How do I get back my seized passport or travel document?

It depends on whether you have a permanent residence (PR) application in process or not.

If you have a PR application being processed

Your seized passport or other travel document will be returned to you after you become a permanent resident.

However, if it expires, we’ll return it early so that you can renew it. Then we can finalize your application.

If you do not have a PR application being processed

To get your seized passport or other travel document back, contact us if any of the following applies to you:

• You did not get your passport or other travel document back after you became a permanent resident.
• You are not a permanent resident.
• You are a refugee claimant and you want to leave Canada.
• You are a refugee claimant and you need a certified copy of your passport or other travel document.

You can contact us either by

• calling 1‑888‑242‑2100
• using our web form
  • Choose the option Update or ask about your application.
  • Under What would you like to do?, select Other.
  • Complete all required fields.
  • Under Tell us about your request, tell us why you need your original passport or other travel document returned to you.

Your request will be sent to the office where your passport or other travel document is being held. That office will contact you and let you know what the next steps are.