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Dual citizens

You should understand the requirements and impacts of travelling or living outside Canada while holding citizenship of another country or countries even when your Canadian citizenship is recognized.

On this page

Canadians with dual citizenship, before you go.

• While you're away

Returning to Canada

Canada allows you to have multiple citizenships while keeping your Canadian citizenship. However, not all countries do allow this. Some countries may even consider it illegal for you to have another citizenship.

Examples of ways you might have another citizenship(s):

• you were born in another country
• you have a parent(s) who was born in, or is a citizen of, another country
• you officially apply for citizenship of another country

Note: You may not even be aware that you have citizenship in another country. For example, even if you’re born in Canada, if you have at least 1 parent who is a citizen of another country, that country may see you as a citizen as well and may not recognize your Canadian citizenship.

Having dual citizenship can also impact other aspects of your personal situation. For instance:

• Child abduction and parenting or custody issues
• Marriage outside Canada

Before leaving Canada to travel to another country where you also hold citizenship: 

• make sure to understand and meet the requirements of dual citizenship for that country
• contact that country’s embassy or consulate in Canada for information on the laws and regulations relating to dual citizenship
• consult Travel Advice and Advisories for country-specific information, including about dual citizenship

It’s important that you find out if you have other citizenships if you’re planning to travel outside of Canada. You may be required to follow certain regulations or face restrictions if you hold citizenship there.

While you’re away

If you hold citizenship in another country, different entry and exit rules may apply to you, even if your Canadian citizenship is recognized there. These requirements may not necessarily apply to other Canadian travellers without dual citizenship. 

Some examples of laws and regulations you may encounter when travelling to or living in a country where you hold citizenship:

• You may need a passport issued by the country to enter, and in some cases exit, that country.
• You may need an exit visa on your passport to leave the country.
• You may need to register your Canadian citizenship upon entry or while you’re there.
• This ban could be due to investigations into you, your family or your employer. It could also be in relation to criminal and civil matters, including business disputes.
• some countries have laws requiring parental permission to exit, depending on your age, gender or marital status.
• Your nationality may have an impact on whether these rules might apply to you.
• You can be forced to register for military service. This could be imposed immediately upon arrival or when attempting to exit the country.
• You may be required to pay taxes , as any other citizen of that country.
• You may need to register your child with the country, even if the child was born in Canada.

Consider the possible laws and regulations when travelling to other countries where you do not hold citizenship. For example:

• If your Canadian passport shows you were born outside Canada, some countries may have specific entry requirements. In some cases, you may not be able to enter the country.

If your Canadian citizenship is not recognized

Limited or no access to canadian consular services.

Based on the country's laws, local authorities could be within their right to prevent Canadian consular officials from assisting you in a consular emergency. Local authorities may refuse your request to access Canadian consular services.

Renouncing your citizenship

You may be forced to give up your Canadian citizenship or be required to renounce your other citizenship.

Learn more about giving up your Canadian citizenship .

If you need help

For help with emergencies outside Canada, contact the:

• nearest Canadian office abroad
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa

If you are a Canadian with dual citizenship, you need to carry a valid Canadian passport to return to Canada by air.

This applies even if:

• the country or countries you’re travelling from require you to carry your other passport
• you’re only passing through

More information about why you need a valid Canadian passport .

Related links

• Find a foreign representative in Canada
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
• Canadian passports - IRCC
• Documents that prove your Canadian citizenship - IRCC
• A Guide for Canadians Detained Abroad - Travel.gc.ca

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Home » Canada Citizenship » Special authorization and its alternatives for Canadian dual citizens

Special authorization and its alternatives for Canadian dual citizens

Sophi is a dual citizen of Canada and France. She recently became a Canadian citizen but urgently had to travel back to France. Now that she wants to travel back to Canada, she may not use her French passport as she is not eligible for an eTA . Sophi is a Canadian citizen, after all. Consequently, she is seeking special authorization to return.

Introduction: the importance of a valid Canadian passport for travel

Thanks to the Mobility rights under the Constitution Act of 1982, Canadians have the right to enter Canada . However, how can you prove you are a Canadian ? Any identification could do the job if you show up at a port of entry . However, when you travel by air, train or ship, the transportation company needs proof that you can travel to Canada. A Canadian passport is the best tool to establish your identity and citizenship.

Other documents, such as a Canadian Citizenship Card (not available to recently naturalized Canadians), a Canadian birth certificate, or a Citizenship Certificate, could reflect your citizenship. Nonetheless, they are not widely recognized. Therefore, your best bet is to show your valid Canadian passport when confirming your identity and citizenship.

