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Visa Guide LibraryCA-TRVValid Passport
CA-TRV

Valid Passport

Travel document requirements for a Canada visitor visa application

Official Definition

A passport or travel document valid for the duration of the intended stay in Canada, in good condition, with a legible biodata page.

What IRCC Officers Look For

Officers need a legible biodata page showing your full name, nationality, document number, and issue/expiry dates. The passport should remain in good condition and valid for your intended stay — a damaged or soon-to-expire passport creates avoidable processing problems. Pages with prior visas, stamps, or entry/exit markings are useful supporting context, especially for the travel history requirement.

Names on the passport, your application form, and any letter of invitation should match. Mismatches without explanation slow down review.

Evidence Strength

Strong Evidence
  • Clear biodata page scan with full name, nationality, document number, and expiry visible
  • Passport valid well beyond the intended stay in Canada

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On this page

  • Official Definition
  • What IRCC Officers Look For
  • Evidence Strength
  • Common Refusal / Processing Triggers
  • Tips for Strengthening Your Evidence
  • Relevant Document Types
Prior visa or entry/exit stamp pages included when they support travel history
  • Name consistent across passport, application form, and invitation letter
  • Weak Evidence
    • Passport nearing expiry with little validity buffer beyond the trip
    • Cropped, blurry, or partial biodata scans
    • Damaged passport that may not be accepted for travel
    • Name mismatches versus the application or invitation letter without explanation

    Common Refusal / Processing Triggers

    Common Problems

    • Submitting a passport that is damaged or close to expiry without renewal.
    • Unreadable biodata page scans uploaded through the IRCC Portal.
    • Different names across the passport, application form, and letter of invitation.
    • Applying for a visitor visa when the correct document is actually an eTA (visa-exempt nationals).

    Tips for Strengthening Your Evidence

    Pro Tips

    • Renew early if expiry falls within or soon after your planned trip.
    • Photograph or scan the full biodata page in good light; avoid glare and cropping.
    • Include pages with prior visas or entry stamps — they double as travel history evidence.
    • Confirm you actually need a visitor visa (not an eTA) before starting your application.

    Relevant Document Types

    Typical uploads: passport biodata page, and pages with prior visas/stamps when they support travel history.