Passport Request Canada: What Applicants Should Know

Passport Request Canada usually refers to a letter sent by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, commonly known as IRCC, asking an immigration applicant to submit a passport, passport copy, photographs or other documents needed to finalize an application.

Permanent residence applicants often call this message a passport request letter or PPR. It commonly arrives near the end of processing, after IRCC has reviewed major parts of the application.

However, a passport request should not be treated as permission to travel to Canada or as a substitute for a Confirmation of Permanent Residence. Applicants must follow the exact instructions in the letter and wait until IRCC returns the required documents and issues the applicable immigration documents.

This guide explains what a passport request means, who may need to submit an original passport, how Visa Application Centres handle passports, what applicants inside Canada should expect and what happens before COPR or permanent residence confirmation.

Passport Request Canada: Quick Overview

A passport request is a personalized instruction from IRCC. The documents and submission method depend on where the applicant is located and whether a permanent resident visa must be placed in the passport.

The term “PPR” is commonly used by applicants but may not appear as the formal title of the message. The letter may instead be called a passport request, ready for visa letter, document request or finalization instruction.

What Is a Passport Request Letter?

A passport request letter is a message from IRCC asking the applicant to provide documents needed to complete the final stage of an immigration application.

Depending on the application, IRCC may request:

• An original passport or travel document
• A photocopy of the passport biographical page
• Passport-sized photographs meeting specific requirements
• A copy of the passport request letter
• Information about accompanying family members
• A return courier or transmission arrangement
• Updated passport details
• Other documents identified in the letter

The request may appear in an IRCC secure account, arrive by email or be sent through a representative.

Applicants should verify the message using their official account and ensure that the application number, name and instructions are consistent with their application.

Does a Passport Request Mean Permanent Residence Is Approved?

A passport request generally indicates that the application has reached an advanced stage and that IRCC is preparing to finalize it.

Some passport request letters may clearly state that the permanent residence application has been approved or that a permanent resident visa is ready to be issued.

However, applicants should read the actual wording carefully. Do not assume that every document request has exactly the same legal effect.

Permanent residence processing is not practically complete until the applicant receives the applicable final documentation, such as:

• Confirmation of Permanent Residence, commonly called COPR
• A permanent resident visa, when required
• Electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence, commonly called e-COPR, for an eligible in-Canada confirmation

Visa-Required and Visa-Exempt Applicants

The documents IRCC requests can depend on whether the applicant normally requires a visa to travel to Canada.

Visa-Required Applicants

When an approved applicant needs a visa to travel to Canada, IRCC may need the original passport to place a permanent resident visa counterfoil inside it.

The applicant should send the passport only after receiving IRCC’s request and only through the location or service identified in that request.

Visa-Exempt Applicants

An applicant from a visa-exempt country may not need a permanent resident visa counterfoil.

IRCC may instead request a passport copy, photographs or other identity information required to prepare the COPR.

Do not assume that visa-exempt status means no final documents are required. Follow the personalized letter.

Electronic Travel Authorization

An eTA and a permanent resident visa are different documents. An eTA is associated with temporary travel by eligible visa-exempt foreign nationals.

After a person becomes a permanent resident, the person generally needs a valid PR card or permanent resident travel document to return to Canada on a commercial carrier rather than relying on an eTA.

Passport Request for Applicants Outside Canada

Applicants located outside Canada may receive instructions to submit their passport or documents through a Visa Application Centre, commonly called a VAC.

A VAC is a private company formally contracted by the Government of Canada. VACs can securely transmit passports and documents to the responsible IRCC office and return them to applicants.

The specific VAC procedure depends on the country and location. Some centres may:

• Accept passports in person
• Require an appointment
• Accept passport submissions by courier
• Accept submissions by mail only
• Require a passport transmission fee
• Offer optional return courier service

Applicants can use a VAC in another country if there is no appropriate VAC in their country of residence, but travel, entry and document-shipping rules must be considered.

What Happens If You Are Inside Canada?

Applicants who are physically in Canada when their permanent residence application is approved generally follow an in-Canada confirmation process rather than sending their passport abroad for a visa counterfoil.

IRCC may send an email asking the applicant to confirm information needed to create access to the PR Confirmation Portal.

