be in Canada to apply.
The Passport Program states that refugee travel documents and certificates of identity are only issued in Canada and that travel document services are not available outside Canada.
Can you travel to your country of citizenship?
The Government of Canada states that you cannot use these documents to travel to your country of citizenship.
Before arranging travel elsewhere, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit and confirm that it accepts your Canadian travel document and whether you need a visa.
The Passport Program specifically recommends checking acceptance before travelling because entry requirements are controlled by the destination country.
Which application form do adults use?
Applicants age 16 or older use PPTC 190, Adult Travel Document Application.
The form is used for both refugee travel documents and certificates of identity. Complete it carefully and sign each required page.
You can get the current form from the official application instructions.
What documents do you need for an adult application?
A standard adult application includes:
- a photocopy of your proof of immigration status in Canada;
- at least one valid identity document;
- any valid passport or travel document issued in your name;
- 2 identical passport photos;
- the completed application;
- your fee payment receipt.
Additional documents may be required if you are changing your name, changing the sex or gender identifier, or replacing a lost, stolen or damaged travel document.
What can you use as proof of immigration status?
The Passport Program lists examples including:
- a valid permanent resident card;
- a temporary resident permit;
- a notice of decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board;
- an IRCC Verification of Status document;
- a positive pre-removal risk assessment results letter.
Your proof should match the status under which you are requesting the travel document.
What ID do you need?
You must provide at least one valid document supporting your identity.
The identity document must generally include your:
- name;
- date of birth;
- photo;
- signature.
It must be issued by an appropriate federal, provincial, territorial or state authority, or an equivalent authority outside Canada.
You can review the official supporting identity document rules.
How many passport photos do you need?
You need 2 identical passport photos.
On the back of one photo:
- the photographer must write or stamp their name, studio address and the date the photo was taken;
- your guarantor must sign it and write the required certification that the photo is a true likeness of you.
Stick-on labels from the photographer are not accepted for the required studio information.
Who can be your guarantor?
The guarantor rules for these travel documents are more specific than simply asking a friend to sign the application.
Your guarantor must:
- live in Canada;
- be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- be available to verify your application;
- have personally known you for at least 6 months;
- belong to an approved occupation;
- be properly registered or licensed where their profession requires it;
- currently work in that profession.
Examples of approved occupations include medical doctors, dentists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, notaries public, optometrists, veterinarians, postmasters and mayors.
Check the complete guarantor and reference rules before asking someone to sign your application.
Do you also need references?
Yes. An adult applicant must provide 2 references in addition to the guarantor.
The references and guarantor must have known you for at least 6 months. The application form asks for the reference information required by the Passport Program.
What if your documents are not in English or French?
Documents submitted with the application must be in English or French.
If an original document is in another language, you must provide an official translation that meets the Passport Program requirements.
How much does a refugee travel document or certificate of identity cost in 2026?
Passport and travel document fees increased on March 31, 2026.
| Adult document, age 16 or older | Fee for applications received on or after March 31, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Refugee travel document | CAD $122.50 |
| Certificate of identity | CAD $266.25 |
The fee that applies to a mailed application is based on the date the Passport Program receives it, not the day you place it in the mail.
Check the current Canadian travel document fee page before paying.
How do you pay the fee?
You can pay the travel document fee online.
After payment, print the receipt and include it with the application package. The online payment process requires a valid email address and an accepted credit, debit or prepaid card.
Can you apply online or in person?
No online or in-person application is available for this procedure. The application must be mailed.
The Passport Program recommends using a certified courier or traceable mail service so you can protect the original documents and track delivery.
Where do you mail the application?
For a private courier, the current address is:
Humanitarian and Identity Operations Branch - PPT-COI
3050 Wilson Ave
New Waterford, NS B1H 5V8
Canada
For regular non-courier mail:
POD PPT-COI
PO Box 8100 Stn A
Sydney, NS B1P 0M2
Canada
Always confirm the current addresses on the official application page before mailing the package.
How long does processing take?
The current service standard for a refugee travel document or certificate of identity is 20 business days.
The clock starts once the Passport Program has:
- the complete application form;
- all supporting documents;
- full payment of the required fee.
Mailing time is not included.
Some applications take longer when officials need corrections, replacement photos, more documents, routine verification or security checks. Check the current travel document service standards.
What if you need the document urgently after applying?
If you have already submitted the application and now need the document urgently, the Passport Program allows you to contact it through the designated web form.
State that your request concerns a Certificate of Identity or Refugee Travel Document and provide your travel date and the reason for the urgent request.
The Passport Program says it aims to respond to urgent requests sent through the web form within 3 business days. This is a response target, not a guarantee that the document itself will be issued within three days.
Should you book travel before the document arrives?
The Passport Program recommends that you do not finalize travel plans until you receive the travel document.
A service standard is not a guarantee that every application will be finished within that period, especially when extra review or documents are needed.
What happens if your application is incomplete?
If the application is incomplete, the Passport Program will return it to you.
If this happens after you paid online and you decide not to resubmit, you must request a refund of the online payment.
A returned application delays the process, which is why it is worth checking the form, photos, guarantor signatures, identity evidence, immigration status proof and payment receipt before mailing it.
How will you receive the travel document?
If the application is approved, the Passport Program mails the travel document and your original documents back to you. They may arrive in separate packages.
If you move shortly after applying and have not yet received the travel document, update the Passport Program with your new mailing address.