What is special authorization? An overview

In the past, Canadian dual citizens of visa-exempt countries could freely travel to Canada with their other passports. For example, if you were a French citizen. You could also travel to Canada with your French passport despite being a Canadian citizen. However, this changed in 2016 when Canada introduced eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for most visa-exempt countries. As a French citizen, you must now apply for an eTA to travel to Canada.

Nonetheless, you may not apply for an eTA as a Canadian citizen. What should you do then? There are two primary solutions:

• Recommended – Get a Canadian passport
• Alternative – Get a special authorization

The latter is not always available, so it is in your best interest to apply for a Canadian passport as soon as possible.

Do US-Canadian dual citizens need a Canadian passport or special authorization?

Since American citizens do not need a visa or eTA to travel to Canada, they may use their passports. In other words, US citizens are exempt from the requirement of a Canadian passport or special authorization, even if they are Canadian citizens. However, at the port of entry, they may still need to establish their Canadian citizenship for the following reasons:

• The right to enter Canada without any issues
• To overcome potential inadmissibility to Canada (e.g., because of a criminal history in the US )
• To remain in Canada for as long as they want
• To verify their right to work or study in Canada

Because of these reasons, it is in the best interest of US-Canada dual citizens to also get a Canadian passport. However, consider the following:

• I am not an expert in the field of American immigration rules. Make sure to follow them as well.
• This group is not eligible for special authorization.

What is special authorization?

A special authorization is an electronic letter from the Canadian authorities. You must carry an electronic or print copy with your visa-exempt passport when boarding a vehicle destined for Canada. You also need other documents that prove you are a Canadian. The following image shows the recommendations by IRCC .

Please note that this option is only available to those dual citizens whose other citizenship is visa-exempt.

Eligibility criteria for special authorization

The recommended permanent solution is to get a Canadian passport. However, you may apply for special authorization if you meet all the following criteria:

• Don’t have a Canadian passport valid for your travel day.
• Your flight to Canada departs in fewer than ten days.
• Possess a valid passport from a country that doesn’t require a visa for Canada.
• You are not a dual citizen of Canada and the United States.

Also, you must meet at least one of the following conditions:

• Previously obtained a Canadian citizenship certificate, or
• Used to have a Canadian passport, or
• You became a Canadian citizen after being a permanent resident in Canada.

Applying for special authorization: a step-by-step guide

To apply, take the following steps:

• Have your current passport from a visa-exempt country next to you. Furthermore, if you have a document that proves your Canadian citizenship, make sure to have them next to you.

• A message box appears. Read it carefully and then click “Continue to special authorization request.”
• Enter your passport and travel information.
• Explaining the urgency of your request
• Mentioning essential information that helps authorities confirm your Canadian citizenship (e.g., your UCI )

You must submit this form in less than ten days before your flight. Since the processing could take time, do your best to submit the form closer to the ten-day limit.

Alternative routes: emergency or regular passports

Special authorization is a band-aid solution. Moreover, sometimes you do not qualify. Here are some examples:

• You are a citizen of a visa-required country
• Your flight is more than ten days from now

To overcome the problem, you’d better apply for a Canadian passport . If you are outside Canada and need a passport urgently, you may email [email protected] or fill out the Emergency contact form . You could alternatively use one of the following phone options:

• The nearest consulate or embassy
• +1 613 996 8885
• Toll-free numbers in specific locations

Please note that these contact information are not for immigration matters . Only call them if you need assistance receiving a Canadian passport outside Canada.

Canadian authorities sometimes issue an eight-page temporary passport for you to facilitate your travel. Such passports expire in a year or less. Therefore, in such situations, you must apply for a regular passport as soon as possible.

Let us help!

If you need assistance in obtaining special authorization, please book a consultation session with me . Alternatively, you may contact us or fill out the following form if you are facing immigration issues.

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Comparing Family-Based Immigration in the US and Canada

Proposed Changes for Easy Cancellations of Temporary Residence

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Disclaimer: This article provides information of a general nature only. Considering the fluid nature of the immigration world, it may no longer be current. Of course, the item does not give legal advice. Therefore, do not rely on it as legal advice or immigration advice. Consequently, no one could hold us accountable for the content of these articles. Of course, if you have specific legal questions, you must consult a lawyer. Alternatively, if you are looking for immigration advice, book an appointment.

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Travellers Visitors to Canada

October 1, 2022 : covid-19 emergency border measures ended.

Refer to COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders for details.

Have proper identification

You must carry proper identification for yourself and any children travelling with you to help confirm your legal right or authorization to enter Canada when you arrive.

All visitors arriving from or transiting through the United States should visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information concerning the requirements to enter, transit through, or return to the United States.

Identification requirements for U.S. citizens and permanent residents

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must carry proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, or a Certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification. If you are a U.S. permanent resident, ensure you carry proof of your status such as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card.