The process generally involves:

1. Replying to IRCC’s invitation email with the requested information
2. Receiving access to the PR Confirmation Portal
3. Confirming that the applicant is physically present in Canada
4. Providing a Canadian residential or mailing address
5. Uploading a photograph for the first PR card
6. Receiving the e-COPR through the portal after IRCC confirms status

IRCC cannot confirm permanent resident status through the portal while the applicant is outside Canada.

If an applicant plans to leave Canada before receiving e-COPR, the applicant should contact IRCC using the email address provided in the portal invitation and explain the travel situation.

The PR Confirmation Portal is different from the IRCC secure account used to submit or track the original immigration application.

How to Read the Passport Request Letter

Read the entire letter before preparing the submission. Do not rely only on the first page or the email subject line.

Identify the following details:

If the letter refers to an appendix, checklist or photograph specification, include and follow those pages as well.

Documents Commonly Included in a PPR Submission

The actual package depends on the personalized request. A passport submission may include:

• The original passport or requested passport copy
• A printed copy of the passport request letter
• Required photographs
• A VAC consent form where required
• Passport transmission or courier payment receipt
• Applicant information or family information form
• Return courier label or envelope where instructed
• Documents requested for each accompanying family member

Do not include unrelated original documents unless IRCC requests them.

Keep scanned copies of the complete submission before handing it to a VAC or courier.

How to Submit a Passport Through a Visa Application Centre

Step 1: Confirm the Correct VAC

Use the official Government of Canada VAC finder and then open the website for the appropriate location.

Avoid selecting a VAC based solely on an old forum post because service methods, fees and operating arrangements can change.

Step 2: Check the Submission Method

Determine whether the VAC accepts in-person, mail or courier passport submissions.

Some locations may not accept walk-in passport submissions even when they accept in-person biometrics appointments.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Forms and Fees

The VAC may require a consent form, passport transmission fee, courier fee or service charge.

VAC service fees are separate from the immigration processing fees previously paid to IRCC.

Step 4: Package the Passport Securely

Use the packaging method required by the VAC. Protect the passport from bending, water damage and accidental opening.

Do not place staples, adhesive labels or other materials directly on the passport unless specifically instructed.

Step 5: Keep Tracking Information

Retain the VAC receipt, courier tracking number and copies of all submitted documents.

VAC tracking may show movement of the passport package, but it may not display detailed IRCC decision information.

Passport Validity, Expiry and Renewal

IRCC requires a valid passport or travel document for permanent residence processing.

Express Entry applicants whose passport will expire within six months from the application date are advised to consider renewing it and updating the application with the new passport information.

A passport nearing expiry can affect the validity period of the permanent resident visa or COPR because immigration documents generally cannot be issued beyond relevant document or medical validity limits.

New Passport Issued After Applying

If you receive a new passport after submitting the immigration application, notify IRCC and provide a scanned copy through the appropriate web form or account process.

Include identifying information such as:

• Application number
• UCI, where available
• Old passport number
• New passport number
• A clear scan of the new passport biographical page

If the PPR letter was issued using the old passport information, contact IRCC or follow the specific passport-change instructions before submitting a different passport.

See IRCC Web Form: How to Contact IRCC Online.

Damaged, Lost or Stolen Passport

If the passport is damaged, lost or stolen before submission, obtain replacement documentation from the issuing authority and notify IRCC.

Do not send a damaged passport or substitute travel document without explaining the situation when the original request identifies a different passport.

Accompanying Family Members

A passport request may apply to the principal applicant and all accompanying family members included in the permanent residence application.

Review the letter to determine whether each person must submit:

• An original passport
• A passport copy
• Separate photographs
• An individual information page or form

Check every family member’s name, date of birth, passport number and expiry date.

If family circumstances changed after the permanent residence application was submitted, inform IRCC before finalization. Changes can include:

• Marriage or divorce
• Beginning or ending a common-law relationship
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Death of a family member
• A family member becoming accompanying or non-accompanying

Do not complete the final process while withholding a material family change.

Travel While Your Passport Is Submitted

When an original passport is submitted, the applicant normally cannot use it for international travel until it is returned.

Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements based only on the date the passport was delivered to the VAC.

