When applying for a Canadian visa or permanent residency, one of the most essential documents you’ll need to provide is a national identity document. This document serves as a form of identification that verifies your nationality and citizenship.
A national identity document is a government-issued document that proves your citizenship or nationality. It typically contains your personal information, such as:
- full name
- date of birth
- place of birth
- photograph
- signature
- issuing authority
- expiration date
Common Examples of National Identity Documents
While the specific requirements may vary depending on your country of origin, here are some common examples of national identity documents:
- Passport: This is the most widely recognized form of a national identity document. It is issued by the Canadian government and allows you to travel internationally.
- National Identity Card: Many countries like Canada also issue identity cards, which can be used for domestic identification purposes.
- Birth Certificate: In some cases, a birth certificate can be used as a national identity document, especially if it contains your parents’ information on it.
- Driver’s License: While not always accepted as a primary identification document, a driver’s license can sometimes be used in conjunction to other documents.
Why is a National Identity Document Required in Canada?
A national identity document is crucial for immigration purposes because it provides essential information about your identity and citizenship. It helps to verify that you are who you claim to be and that you meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian visa or permanent residency.
Key Information to Remember About National Identity Documents
- Ensure that your national identity document is valid for the duration of your intended stay in Canada.
- If your document is not in English or French, you may need to provide a certified translation.
- In some cases, you may need to provide additional documents, such as police clearance certificate or proof of marital status.
In the event that the translation was not performed by a Canadian licensed translator, the translator is required to provide an affidavit attesting to both their accuracy and language competency.
It is required that the affidavit be sworn in Canada, in front of a commissioner of oaths, a commissioner of notaries public, or a commissioner of affidavits.
Do You Need Immigration Help?
If you have any questions or uncertainties about the specific national identity document requirements for your Canadian immigration application, it’s highly recommended to consult with an experienced Canadian immigration consultant.
Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at (855) 968-1643. All of our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
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Casey
Meet Casey, one of VisaPlace's immigration news contributors. She brings 7+ years of experience of content creation and SEO to VisaPlace. Casey has honed her expertise in delivering comprehensive and up-to-date content on immigration-related matters. Her work not only encompasses the complex legal aspects of immigration but also highlights the ever-evolving policies, procedures, and news that impact immigrants and aspiring visa holders.