For members of a Trusted Traveller program

U.s. citizens.

U.S. citizens who are members of the NEXUS program can use their membership card as proof of identification and citizenship when entering Canada by land, air or water. This applies when you are using either conventional or NEXUS-only lanes. U.S. citizens who are members of FAST may use their membership card when entering Canada by land or water only. When travelling by air, FAST cards will only be accepted as proof of identification when you are travelling to Canada from the U.S.

U.S. permanent residents

NEXUS and FAST members who are permanent residents of the U.S. must still travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence. You may be asked to present these documents to the Border Services Officer ( BSO ) when you arrive at the border.

No matter your mode of travel, we recommend you carry a valid passport for all travel abroad, including visits to Canada from the United States. A passport may be required by your airline or other transportation authority, since it is the only universally-accepted, identification document.

Identification requirements for international visitors

All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.

Electronic Travel Authorization

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (USLPR) and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

Certain low-risk foreign nationals from select visa-required countries may also travel to or through Canada by air using an eTA through the eTA expansion program .

Foreign nationals from select visa-required countries may also travel to or through Canada by air using an eTA, if eligible .

Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don’t wait until the last minute. Get help if you have questions before, during or after you apply.

Fake websites

Travellers who apply for an eTA are advised to be cautious in all dealings with companies that claim to offer help in getting an eTA. These companies are not operating on behalf of the Government of Canada. Many have established websites that charge a fee to provide information and submit eTA applications.

This Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an eTA .

Travelling with minors

BSOs watch for missing persons , and may ask detailed questions about any minors travelling with you.

Visit the Children and travel page for more information about travelling abroad with minors.

What you can bring with you

As a visitor, you can bring certain goods into Canada for your own use as personal baggage. Personal baggage includes clothing, camping and sports equipment, cameras and personal computers. This also includes your mode of transportation, including vehicles, private boats and aircraft.

You must declare all goods when you arrive at the first CBSA port of entry. Our BSO s check goods you are bringing in or taking out of Canada to verify what you have declared. If you declare goods when you arrive and take them back with you when you leave, you will not have to pay any duty or taxes. These goods cannot be:

• used by a resident of Canada;
• used on behalf of a business based in Canada;
• given as a gift to a Canadian resident; or
• disposed of or left behind in Canada.

The BSO may ask you to leave a security deposit for your goods. Your deposit will be refunded when you leave Canada with the goods. If this happens, you will be issued a Temporary Admission Permit. We will keep a copy and give you one for your records. When you leave Canada, bring your goods and your copy of the Temporary Admission Permit, to the BSO . You will get a receipt and your security deposit will be refunded by mail.

Making your declaration

Every traveller entering Canada must report to a border services officer and answer all their questions truthfully. Travellers must also report goods they are bringing with them, including food, plant and animal products.

To ensure a smooth border crossing, have all required identification and travel documents in hand. Be ready to make a full and accurate declaration, including the amount of goods in Canadian dollars you are bringing with you.

If you arrive by land, follow the signs to the first checkpoint. A border services officer will check your identification and other travel documents and you will answer their questions.

If you arrive by private boat, go directly to a designated marine telephone reporting site and call the Telephone Reporting Centre ( TRC ) at 1-888-226-7277 to get clearance. For more information, visit the Private boaters page.

If you arrive at one of Canada's main airports , you can complete your customs and immigration declaration your before arrival with Advance Declaration.

At the airport kiosk or eGate, you will scan your travel document and verify your identity. The device will print your declaration and you will bring it to a border services officer.

If you arrive at a smaller Canadian airport, without a kiosk or eGate, you must fill out a paper E-311 CBSA Declaration Card prior to arrival and present it to a border services officer.

Use Advance Declaration and save time!

Submit your customs and immigration information with Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada using your smart phone or your computer. When you use Advance Declaration, you can access express lanes in the arrivals hall. Data shows that it’s up to 50% faster at the airport kiosk or eGate.

Instructions on how to complete the card are attached to the form. You can list up to four people living at the same residence on one card. If there are more than four people living at your address use one additional card for each additional group of four or fewer people. Once the cards are complete you can detach and discard the instructions. Do not fold the card.

Be sure to keep the card handy along with your identification and other travel documents. You will be asked to show this card to our BSOs several times.

If you have any questions about the card or Canadian regulations, ask the BSO when you arrive.

Referrals for secondary services and inspections

At any point during your interactions with our BSOs at a port of entry, you may be referred to our secondary services and inspections area.

We understand that travellers may feel anxious when crossing the border. Referrals to secondary inspection are a normal part of the cross-border travel process that any visitor to Canada may experience.

