Passport validity - Express entry

When we applied for Canadian express entry,  our passports had validity for multiple years and we didn't have to think about it. However when many people, whose passports were expiring in the next few months, asked us about the same, we had thought of writing up this post.

Importance of Passport

Even outside of Express entry,  this is a very important document that should be kept carefully. It is one's identity and so make sure that each of your immediate family members has one. For Express entry,  you submit your latest passport (i.e. if you have renewed your passport in the past) and don't have to submit old/canceled passport(s).

Express entry pre-requisites 

When you give IELTS exam, your test results has the passport number that you supply.  If you have requested a new passport after your exam, we recommend mentioning that in the letter of explanation and uploading the old passport (page with your picture with name and date of birth) when you submit your application post-ITA.

What complications can arise?

If your name has changed (i.e. first, middle and/or last name) or marital status or spouse name has changed then you need to get an affidavit and mention the same in thd letter of explanation.  This is important because the visa officer would want to ensure that you are indeed the same person. It is a very common scenario. Many nations have passports issued for 10 years and so it could be quite possible that your name/marital status/spouse name has changed.

Where is my passport number required?

1. When you create express entry profile. 
2. Post getting the invite to apply- 

• Security clearance - Most countries put in the passport number in the final police clearance certificate.  It has a validity of just 6 months. 
• Medical exam - The clinic that will do your exam will ask your passport number and it will have the same in your report. Like security, this is also important because health care is free. They would want to ensure that you are indeed the person that underwent the test.
• Travel history - When your travel history is verified, there is a background check done. Your latest passport number will be very useful.

3. Once you get the golden email

If you are from one of the countries that need a visa to enter Canada then you would have to send your passport to get a one-time stamp. If you have changed passports then you will have to explain the same. Send both passports and if there a change in the demographic page i.e. name, dob, marital status then you would have to submit an affidavit for the same. The visa officer might choose to contact you for clarification. 

You get a document called CoPR i.e. confirmation of permanent residence for every family member. This is a very important document that is needed for 1st time landing.

Landing 

If you renew your passport after you get the CoPR and your old passport then make sure that your carry the old passport too because it has the "one-time entry " stamp.

Final take

The express entry process has an official SLA of 6 months. You get usually couple of months to land in Canada.  Sometimes you could have delays further than 6 months. To avoid any questions from visa officials and backforth, please ensure that all family members have a passport that at least has a year's validity. This can save you a lot of headaches!

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