Responses to Information Requests

​​​​​​​Responses to Information Requests (RIRs) are research reports on country conditions. They are requested by IRB decision-makers.

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Disclaimer

Responses to Information Requests (RIRs) cite publicly accessible information available at the time of publication and within time constraints. A list of references and additional sources consulted are included in each RIR. Sources cited are considered the most current information available as of the date of the RIR.            

RIRs are not, and do not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Rather, they are intended to support the refugee determination process. More information on the methodology used by the Research Directorate can be found here.          

The assessment and weight to be given to the information in the RIRs are the responsibility of independent IRB members (decision-makers) after considering the evidence and arguments presented by the parties.           

The information presented in RIRs solely reflects the views and perspectives of the sources cited and does not necessarily reflect the position of the IRB or the Government of Canada.          

3 February 2016

AFG105415.E

Afghanistan: Procedures and requirements for issuance of passports in Canada to Afghan citizens without documents (2014-January 2016)

Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa

The website of the Embassy of Afghanistan in Ottawa indicates that, in order to obtain an Afghan passport from within Canada, an applicant must provide the following information:

  • A completed application form;
  • Two recent passport-size photos;
  • Proof of residency status in Canada, such as a permanent resident card, a landed immigrant document, or a document proving Canadian citizenship;
  • A document to verify current address, including driver's license, utility bills, municipal documents, etc.;
  • Processing fee;
  • If applicable, a prepaid courier or registered self-addressed return envelope, or an additional charge of C$20 to return the passport by mail; and
  • Original documents verifying Afghan identity, such as a Tazkira, the previous passport (if in possession of one), marriage certificate (if endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul), and educational or professional documents issued by the competent authorities in Afghanistan (Afghanistan n.d.).

According to the website of the Afghan Embassy in Ottawa, if the applicant is not in possession of any of these identity documents, he or she must provide two "Identity Guarantee Forms duly completed and signed by two Afghan nationals of an established social or professional background" (ibid.). Additional information on the Identity Guarantee Form could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. A copy of the Identity Guarantee Form is attached to this Response.

The website further indicates that the Embassy in Ottawa can only issue ordinary passports; applications must be made at the Department of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul for diplomatic, service, student, and other types of passports (ibid.). The same source states that ordinary Afghan passports "will normally be issued within two weeks," but that a "fast-track processing service is available for exceptional cases," in which ordinary passports are issued within five days for an additional fee of C$30 (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Reference

Afghanistan. N.d. Embassy of Afghanistan in Ottawa. "Passport Information." [Accessed 11 Jan. 2016]

Additional Sources Consulted

Internet sites, including: Afghanistan – Ministy of Foreign Affairs.

Attachment

Afghanistan. N.d. Embassy of Afghanistan in Ottawa. "Identity Guarantee Form." [Accessed 22 Jan. 2016]

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