Why you may be referred to secondary inspection

You may be referred to secondary inspection for a variety of reasons, for example:

• carrying out a random inspection;
• verifying your declaration or documentation;
• asking you more in-depth questions about yourself or inspecting your goods;
• determining your admissibility to Canada or the admissibility of the goods in your possession;
• having you pay duty and taxes;
• completing or processing paperwork to support your entry or the entry of your goods to Canada.

All travellers are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms . Referrals are not made on any discriminatory basis, such as race, nationality, religion, age or gender.

What to expect from secondary inspections

If you are referred for Secondary Services or Inspection, an officer may:

• ask you to provide detailed information about your plans while visiting Canada, or the time you spent abroad;
• make further enquiries, check records, or conduct research to verify your declaration;
• confirm the guardianship of children travelling with you;
• process the payment of duty and taxes;
• inspect your luggage, purse or wallet, electronics (including laptops and cell phones), your vehicle and any additional goods you are transporting;
• examine visually your pet or any animals travelling with you;
• ask you to produce evidence of the money you have available to fund your visit to Canada;
• request that you produce receipts to account for expenses you incurred or purchases made abroad; or
• count your cash or travellers cheques, in your presence.

While most travellers we inspect comply with Canadian laws and regulations, we do encounter individuals who are intent on breaking the law and who attempt to avoid detection. That is why the officer may not always answer specific questions about a Secondary Inspection.

Travelling with alcohol and tobacco

Alcoholic beverages.

You are allowed to bring into Canada only one of the following amounts of alcohol and alcoholic beverages free of duty and taxes:

Alcoholic beverages are products that exceed 0.5% alcohol by volume. Certain alcoholic and wine products that do not exceed 0.5% by volume are not considered alcoholic beverages.

You must meet the minimum age of the province or territory where you enter Canada. Minimum ages are established by provincial or territorial authorities: 18 years for Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec and 19 years for the remaining provinces and territories.

The CBSA classifies "cooler" products according to the alcoholic beverage they contain. For example, beer coolers are considered to be beer and wine coolers are considered to be wine.

The quantities of alcoholic beverages you can import must be within the limit set by provincial and territorial liquor control authorities that apply where you will enter Canada. If the amount of alcohol you want to import exceeds your personal exemption, you will be required to pay the duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply. Contact the appropriate provincial or territorial liquor control authority for more information before you return to Canada.

You must be of legal age in the province of importation. While you are allowed to import more alcoholic beverages than the amounts listed above, you will be responsible for paying duty and taxes on the additional alcoholic beverages you are bringing into Canada.

For more information on bringing alcoholic beverages to Canada, consult the Alcohol and tobacco limits page.

Tobacco products

As a visitor or a temporary resident, you may bring into Canada, free of duty and taxes, all of the following amounts of tobacco products, as long as these items are in your possession when you arrive in Canada:

You can speed up your clearance by having your tobacco products available for inspection when you arrive.

Whether they are stamped or unstamped, if you bring in tobacco products that exceed your personal exemption, you will be required to pay the regular duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply on the excess amount.

Note: You must be 18 years of age to bring tobacco products into Canada under your personal exemption.

Stamped Tobacco Products – Personal exemption amounts

If you wish to import cigarettes, manufactured tobacco and tobacco sticks duty free as part of your personal exemption, the packages must be stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté ". You will find tobacco products sold at duty-free stores marked this way.

Unstamped Tobacco Products – Special duties rate

A special duty rate applies to cigarettes, manufactured tobacco and tobacco sticks that are not stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté".

For example, if you claim a carton of 200 cigarettes as part of your personal exemption and it is not stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté", you will be assessed at a special duty rate.

Unstamped Tobacco Products – Import limits

In addition to your personal exemption amounts, there are limits on the quantity of tobacco products that may be imported if it is not packaged and not stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté ". The limit is currently five units of tobacco products. One  unit of tobacco products consists of one of the following:

For short visits, these quantities may be limited to amounts that are appropriate in respect of the nature, purpose, and duration of the visit.

Restricted/prohibited goods

Certain goods are restricted or prohibited in Canada. To avoid the possibility of penalties, including seizure or prosecution, make sure you have the information you need before attempting to bring items into Canada.

The following are some examples of restricted or prohibited goods:

• Firearms and weapons : You must declare all weapons and firearms at the CBSA port of entry when you enter Canada.
• Food, plants, animals and related products : All food, plants, animals, and related products must be declared. Food can carry disease, such as E. coli. Plants and plant products can carry invasive alien species, such as the Asian Long-Horned Beetle. Animals and animal products can carry diseases, such as avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease.
• Explosives, fireworks and ammunition : You must have written authorization and permits to bring explosives, fireworks and certain types of ammunition into Canada.
• Vehicles : Vehicles include any kind of pleasure vehicles such as passenger cars, pickup trucks, snowmobiles and motor homes, as long as you use them for non-commercial purposes. There are many requirements that apply to importing a vehicle .
• Consumer products : Certain consumer products that could pose a danger to the public (e.g., baby walkers, jequirity beans that are often found in art or bead work) are not allowed to be brought into Canada. Canadian residents should be aware of consumer products that have safety requirements in Canada . Many of these safety requirements are stricter than requirements of other countries.

