About passports
A passport is a person’s most important immigration document. Your passport is an official document issued by the government of your country of citizenship that certifies the identity and nationality of its holder for the purpose of international travel.
If your passport expires while you are in Canada, all of your immigration documents will expire. If you have family members accompanying you in Canada, you, and your families' immigration documents will likely expire at the same time.
It is your responsibility to extend your passport before it expires.
Extending your passport
It is your responsibility to extend your passport before it expires and to contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Canada for instructions on how to obtain a new passport.
Processing times vary by country and you should allow for up to 6 months of processing time.
Put in a calendar reminder to keep track of when to renew your passport.
Keep a photocopy of all your important documents in a safe place in case the originals are lost or stolen.
After you receive your new passport
- Make a copy of your new passport bio-data page and store the original passport in a safe place, such as a security deposit box at your bank.
- Apply for extension of your study permit
- Apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa (if you are from a visa-required country) or a new Electronic Travel Authorization (if you are from a visa-exempt country)
- Apply for extension of your co-op work permit (if applicable)
- Apply for extension of your spouse’s or partner’s immigration documents (work permit or visitor record), if applicable
- Apply for extension of your children’s immigration documents (study permit or visitor record), if applicable
- Apply for extension of your Saskatchewan Health Coverage
- Apply for extension of your Social Insurance Number (if applicable)
- Apply for extension of your Saskatchewan Driver’s Licence (if applicable)
Please note you can apply for items 4, 5 and 6 at the same time as when you are applying to extend your study permit.
If the spelling of your name has changed in your new passport and it is not exactly the same as on your original study permit and all other immigration documents, it is important to notify IRCC via WebForm and speak with one of the International Education Officers at ISSAC before applying for the renewal of your study permit and other immigration documents.
If your passport has been lost or stolen
If your passport has been lost or stolen, follow the steps below. If you need further assistance, contact ISSAC to speak with one of our International Education Officers.
- Make a report with the Saskatoon Police or, if you believe your passport was lost or stolen outside of Saskatoon, but inside Canada, contact the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
- Contact your country’s nearest Embassy or Consulate for instructions on how to obtain a new passport.
If your study permit has also been lost or stolen, you must apply to replace it.
If your passport with a valid Temporary Resident Visa has also been lost or stolen, you must get a new passport first and then apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Please make sure to provide a letter of explanation in your application about why you are applying for a new TRV.
Read more here to learn about immigration documents replacement process.
You should not leave Canada until you get your new documents.
Getting help
Use the International Student Guide to learn about life as an international student at the U of S including immigration matters and information on working and living in Canada.
If you can't find what you need in the International Student Guide contact The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC). We are here to help! Drop-in advising is available.