Refugee Travel Document Canada: How to Apply After Your Claim Is Approved (2026 Guide)
Last updated: April 2026 • For Protected Persons in Canada who need a travel document after refugee claim approval
Once your refugee claim is accepted in Canada, you are officially a Protected Person — but you likely cannot use your home country's passport to travel. The solution is a Convention Refugee Travel Document, issued by IRCC to allow you to travel internationally and return to Canada. This guide explains exactly how to apply, what it costs, and where you can go.
✅ Available to: Protected Persons (approved refugee claimants)
💳 Fee: $160 CAD (adults 16+) | $80 CAD (children under 16)
📄 Form: IMM 5525 — Application for a Travel Document
🕐 Processing: Varies — typically several weeks to a few months
🗓️ Validity: Usually 1 year (longer if you have PR status)
🚫 Cannot travel to: Your country of persecution — ever
📋 Table of Contents
What Is a Convention Refugee Travel Document?#
A Convention Refugee Travel Document (RTD) is an internationally recognized travel booklet — similar in appearance to a passport — issued by the Government of Canada to refugees and Protected Persons who are unable to use a national passport from their country of origin.
It is issued under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, which requires signatory countries to issue travel documents to recognized refugees living on their territory. Over 140 countries have signed this convention, which means your RTD is recognized across most of the world — though the level of access varies by destination country.
The RTD allows you to:
- Leave Canada and travel internationally
- Return to Canada before the document expires
- Prove your status as a recognized refugee when crossing borders
- Apply for visas to countries you wish to visit
A refugee travel document does not make you a Canadian citizen and does not give you the same travel privileges as a Canadian passport holder. Visa-free access is significantly more limited. Once you become a Canadian citizen (after obtaining PR and meeting the residency requirement), you can apply for a full Canadian passport.
Who Can Apply for a Refugee Travel Document?#
You are eligible to apply for an RTD if you meet all of the following:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| You are a Protected Person | Your refugee claim was accepted by the IRB (Convention Refugee or Person in Need of Protection) |
| You are currently in Canada | You must be physically present in Canada when you apply |
| You cannot use your home country's passport | Either because it is unsafe, because you cannot contact that government, or because using it would jeopardize your refugee status |
| Your status is in good standing | You have not lost your Protected Person status, have not been found inadmissible on serious grounds, and are not subject to a removal order |
You do not need to wait for permanent residence to apply. You can apply for an RTD as soon as your refugee claim is accepted.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Refugee Travel Document#
This is the official IRCC application form for a travel document for permanent residents and protected persons. Download it from the IRCC website. Fill it out completely and accurately — any errors or missing fields will cause delays or rejection.
Collect your IRB decision letter (proof of Protected Person status), identity documents, two passport-sized photos, and any other supporting materials listed in the checklist below. Having everything ready before you apply prevents delays.
You need two identical passport-sized photographs taken within the last six months. They must meet IRCC photo specifications: white background, no glasses, neutral expression, and proper measurements. Most pharmacies and photo studios in Canada offer this service for $10–$20.
The fee is $160 CAD for adults (16 and older) and $80 CAD for children under 16. Pay online through your GC Key account when submitting the application. Keep your payment receipt — you will need it as part of your submission.
Log into your GC Key account on the IRCC website and submit your completed application, all supporting documents, photos, and payment receipt. After submission, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this — it is how you track your application status online.
IRCC will review your application and may request additional information if needed. Check your GC Key account regularly for updates. Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have your travel document in hand.
When approved, IRCC will mail your travel document to your address on file. Read every page carefully — note the expiry date, your name spelling, and any conditions. If anything is wrong, contact IRCC immediately before traveling.
Application Fee — Refugee Travel Document#
| Applicant | Fee (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (age 16 and older) | $160 | Paid online through GC Key account |
| Child (under age 16) | $80 | Each child in the application |
| Biometrics (if required) | $85 (individual) / $170 (family) | Only if biometrics have not been submitted previously or have expired |
Unlike refugee work permits (which are free), the travel document application has a mandatory fee. There is no automatic fee waiver for RTD applications. If you are facing extreme financial hardship, you may submit a written request explaining your situation, but approval is not guaranteed. Plan for this cost in advance.