For more information consult the Restricted and Prohibited Goods page.

Travelling with CAN$10,000 or more

If you have currency or monetary instruments equal to or greater than CAN$10,000 (or the equivalent in a foreign currency) in your possession when arriving in or departing from Canada, you must report to the CBSA. Monetary instruments include items such as stocks, bonds, bank drafts, cheques, and travellers' cheques.

This regulation applies to currency and monetary instruments you have on your person, in your baggage and/or in your vehicle.

When you arrive in Canada with CAN$10,000 or more in your possession, you must report it on the CBSA Declaration Card (if one was provided to you), or in the verbal declaration made to a BSO.

When you leave Canada by air with CAN$10,000 or more in your possession, you must report to the CBSA office within the airport, before clearing security or, if leaving by land or boat, report your intent to export to the CBSA at one of our offices.

For more information, including instructions on how to report your intent to import or export currency in person, by mail, or by courier, you can consult Travelling with CAN$10,000 or more .

Travelling with gifts

If you are travelling with gifts, do not wrap them before crossing the border. If a gift is wrapped, a BSO may need to un-wrap the gift to examine the goods you are bringing into Canada.

Can I enter Canada?

Why some people cannot enter or remain in canada.

There are a number of reasons you can be found inadmissible, denied a visa or refused entry to Canada such as:

• Human or international rights violations
• Criminality
• Organized criminality
• Health grounds
• Financial reasons
• Misrepresentation
• Non-compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
• Having an inadmissible family member

Visit the Determine your eligibility page for more information.

Ministerial relief

If you have been found inadmissible to Canada on grounds of security, certain provisions relating to human or international rights violations, or organized criminality, you may request that the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (the Minister) make a declaration of relief under subsection 42.1(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) if the Minister is satisfied that doing so is not contrary to the national interest. This process is commonly referred to as Ministerial relief.

You may apply for Ministerial relief using BSF766. Refer to the Guide to Applying for a Declaration of Relief Under Subsection 42.1(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act .

Overcome criminal convictions

Depending on the crime, how long ago it was committed, and how you have behaved since the conviction, you may still be allowed to come to Canada, if you:

• convince an immigration officer that you meet the legal terms to be deemed rehabilitated, or
• applied for rehabilitation and were approved, or
• were granted a record suspension, or
• have a temporary resident permit.

Visit the Overcome criminal convictions page for more information.

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Question about special authorization to return to Canada without passport

• Thread starter MapleTraveller
• Start date Jan 12, 2022

MapleTraveller

Full member.

Has anyone here left Canada after citizenship oath but before receiving the Canadian Passport and returned to Canada on the foreign passport using special authorization? As per this website https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/dual-canadian-citizens-visit-canada.html#findOut there is an option to enter Canada for people who have not been issued a Canadian passport that is valid on the day of travel. I wanted to ask if anyone tried getting this special authorization to see if its an fairly easy process or if its actually difficult to get approved to return like this to Canada?  

Curious to know about this too, might have some conflicting travels around our potential oath ceremony date.  

Star Member

Also, I want to know  

canadian1979

Interested to know too. Anyone did this before?  

Champion Member

MapleTraveller said: Has anyone here left Canada after citizenship oath but before receiving the Canadian Passport and returned to Canada on the foreign passport using special authorization? As per this website https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/dual-canadian-citizens-visit-canada.html#findOut there is an option to enter Canada for people who have not been issued a Canadian passport that is valid on the day of travel. I wanted to ask if anyone tried getting this special authorization to see if its an fairly easy process or if its actually difficult to get approved to return like this to Canada? Click to expand...

iceman55 said: Not trying to discourage, but this application is certain to be stuck in some long process so if you're doing this, do it with a plenty of buffer. Click to expand...

melisaba2002

Have you applied for special travel authorization prior leaving Canada or only when returning?  

melisaba2002 said: Have you applied for special travel authorization prior leaving Canada or only when returning? Click to expand...