What should you do when the document arrives?
Check the personal information immediately. If anything is incorrect, contact the Passport Program.
An adult should sign the travel document on page 3 using a black or blue ballpoint pen.
Do not let someone else sign it for you. Signing another person's travel document can make it invalid.
What is different for a child under 16?
A child under 16 uses Form PPTC 192.
A parent, person with decision-making responsibility or legal guardian may apply, depending on the family situation and the required legal documents.
The application may require:
- proof of the child's immigration status;
- proof of parentage or legal guardianship;
- court or family-law documents dealing with custody, decision-making responsibility, parenting time, access or mobility;
- any valid passport or travel document in the child's name;
- 2 identical passport photos;
- an eligible guarantor.
The guarantor must have known the applicant parent or guardian for at least 6 months and must know of the child.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Applying from outside Canada.
- Assuming you can choose the final document type instead of letting the issuing office determine it.
- Sending an incomplete PPTC 190 application.
- Using a guarantor who does not meet the special occupation and residency requirements.
- Forgetting the 2 references on an adult application.
- Submitting photos without the required photographer and guarantor information.
- Failing to include an official translation for documents in another language.
- Paying an outdated fee after a fee change.
- Using a refugee travel document or certificate of identity to travel to your country of citizenship.
- Booking non-refundable travel before the document has been issued.
Travel document application checklist
- Confirm that you are physically in Canada.
- Confirm whether your status fits the refugee travel document or certificate of identity rules.
- Complete PPTC 190 if you are 16 or older.
- Gather proof of immigration status.
- Gather valid identity evidence.
- Include any valid passport or travel document in your name.
- Get 2 compliant passport photos.
- Find an eligible guarantor.
- Provide 2 references for an adult application.
- Translate documents not written in English or French.
- Check the current fee before paying.
- Print and include your payment receipt.
- Mail the package to the correct Passport Program address.
- Use traceable mail or courier if you want proof of delivery.
- Allow for the 20-business-day service standard plus mailing time.
- Do not finalize travel until the document is in your hands.
Frequently asked questions
Who can get a refugee travel document in Canada?
Refugee travel documents are issued to protected persons in Canada, including Convention refugees and persons in need of protection.
Who can get a certificate of identity in Canada?
A certificate of identity may be issued to a Canadian permanent resident who is not a protected person and is stateless or cannot obtain a passport from their country or a travel document from another source.
Do I choose between a refugee travel document and a certificate of identity?
No. The same application process is used for both. The issuing office reviews your situation and decides which document to issue and how long it will be valid.
Can I apply for a refugee travel document from outside Canada?
No. The Passport Program states that you must be in Canada and that these travel document services are not available outside Canada.
What form do I use for a refugee travel document?
Adults age 16 or older use Form PPTC 190. Children under 16 use Form PPTC 192. The same forms are used for certificate of identity applications.
Can I apply online for a refugee travel document in Canada?
No. The current Passport Program instructions require refugee travel document and certificate of identity applications to be submitted by mail. In-person service is also not available.
How much is an adult refugee travel document in 2026?
For applications received on or after March 31, 2026, the adult refugee travel document fee is CAD $122.50.
How much is an adult certificate of identity in 2026?
For applications received on or after March 31, 2026, the adult certificate of identity fee is CAD $266.25.
How long does a refugee travel document take in Canada?
The Passport Program's service standard is 20 business days after it receives a complete application, all supporting documents and full payment. Mailing time is not included.
Do I need a guarantor for a refugee travel document?
Yes. The guarantor must live in Canada, be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, have known you for at least 6 months, be available to verify the application and belong to an approved occupation.
Do I need references as well as a guarantor?
Adult applicants need 2 references in addition to the guarantor. The references and guarantor must meet the Passport Program requirements.
What proof of status can I use?
Examples listed by the Passport Program include a valid PR card, temporary resident permit, IRB notice of decision, IRCC Verification of Status document and a positive pre-removal risk assessment results letter.
How many photos do I need?
You need 2 identical passport photos. The photographer must add the required studio information to the back of one photo, and your guarantor must certify that photo.
Can I use a refugee travel document to visit my country of citizenship?
No. The Government of Canada states that these travel documents cannot be used to travel to your country of citizenship.
Will every country accept a Canadian refugee travel document?
Not necessarily. Canada advises you to contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to confirm whether the document is accepted and whether a visa is required.
What happens if my application is incomplete?
The Passport Program will return an incomplete application. This can delay the process because the service standard applies to complete applications.
Can I ask for urgent processing after I already applied?
If you have already applied and now need the document urgently, contact the Passport Program through its web form, identify the request as a Certificate of Identity or Refugee Travel Document matter and provide your travel date and reason. The program aims to respond to urgent requests within 3 business days.
Should I book my flight before the travel document is issued?
The Passport Program recommends that you do not finalize travel plans until you have received the travel document.
Official sources
Apply for a travel document for non-Canadians - About the processApply for a travel document for non-Canadians - Who can applyApply for a travel document for non-Canadians - How to applyApply for a travel document for non-Canadians - After you applyCanadian travel documents for non-Canadians in Canada - FeesPassport and travel document fee changes effective March 31, 2026Canadian passports and other travel documents - Service standardsDocuments to support your identity for a travel documentReferences and guarantors for Canadian passport and other travel document applicationsIRCC Help Centre - Refugees travelling outside CanadaRelated procedures
Useful next steps and closely related guides for Canada.
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