Required Documents Checklist#
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| ✅ Completed IMM 5525 application form | Signed and fully filled out with no blank required fields |
| ✅ IRB decision letter | The written decision confirming you are a Convention Refugee or Person in Need of Protection |
| ✅ Two passport-sized photos | Taken within last 6 months; must meet IRCC photo standards |
| ✅ Proof of identity | Any available identity document — original passport, national ID, birth certificate. If you have no documents, explain in writing why |
| ✅ Proof of current address in Canada | Utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement with your name and Canadian address |
| ✅ Copy of PR card or PR confirmation letter (if applicable) | If you have already received permanent residence |
| ✅ Application fee payment receipt | $160 (adult) or $80 (child) — paid through GC Key |
| ✅ IMM 5476 — Use of Representative (if applicable) | Required if an immigration consultant or lawyer is submitting on your behalf |
| ✅ Explanation letter (if no identity documents available) | Written explanation of why you cannot provide identity documents — be specific and honest |
Processing Time#
IRCC does not publish a fixed processing time for refugee travel documents as it varies by individual case. Based on general experience:
| Application Type | Typical Processing Time | Factors That Affect It |
|---|---|---|
| Straightforward application (complete documents) | 4–8 weeks | All documents submitted correctly, no additional information needed |
| Complex or incomplete application | 2–6 months | Missing documents, identity concerns, request for more information |
| Urgent/compassionate travel | Case by case | You can request urgent processing with proof of emergency (medical, funeral, etc.) |
Never purchase non-refundable airline tickets or book accommodation until your travel document is physically in your hands and you have confirmed any necessary visas for your destination. Processing delays are common and there is no guarantee of a specific completion date.
How Long Is a Refugee Travel Document Valid?#
| Your Status | Typical Validity Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Protected Person (no PR yet) | 1 year | Tied to your current status; renew if claim is still active and PR not yet received |
| Protected Person with PR status | Up to 5 years | Tied to PR card expiry date; renewed alongside PR card |
| Canadian Citizen | Not applicable | Citizens apply for a Canadian passport, not an RTD |
You must return to Canada before your travel document expires. Entering Canada with an expired RTD can create serious complications, including additional examination at the port of entry.
Countries You Can Visit Visa-Free with a Canadian Refugee Travel Document#
This is one of the most important practical questions — and the honest answer is that a refugee travel document gives significantly less visa-free access than a Canadian passport. Most major destination countries (US, UK, EU Schengen area, Australia) still require a visa for RTD holders.
However, many countries that are signatories to the 1951 Refugee Convention do allow entry — often requiring a visa that is relatively straightforward to obtain, or in some cases, visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.
The following countries are generally known to allow entry to Convention Refugee Travel Document holders from Canada without requiring a pre-arranged visa, or with straightforward visa-on-arrival. Always verify current requirements directly with the embassy or consulate before travel — these rules can change.
Visa policies for refugee travel document holders change frequently and vary by your country of origin, your specific RTD issuing country, and bilateral agreements. The list above reflects general patterns — it is not a guarantee of entry. Before booking any trip, contact the destination country's embassy or consulate in Canada directly to confirm current visa requirements for Canadian RTD holders.
Countries That Require a Visa for RTD Holders (Major Destinations)#
| Country / Region | Visa Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | ✅ Yes — visa required | Apply at US Embassy; approval not guaranteed |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ✅ Yes — visa required | Apply at UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) |
| 🇪🇺 EU Schengen Area (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.) | ✅ Yes — Schengen visa required | Apply at the embassy of the first entry country |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | ✅ Yes — visa required | Apply through Australian Department of Home Affairs |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | ✅ Yes — visa required | Apply at Japanese Embassy in Ottawa or consulates |
| 🇨🇳 China | ✅ Yes — visa required | Apply at Chinese Embassy |
| 🇮🇳 India | ✅ Yes — visa required | e-Visa may not be available for RTD holders; apply in person |
Critical Rules Before You Travel#
This is the most important rule. If you travel back to the country you fled from — the one your refugee claim was based on — IRCC may determine that you are no longer in need of international protection. This can result in the cancellation of your refugee status, loss of your permanent residence, and possible deportation. There are no exceptions. Even visiting for a family emergency can trigger this. If you must travel in an emergency involving your home country, speak to an immigration lawyer first.