Dreamlad said: You apply for it while overseas. Click to expand...

melisaba2002 said: Thanks so much for your response! I wasn’t sure if boarding agents will seek my immigration status upon boarding the plane when leaving Canada. Click to expand...

phoenixsong

Dreamlad said: Canada has no exit control. They don't care about you leaving. Click to expand...

phoenixsong said: Dreamlad, question about this: I was in vancouver a couple of weeks ago and Air Canada would not let me checkin (to leave Canada, go to US) till I scanned my PR card! During oath we cut the PR card, so was wondering how do I leave right after and get the cert mailed to my address in US? Hoping to fly in to take oath (no oath letter yet) and leave before I get the cert or passport. Is that possible? I will apply for passport from the US. Reason is: school for kid, that cant be missed for more than a couple of days. Anyone else has ideas how to do this? Click to expand...

canvis2006 said: As long as you have a passport and necessary visa/etc for US entry, the airline should let u board……depends on your usa visa/permit You must carry some sort of proof such as oath ceremony invitation or printout of your status tracker(citizenship) that shows you had oath and became a citizen…..keep that handy. If don’t wanna fly and not a huge issue, drive across to buffalo or detroit or etc…..easier to drive across land border to get to usa. Then apply passport from usa if necessary as long as i can remember, the special authorization to return to canada applies only to countries/passports that do not generally need visas to enter Canada….. (Example like Germany, Holland, USA, UK etc…..powerful passports) if you come from a (poor, developing) country that needs visas to enter Canada then u can’t avail that facility (eg Pakistan, India, Somalia, bangladesh, Iraq, Phillipines, etc)…..unless rules changed recently, best to always check ircc website for this! now for driving to Canada via land border, the CBSA can always verify you in the system to let you in (Always know your UCI or Client ID number as that comes in handy in such situations)…..or a citizenship certificate number(once u have it). Once they verify u they let u in, expect some delays due to this. for the kids school, tell them you’re delayed due to taking oath/citizenship and tell em how long u gonna take. They will understand….just keep em updated. Click to expand...

Hi I was asked for loe of arc, anyone knows how long it can take after that?  

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Special Travel Authorities

Table of contents, 1. ministers, 2. members of parliament, 3. exempt staff, 4. heads of departments and agencies, 5. deputy ministers and gics (gc 8-11 and gcq 8-11), 6.1 general, 6.3 incidentals, 6.4 taxis and parking, 6.6 calls home, 6.7 business class air, 7.1 identify travel costs in contract, 7.2 amounts payable, 7.3 no fees paid, 7.4 air fares, 7.5 private motor vehicles, 7.6 crown-owned vehicles, 7.7 insurance, 7.8 booking air and hotels, 7.9 reimbursement of costs, 7.10 travel advances, 7.11 business and pleasure, 7.12 treasury board approval, 8. students.

• Ministers are excluded from the requirement to follow the terms of the Travel Directive . In a letter from the President of the Treasury Board to his colleagues dated March 17, 1992 , ministers were reminded to use government travel services when booking air travel related to departmental business when pre-paid tickets are needed. Ministers may book directly with carriers, or travel agents, and claim reimbursement following a trip, as long as the department is not billed directly by travel suppliers.
• In the February 25, 1992 Budget, ministers as well as deputy heads and public servants, were directed to refrain from using first class air travel, other than in special circumstances, as highlighted in a letter from the President to his colleagues in May 1992.
• the period covered by the trip and the places visited;
• transportation expenses; and
• other expenses (such as, accommodation and meals).

This statement of expenses may be submitted on a monthly rather than a per-trip basis and must include the following certification, pursuant to Section 34 of the Financial Administration Act :

"I certify that the foregoing expenditures have been incurred by me on official government business." (Minister's signature.)

• The aforementioned 1963 letter also specifies that where requested advances are greater than the actual costs incurred, the difference should be remitted to the department in the form of cash or a personal cheque, made payable to the Receiver General for Canada.

When Members of Parliament other than Cabinet ministers travel on behalf of government departments, their travel expenses shall be governed by the Travel Directive . However, such travel is subject to trip approval by Governor-in-Council of an Order-in-Council submitted to the Privy Council Office in accordance with section 33.1(1)(c) of the Parliament of Canada Act .

When a minister requires exempt staff to travel on departmental business, their expenses are reimbursed in accordance with the Travel Directive. Travel expenditures are chargeable to the minister's operating budget. They should be authorized by the minister or the chief of staff and reviewed by a senior financial officer. The chief of staff's own travel should be authorized by the minister or the minister's senior delegate for financial matters. When exempt staff accompany the minister, the appropriate signature is necessary to upgrade travel to business class, in the event that the minister does not personally sign the travel authority.

Note: Exempt staff equivalent to EX-02 and above travelling on departmental business have the same travel entitlements as the Executive Group, EX-02 and above stipulated in the Special Travel Authorities.

Heads of departments and agencies have discretion over commercial accommodation selected, telephone calls, meals and incidentals in excess of the per diems, based on receipts. Meal expenses should not include alcohol. Costs associated with guests are governed by the TB Hospitality Policy and should be reported as such.