Processing and return times can be affected by:

• VAC transmission schedules
• Courier service
• Visa office workload
• Public holidays
• Incomplete photographs or documents
• Passport validity concerns
• Final verification by IRCC

A general IRCC processing-time estimate may not accurately predict passport stamping and return time for a specific VAC.

What Happens After You Submit the Passport?

The VAC securely transmits the passport or documents to the responsible IRCC office.

IRCC may then:

1. Verify the passport information and validity
2. Confirm that all accompanying applicants submitted the required items
3. Prepare the COPR
4. Place a permanent resident visa in the passport when required
5. Return the passport and final documents through the VAC

The VAC may provide tracking updates when the documents are received, transferred or ready for collection. These messages usually describe document movement rather than the detailed immigration assessment.

Continue monitoring the IRCC account and email until the passport and final documents have been returned.

Read Canada Immigration Application Status: How to Check Online for official status-checking options.

Check Your COPR and Visa When They Arrive

IRCC instructs approved Express Entry applicants to check that the information on the COPR matches their passport.

Review:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Country of birth
• Passport or travel-document number
• Sex or gender marker where shown
• Marital status where shown
• COPR expiry date
• Permanent resident visa expiry date, if applicable

If important information is incorrect, contact IRCC through the account or instructed communication channel before attempting to use the document.

COPR Expiry Date

An applicant outside Canada must generally enter Canada and complete the permanent residence process before the COPR and permanent resident visa expire.

The validity period may be connected to passport validity and immigration medical examination validity.

Do not assume IRCC will extend an expiring COPR because the applicant delayed travel voluntarily.

Common Passport Request Problems

Sending the Passport Before IRCC Requests It

A VAC should receive a passport only after IRCC issues a request letter or email. Unrequested passports may not be accepted or properly matched to an application.

Using Instructions From Another Country

VAC submission procedures differ by country. A courier address, fee or consent form used by another applicant may not apply to your location.

Submitting the Wrong Passport

If the passport number changed after applying, update IRCC and verify which passport should be submitted.

Ignoring Passport Expiry

A passport with limited remaining validity may reduce the usable validity period of final immigration documents or require replacement before finalization.

Incorrect Photograph Specifications

Permanent residence photographs may have requirements different from passport photos or temporary visa photos.

Give the photographer the current specifications included with the IRCC request.

Missing a Family Member’s Documents

Check whether the request includes the principal applicant only or all accompanying family members.

Missing the Deadline

If you cannot comply before the deadline, contact IRCC immediately and provide a clear explanation with supporting evidence.

Do not assume that silence or a late submission will automatically be accepted.

Booking Travel Before the Passport Returns

Delivery to the VAC does not mean the visa and COPR have already been issued. Avoid relying on an estimated return date for urgent travel.

Confirming Presence in Canada While Abroad

Applicants invited to use the PR Confirmation Portal must not confirm that they are physically in Canada while they are outside the country.

How to Recognize a Suspicious Passport Request

A passport is a highly sensitive identity document. Verify any request before sending it.

Warning signs can include:

• A request to send the passport to an unexplained private residence
• A payment demand through gift cards, cryptocurrency or personal bank transfer
• Threats of immediate arrest or deportation unless payment is made
• An application number that does not match your file
• Unexpected attachments or links requesting account passwords
• A message that cannot be confirmed in the official IRCC account or through an official contact method

A legitimate VAC may charge published transmission or courier fees. Confirm those fees on the VAC’s official website rather than paying an unknown intermediary.

Passport Request Canada Checklist

• □ I confirmed the request in my official IRCC account or verified email.
• □ My name, UCI and application number are correct.
• □ I read every page of the passport request letter.
• □ I recorded the exact submission deadline.
• □ I confirmed whether IRCC needs an original passport or a copy.
• □ I checked the requirements for every accompanying family member.
• □ My passport is valid and not damaged.
• □ I notified IRCC if my passport number changed after applying.
• □ I prepared photographs using the specifications in the request.
• □ I found the correct VAC using an official Government of Canada page.
• □ I checked whether the VAC requires an appointment, courier or mail submission.
• □ I completed the VAC consent form if required.
• □ I paid only the official VAC or courier fees required for the service.
• □ I included a copy of the passport request letter.
• □ I kept scans of the passport and complete submission package.
• □ I kept the VAC receipt and courier tracking number.
• □ I avoided booking non-refundable travel while my passport is unavailable.
• □ I continued monitoring my IRCC account and email.
• □ I checked all information on the returned COPR and visa.
• □ I checked the COPR and visa expiry dates before planning travel.

