Are you considering relocating to another country? If Yes, Hold on! Are you aware of the recent updates on immigration to your destination? This is where an immigration consultant plays a crucial role.

At MilkyWay Immigration Consultants, we pride ourselves on providing top-tier advice and support to individuals seeking new opportunities abroad. We are here to let you know the most important documents for international travel and work: the Canadian passport. Recently ranked the seventh most powerful in the world, the Canadian passport offers unparalleled benefits and opportunities for global mobility.

Latest Ranking Status of Canadian Passport

Henley & Partners, the residence and citizenship consultancy organization, has issued the ranking of world passports in 2024, which incorporates data from the International Air Transport Authority.

The 2024 Henley Passport Index reveals that the Canadian passport offers visa-free access to 187 countries, placing it in the seventh position globally, alongside Czechia, Hungary, and Malta.195 countries.

Historical Strength

The Canadian passport has consistently maintained a strong position in global rankings. In 2014, it was ranked as the second most powerful passport by Henley & Partners, highlighting its longstanding benefits for international mobility. Over the past two decades, it has never fallen out of the top ten, demonstrating its reliability and value for Canadian citizens.

Benefits of Holding a Canadian Passport

• Visa-Free Travel

One of the most major benefits of having a Canadian passport is the numerous visa-free travel opportunities it provides. Canadian citizens can visit 187 countries without the need to apply for a visa in advance. This freedom is especially useful to regular travellers, business professionals, and those looking for new cultural experiences.

• Dual Citizenship

Canada allows its citizens to hold dual citizenship, meaning you can retain your Canadian passport while acquiring another nationality. This flexibility enhances travel and work opportunities, making the Canadian passport a valuable asset for global mobility.

• Work and Study Opportunities

In addition to visa-free travel, Canadian passport holders often enjoy favorable work and study conditions in many countries. This opens doors to international career advancements and educational prospects, further enhancing the value of Canadian citizenship.

How to Obtain a Canadian Passport

Becoming a Citizen

The first step in securing a Canadian passport is to achieve Canadian citizenship. For individuals not born in Canada, this typically involves acquiring permanent residency and meeting the physical presence criteria for citizenship. You need to have lived in Canada for a minimum of three out of the last five years, amounting to a total of 1,095 days.

Citizenship Requirements

Besides the residency requirement, there are further criteria to meet:

1. Tax Filing: You must submit and pay any unpaid taxes throughout your residency period.

2. Citizenship Test: Take a Canadian citizenship test to measure your knowledge of the country’s history, values, institutions, and symbols.

3. Language fluency: Demonstrate fluency in one of Canada’s official languages, English or French, at least at the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4.

Application Process

Once you fulfill these requirements and complete the citizenship ceremony, you can apply for a Canadian passport. The application process requires providing numerous documents, including:

•  Proof of Canadian citizenship (e.g., citizenship certificate or birth certificate)
•  Valid Canadian passport or travel document in your name
• Two references to support your passport application
• Identity verification document
• Two identical passport-size photographs
• If you are applying for the first time, you will need a guarantor. The guarantor must meet certain standards depending on the kind of passport and application location.
• Applications can be submitted online or at a Service Canada location, either by appointment or walk-in.

The ePassport: Increased security and convenience

All new Canadian passports are 36-page booklets equipped with a data chip. They are known as ePassports. The advantages of the ePassport include:

• Increased the level of identity checks to prevent the likelihood of tampering and fraud.
• If the necessary equipment is available, facial recognition systems can employ a digital face image to authenticate the identification of passport holders at borders.
• Tougher identity checks reduce the likelihood of other countries placing visa restrictions on tourists.
• Digital security components and images unique to Canada that help border authorities determine the passport’s legitimacy and validity.

The Data Chip and Your Information

When information is first stored on the e-chip in the passport, it becomes electronically locked. This ensures that your information is not tampered with or changed. The e-chip will not keep any further information about you or your trips. The data stored on the chip matches the details printed on page 2 of the passport.

Crossing the Border with an ePassport

At a border inspection checkpoint with an ePassport reader:

• Border officials will open your passport and place it on the reader.
• The chip is read through the printed machine-readable zone (the lines at the bottom of the page).
• The reader confirms the legitimacy and validity of the ePassport data.
• Additional security measures are reviewed.

If an ePassport reader is not available at a border crossing, your ePassport will be treated as though it were not an electronic passport. It will be reviewed through the standard process.

The Future of Global Mobility

The Canadian passport’s strong ranking is a testament to Canada’s diplomatic relations and the respect it commands on the global stage. As international travel resumes post-pandemic, holding a Canadian passport will continue to offer substantial benefits and opportunities.

Summing Up

The Canadian passport is more than just a travel document; it is a gateway to global opportunities. With its high ranking and extensive benefits, it offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility. At MilkyWay, we understand the importance of staying updated about global mobility trends and immigration policies. Our experts are here to guide you through the process of obtaining Canadian citizenship and leveraging the benefits of a Canadian passport.

For more information on how to obtain a Canadian passport or to explore your eligibility for Canadian immigration, contact us today. Let us open the doors to a world of possibilities!