This discretion should be exercised with prudence and probity, mindful that all expenditures must further government objectives. Although specific circumstances may warrant exceptional expenses, the basic norm should be comfortable and convenient, but not excessive. A benchmark may be found in the provisions of the Treasury Board Travel Directive. Deputy ministers and heads of agencies are accountable and must be prepared to justify their expenses in keeping with the responsibility of public office holders to conduct themselves in a manner that can bear the closest public scrutiny.

By Order-In-Council (number P.C. 1997-1810), the government directed that organizations with their own travel authorities, and GICs appointed to such organizations, should also be guided by the above principles. Such organizations are accountable to justify their policies and their heads to justify their personal expenses.

Deputy ministers (1-4) and GC (8-11) and GCQs (8-11) may use business class travel at their discretion but must book through the government travel service. (First class travel was eliminated by Cabinet direction in 1992).

6. Executive Group

• GX, LA-2, Sub-level B; LA-3, Sub-levels A, B and C; MD-MOF-4 and 5 exclusions; MD-MSP-3; PM-MCO-4; DS-7A, 7B and 8 exclusions; and
• Governor-in-Council Appointees whose terms of travel are not otherwise specified on appointment.
• The above-mentioned groups are subject to the terms and conditions of the Travel Directive . In addition, during normal business trips away from the vicinity of the headquarters area (excluding weekends home, extended travel, relocations and expenses related to guests, which automatically fall under hospitality), the following flexibility apply.
• Claims may include the daily meal allowances or actual and reasonable meal expenses based on receipts. When actual expenses are claimed for a given meal (based on receipts), meal allowances are applicable to other meals purchased that day (and no receipts are required).
• Actual meal expenses shall not include alcohol, costs associated with guests or co-workers, or the additional cost of room service, which is to be identified by the claimant. Employees must submit the actual bill for their own meal, rather than claim a bill that covers a number of people, except under the Hospitality Policy .
• The incidental allowance covers such items as laundry, dry cleaning, gratuities, a daily newspaper, luggage depreciation over the duration of a trip, even though a particular expense may be higher on a given day.
• Whenever actual and reasonable expenses are claimed, the Travel Expense Claim must include a brief statement describing why the meal or incidental allowances were inadequate under the specific circumstances.
• The incidental allowance is cumulative. For example, with respect to laundry and dry cleaning costs, even though such expenses are unlikely to occur before day three, the allowance is provided on a daily basis so that when a dry cleaning expense is incurred, the employee has the necessary funds to cover the cost.
• Actual incidental costs may be claimed in unusual circumstances. However, if one decides to claim actual incidental costs instead of the pre-determined incidental allowance, then all incidental expenses reimbursements incurred on that trip will be on the basis of receipts.
• It is recommended that the claims of employees who qualify under the Executive Group be flagged for easy retrieval should the Treasury Board Secretariat request an internal audit.

On overnight business trips away from the vicinity of the headquarters area, actual expenses may be claimed for taxis and parking, based on the honour system (without receipts). Receipts may be submitted if preferred.

The Accommodation and Car Rental Directory no longer lists properties on white or green pages. Accommodations are now listed by the equivalent, as within the city rate limit or above the city rate limit. As a result of changes from the Budget of February 25, 1992 , accommodation above the city limit rate must be justified on the travel claim. Selection of such properties should be because it is cost-effective or because exceptional circumstances warrant.

• For travel in Canada and continental USA, home communication is included in the new revised incidental expense allowance.
• For international travel, the regular telephone provisions of the Travel Directive apply when inter-city authorization codes are not provided or cannot be used because cities are not linked to this network, as is often the case for overseas travel.
• When inter-city authorization codes are provided and may be used, executives should use them and not separately claim the cost of telephone calls home. Executives are asked to exercise discretion in their use of this facility as to the frequency and duration of calls home.
• The February 25, 1992 Budget specified that Deputy Heads will manage a reduction in the use of business class travel. The reduction refers to air travel outside the terms of article 3.4.11 of the Travel Directive which is covered by a collective agreement. It includes travel by the Executive Group, Governor-in-Council appointees, and other situations where business class could be individually authorized.
• The Treasury Board authorized the use of business class air travel for trips of 850 air kilometres or more one way by the following groups and levels, and above:
• outside the NCR: EX-1, LA-2A, PM-MCO 4, GC3 and CGQ3,;
• in the National Capital Region: by EX-2, GX, LA-2B, excluded MD-MOF-4, MD-MSP-3, DS-7A, GC4 and GCQ4 as well as to equivalent senior RCMP and military personnel.
• first class travel was eliminated by Cabinet direction on February 25, 1992 ;
• upgrades to business class do not apply for relocations and weekend travel home (when returning to the duty travel location immediately following the weekend);
• where business or executive class is unavailable, economy (or reduced) fares are to be used. This authority does not provide for the reimbursement of first class air travel;
• this authority does not entitle persons accompanying the above to upgrade their fare at the employer's cost.

