Lost Passport with a Visitor Visa for Canada: What to Do if You Are Outside Canada

Lost  passport while outside Canada can be stressful, especially if your passport contained a valid visitor visa for Canada. Many travelers are unsure whether they need to apply for a completely new visitor visa or if they can get a replacement visa for the new passport.

This guide from Eiffel Immigration explains the steps to take, official procedures, fees, and how to stay compliant with Canadian immigration regulations when your passport with a visitor visa is lost.

Scenario: Lost Passport with a Visitor Visa

If your passport containing a valid visitor visa for Canada is lost or stolen while you are abroad or in your home country, you cannot travel to Canada until you resolve the issue. The visitor visa is tied to the lost passport and cannot be used in a new passport automatically.

According to IRCC:

1. Report the lost passport to local authorities and get a police report if possible
2. Apply for a new passport at your home country’s embassy or consulate
3. Request a replacement visitor visa to be affixed to the new passport

Replacement Visitor Visa vs New Visa Application

It is important to understand the difference:

1. Replacement visitor visa: Issued if your valid visa was in a lost or stolen passport. The replacement visa is valid for the same duration as the original visa.
2. New visitor visa application: Only needed if the original visa cannot be replaced, for example, if it had expired or was canceled.

Step 1: Report the Lost Passport Abroad

Immediately report the lost passport to local authorities in the country where you are. Obtain a police report or incident number, which may be required by your embassy to issue a replacement passport.

Step 2: Obtain a NEW Passport

Contact your home country’s embassy or consulate to apply for a new passport. Requirements typically include:

1. Police report
2. Passport photos
3. Proof of identity
4. Completed application forms and applicable fees

Embassy and consulate information: Global Affairs Canada – Foreign Embassies

Step 3: Apply for a Replacement Visitor Visa

After receiving your new passport, apply for a replacement visitor visa.

Key points:

1. Replacement visa fee: $30 CAD 
2. Valid for the same length of time as the lost visa
3. Does not extend your visitor status automatically

Step 4: Travel to Canada With a Replacement Visa

Once the replacement visa is issued and affixed to your new passport, you can travel to Canada legally. Ensure you carry:

1. New passport with replacement visa
2. Police report and embassy documentation if needed

Without a valid visa in your new passport, you cannot board a flight to Canada.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming the old visa is still valid
2. Delaying the replacement visa application
3. Traveling before the replacement visa is issued
4. Not keeping copies of police and embassy documents

Following the official process ensures smooth travel and compliance with Canadian immigration regulations.

How Eiffel Immigration Can Help

At Eiffel Immigration, we guide travelers who have lost their passport with a visitor visa for Canada through:

1. Step-by-step instructions for replacement passports and visas
2. IRCC updates and webform submissions
3. Travel guidance to avoid entry issues at Canadian ports

Our experts make sure your replacement visa is processed efficiently and correctly.

Final Thoughts

If you lost your passport that had a visitor visa for Canada while you are outside Canada, you do not need to apply for a completely new visa. You should obtain a replacement passport and apply for a replacement visitor visa for the new passport. This ensures you can travel to Canada legally and without unnecessary delays.

📞 Need help replacing your visitor visa after losing your passport? Contact Eiffel Immigration today for expert guidance.