| Rule | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Never travel to your country of persecution | Can result in loss of refugee status and PR |
| Return to Canada before the RTD expires | Entering with an expired document causes port of entry complications |
| Maintain your PR residency obligation | You must be in Canada at least 730 days per 5-year PR period — extended travel can put this at risk |
| Apply for any required visas before travel | RTD holders usually need visas — do not assume visa-free entry based on Canadian passport rules |
| Carry your RTD and PR card together | Both documents are needed to re-enter Canada |
| Do not overstay your visa in any destination | An overstay can affect future visa applications and your Canadian immigration record |
RTD vs. Canadian Passport — Key Differences#
| Feature | Refugee Travel Document | Canadian Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Who can get it | Protected Persons / PR holders who are refugees | Canadian citizens only |
| Visa-free access | Very limited — mainly select Eastern European and developing countries | 185+ countries visa-free |
| Fee | $160 (adult) / $80 (child) | $120 (adult, 5-year) / $190 (adult, 10-year) |
| Validity | 1–5 years depending on status | 5 or 10 years |
| Proves citizenship | No — proves refugee/PR status only | Yes — proves Canadian citizenship |
| Travel to country of origin | 🚫 Forbidden — can result in loss of status | Allowed (but check safety) |
| When you can get it | After refugee claim is approved | After becoming a Canadian citizen |
You cannot apply for a Canadian passport until you become a citizen. The typical path is: refugee claim approved → apply for PR → receive PR card → meet 730-day residency requirement over 5 years → apply for citizenship → receive citizenship certificate → apply for Canadian passport. The whole process from approval to passport typically takes 4–7 years depending on PR and citizenship processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions#
What is a Convention Refugee Travel Document?
It is a travel document (similar to a passport booklet) issued by IRCC to Protected Persons in Canada who cannot use a passport from their country of origin. It is issued under the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention and allows international travel and return to Canada.
How much does a refugee travel document cost in Canada?
The fee is $160 CAD for adults (16 and older) and $80 CAD for children under 16. This is paid through your GC Key account when you submit the application. There is no fee waiver automatically available — it must be paid unless you apply with a written hardship request.
Can I travel to the US with a Canadian refugee travel document?
No — not visa-free. RTD holders need a US visa. You must apply at the US Embassy or Consulate in Canada. The approval of a US visa is not guaranteed for RTD holders and depends on your background, ties to Canada, and the purpose of travel.
Can I travel back to my home country with an RTD?
Absolutely not. Traveling to the country you fled from is treated as evidence that you are no longer in need of protection. IRCC can cancel your refugee status and your PR as a result. This applies even for emergencies like funerals — always consult an immigration professional before making any such trip.
How long is a refugee travel document valid?
If you are a Protected Person without PR, the RTD is typically valid for one year. If you have PR status, it can be issued for up to 5 years. You must return to Canada before it expires to avoid complications at the border.
Can I apply for a refugee travel document before I get PR?
Yes. You can apply as soon as your refugee claim is accepted by the IRB. You do not need to wait for permanent residence. However, the document validity will be shorter (typically 1 year) until you obtain PR.
What if I have no identity documents — can I still apply?
Yes. IRCC understands that many refugees cannot obtain identity documents from their home country. If you cannot provide a passport or national ID, include a detailed written explanation of why you cannot obtain these documents. IRCC will assess your application based on all available information.
Need Help With Your Refugee Travel Document?
Getting your travel document right the first time avoids delays and complications. Our team can review your documents before you apply and help you understand your travel options as a Protected Person in Canada.
📧 Email Us for GuidanceDisclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration fees, processing times, and visa policies change frequently. Always verify current information directly with IRCC and destination country embassies before applying or making travel plans. Consult a licensed Canadian immigration professional for advice specific to your situation.