7. Persons on contract

The authority to enter into a contract with persons outside the Public Service is contained in the Contracting Policy . The rates and allowances to be reimbursed for government business travel are stipulated in Appendices B, C and D of the Travel Directive . Travel expenses must be treated as an amount payable under the contract for services rendered. All travel expenses payable should be specified and the costs should be included as part of the overall cost of the contract. Only original receipts will be accepted from contractors; photocopies of hotel bills, air tickets, etc. are not claimable.

Where a contract specifies that "travel is in accordance with the Travel Directive ", it refers strictly to the negotiated meal, private vehicle and incidental allowances specified in Appendices B, C and D, and to those policy provisions referring to "travellers" rather than those referring to "employees". It is a department's responsibility to inform contractors (and those bidding on contracts) of the current government rates and allowances.

A contract may be entered into where the only consideration for services rendered is payment of all or part of the travelling expenses incurred, and there are no fees paid. This could include volunteers and private sector experts. Where the contract is a verbal agreement between the parties concerned, officers with payment authority should obtain a memorandum from the contracting authority outlining the agreed-upon terms of the engagement and the applicable travel provisions.

In an effort to contain costs, the department will reimburse consultants for fares up to full-fare economy only. Contractors are required to seek the lowest possible airfares, including charters and other discounts for each trip, and to book immediately upon contract approval, in order to take advantage of the lowest fares. The employing department retains the right to limit the reimbursement of the air portion when the lowest appropriate fare is not obtained. Upgrades to business or first class may be personally paid by the contractor or private sector company, where this is company policy.

Contractors who use a private motor vehicle are entirely responsible for the management and underwriting of risk pertaining to the operation of the vehicle. Insurance premiums are paid by the contractor and are not reimbursed other than through the payment of the kilometric allowance (Appendix B of the Travel Directive ). This mode of travel, once parking and time-billed are included, is only permitted when cost-effective in relation to commercial transportation.

Crown-owned vehicles should not be driven by contractors or other people travelling on government business. If they are authorized by a department, it is with the knowledge that the Crown self-insures for vehicles and that insurance protection is not provided for either the driver or vehicle.

Individuals other than public servants who travel as passengers in government-owned vehicles are not covered by the Crown for any type of insurance purposes. Certain insurance benefits are part of employees' compensation package, but it is the financial responsibility of contractors to cover the cost of insurance, such as, for cars/accidents/sickness/airline travel and immunizations.

Reservations for transportation and accommodation will, where determined to be practical by the department concerned, be arranged through the department in order to qualify for reduced rates. In cases, where they are not, hotel management is not obligated to provide government preferred rates to government contractors, although it may elect to do so. Contractors are expected to use moderately priced hotels, and they risk partial reimbursement of actual costs should claims be for unreasonably high-priced accommodation or transportation. Should a contractor stay with friends or relatives, the private non-commercial accommodation rate is reimbursed. When a department makes the travel arrangements, the transportation expenses must be booked through the government travel services.

Contractors, when so advised, are permitted to make their own travel arrangements. Arrangements may be made through private travel agents or directly with suppliers. In such cases the contractor is expected to pay for all travel and related living expenses personally and subsequently invoice the department for reimbursement. Departments shall not pay the suppliers of travel and related services (hotel, air, etc.) directly, but will reimburse the contractor for appropriate costs incurred. Such expenses as telephone calls home, child care and weekend travel home are not paid to contractors (persons other than employees).

Contractors are not supposed to be provided with a travel advance as this is one of their normal business expenses. Advances could imply an employer-employee relationship. Contractors are expected to fund their own travel expenses and bill the department following the trip, within the terms of the appropriate travel provisions and the level of travel funds authorized within the terms of the contract. The cost of self-funding travel is to be covered within the administrative overhead of the contract and/or per diem payment. Departments can approve a limited advance, only in highly exceptional circumstances where the contractor is in the unusual situation of being unable to finance the trip, for example, to a university professor. Departments are advised that it would be difficult to recover an advance from an individual or company in the event of financial difficulties.

When contractors combine government business travel with either personal or business travel for other clients, or other departments, the travel expenses must be appropriately apportioned. Additional travel costs pertaining to indirect routings and stopovers, or extensions at work location(s) will be paid by the contractor.

Treasury Board approval is not required for a given contract unless the total amount payable under the service contract is greater than the financial limitations established by the Contracting Policy .

The travel allowance for persons engaged under one of the student employment programs are published in the Terms and Conditions of Employment for Students .

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