Related Immigration Guides

• Invitation to Apply Canada: What Happens After an ITA
• Express Entry Canada Explained: How It Works
• Express Entry Documents Checklist for Canada PR
• Canada Immigration Application Status: How to Check Online
• IRCC Secure Account: GCKey, Sign-In Partner and Application Updates
• IRCC Web Form: How to Contact IRCC Online
• Change Address with IRCC After Applying
• PR Card Canada Explained: Renewal, Travel and Common Mistakes

Helpful Official Resources

• IRCC: If Your Express Entry Application Is Approved
• IRCC: Approved Express Entry Applicants Outside Canada
• IRCC: Confirm Permanent Residence From Within Canada
• IRCC: Find a Visa Application Centre
• IRCC: Express Entry Documents and Passport Information
• IRCC Help Centre: New Passport After Applying

FAQ About Passport Request Canada

What does PPR mean in Canada immigration?

PPR usually means passport request. It is an instruction from IRCC asking an applicant to provide a passport, passport copy, photographs or other documents needed to finalize an immigration application.

Does PPR mean my PR application is approved?

It generally means the application is near finalization, and some letters may specifically confirm approval. Read the actual wording carefully. The process is not complete until IRCC issues the applicable COPR, e-COPR or permanent resident visa.

Do all PR applicants submit an original passport?

No. Visa-required applicants outside Canada may need to submit the original passport for visa issuance. Visa-exempt applicants may be asked for passport copies or other documents. In-Canada applicants generally use the PR Confirmation Portal.

Can I send my passport before receiving a PPR letter?

No. IRCC states that passports can be submitted to a VAC only after the applicant receives a request letter or email.

Where do I submit my passport?

Submit it only to the VAC, visa office or other location listed in your request. Use the official Government of Canada VAC finder and the selected VAC’s website for local procedures.

Can I submit my passport at any VAC?

A person may be able to use a VAC outside the country of residence, but the request letter, VAC acceptance rules, local entry requirements and courier arrangements must all be considered.

How long does passport stamping take?

There is no single universal return time. It depends on the VAC, responsible IRCC office, courier service, location and whether the submission is complete. Follow tracking updates without making non-refundable travel plans.

Can I travel while IRCC has my passport?

You normally cannot use the submitted passport for travel until it is returned. Avoid international travel plans that require the passport during this period.

What if I renewed my passport after applying?

Update IRCC with a scanned copy of the new passport and relevant identifying information. If a PPR was already issued using the old passport, follow the letter and contact IRCC before submitting the replacement passport.

What if my passport expires soon?

Review the PPR instructions and consider renewal if there is insufficient validity. A passport nearing expiry may limit the validity period of the visa or COPR.

Do family members submit their passports too?

Accompanying family members may need to submit passports, passport copies and photographs. The personalized request should identify the people and documents included.

What if I cannot meet the PPR deadline?

Contact IRCC before the deadline, explain the reason and provide supporting evidence. An extension is not automatic.

Do in-Canada applicants submit passports?

Approved applicants physically inside Canada generally confirm permanent residence through the PR Confirmation Portal instead of submitting a passport for an immigrant visa.

Can I use the PR Confirmation Portal while outside Canada?

IRCC cannot confirm permanent resident status through the portal while the applicant is outside Canada. Contact IRCC using the email address in the invitation if you are travelling or currently abroad.

What should I check after my passport is returned?

Check the passport, visa counterfoil and COPR for correct names, dates, passport numbers and expiry dates. Contact IRCC if material information is incorrect.

Final Thoughts

A Passport Request Canada letter usually means that a permanent residence application has reached an important finalization stage. It does not mean that applicants should send their passports to any office they choose or begin travelling before final documents are issued.

Read the personalized request carefully, confirm whether an original passport or copy is required and use only the VAC or submission method identified by IRCC.

Applicants inside Canada should follow the PR Confirmation Portal process and must not confirm Canadian presence while physically abroad.

After receiving the returned passport, COPR or e-COPR, check all personal information and expiry dates before making final travel or landing arrangements.

Last updated: July 2026