Government of Canada services and information in Sydney, Australia

Refer to International adoption and Adopt a child from abroad.

Australia practices open adoption for both domestic and international adoptions.

Adopting a child within Australia

Australia’s state and territory governments are responsible for administering domestic adoption and permanent care processes.

• New South Wales
• Queensland
• Northern Territory

Adopting a child from outside of Australia

Intercountry Adoption Australia is a resource that can help guide parents wanting to adopt a child from overseas.

Surrogacy in Australia

There are no uniform laws that cover surrogacy across Australia as surrogacy is regulated by each state. See Surrogacy Australia for more information.

Refer to Children born outside of Canada.

Birth registration in Australia is administered at the state level. In general, a birth must be registered within 60 days of a child being born. Please refer to the following state government links for detailed information on birth registration in Australia:

• New South Wales
• Queensland
• Northern Territory

Applying for a Canadian citizenship certificate from outside Canada and the United States

If you are not eligible to apply online, and you are applying from New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), or the Northern Territory (NT), you should submit your application by mail to the following address:

Canadian Consulate General Sydney
Consular Services
Level 6, 111 Harrington Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Where it is not possible to apply online or by mail, you may submit your application in person to the Consulate’s security desk between 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays). Applications hand-delivered to the Consulate will not be reviewed at the time of submission.

If you are applying from elsewhere in Australia or from the Pacific islands, please contact the Canadian High Commission in Canberra for instructions.

Refer to Marriage outside Canada.

Marriages that are legally performed in Australia are usually valid in Canada, and you do not need to register them in Canada.

Marriage in Australia

Refer to the following state government links for information on getting married in Australia:

• New South Wales
• Queensland
• Northern Territory

The office provides the following notarial services, by appointment only, to Canadian citizens and, in limited cases, to non-Canadian citizens if the documents are intended for use in Canada. Note: Documents must be in English or French, or accompanied by an official translation in English or French.

Authentication/Attestation (certify the document signature, the position of an official and the seal are genuine):

• Documents issued in Canada must be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa before the office will certify the documents (fees apply).
• Witness a signature on a Statement in lieu of certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad form (fees apply).
• Clients requiring information about authenticating documents while outside of Canada, refer to Authentication of documents.

Certified copy (certify the document is a true copy of the original):

• Documents presented by a Canadian citizen or a non-Canadian citizen for use in Canada; exceptions apply (fees apply).
• Government-issued identification requiring a certified true copy (fees apply).

Witness a signature (consular officer witnesses a signature):

• Documents presented by a Canadian citizen or a non-Canadian citizen for use in Canada; exceptions apply (fees apply).
• Government-issued identification requiring a witnessed signature (fees apply).

Note: Complete all documents before booking an appointment. Sign all documents in front of the consular officer.

This section applies to anyone submitting a passport application from New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), or the Northern Territory (NT).

Please read the information below carefully before applying or contacting the Consulate. We are unable to respond to enquiries addressed on this page or on the Government of Canada's passport website. We are also unable to confirm receipt of applications or provide status updates.

If you are applying from elsewhere in Australia or from the Pacific Islands, contact the Canadian High Commission in Canberra for instructions.

Important:

• Ensure your passport is valid before making travel arrangements. If it has expired or lacks sufficient validity, we cannot guarantee a new passport will be issued in time for your departure.
• Applications are processed in order of receipt. Expedited service is not available outside Canada, but urgent needs may be accommodated through additional requirements.
• Ensure your application is complete. Missing information or documents may result in delays or return of the application.
• Standard processing times do not include mailing or delivery.
  
  

Preparing your application: See Canadian passports: Applying from abroad.

Select the correct application type - new adult passport, adult renewal, or child passport - and follow all instructions. Ensure the form is fully completed, signed, and that all required documents are included.

Provide a guarantor, if required, and complete the online payment process.

Photographs: Ensure your photos meet the required specifications. Non-compliant photos can result in delays or rejection. Common issues include incorrect size, shadows, glare, uneven lighting, non-neutral expressions, digital alterations, and photos older than six months.

For best results, use a professional photographer familiar with Canadian requirements. While Australia Post offers photo services, quality can be inconsistent and may not meet these requirements.

Submitting your application: Applications must be submitted by mail or hand-delivered to

Canadian Consulate General Sydney
Consular Services
Level 6, 111 Harrington Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Please note:

• No appointment is required to hand-deliver your application.
• Applications hand-delivered to the Consulate will not be reviewed at the time of submission.
• In-person passport services are only available in cases of emergency.

If you are sending your application by mail or courier, we recommend using a trackable service to monitor delivery. We are unable to confirm receipt of applications.

Ensure your application is complete and that your contact details are accurate. If we require additional information and are unable to reach you, processing may be delayed.

We do not provide updates on the status of applications once they have been submitted.

Processing times: Standard processing time for Canadian passport applications is 20 business days from the date a complete application is assessed. We recommend allowing up to 8 weeks from the date of submission to receive your passport, as actual timelines can vary.

Urgent travel: If you need a passport within 20 business days, additional requirements and fees apply. This includes providing proof of travel or other urgent need with your application and paying both the standard and temporary passport fees.

Depending on your situation, you may also need to appear in person.

If you do not meet these requirements or choose not to pay the additional fees, standard timelines will apply and we may not be able to issue a passport in time.

If you are travelling within 5 business days, email sydny-cs@international.gc.ca for further instructions. Your email must specify your travel dates, destination(s), and whether you hold dual nationality. Mark your email as urgent and include your best daytime contact number.

Receiving your new passport: You can choose to receive your new passport by mail or in person from our office.

Mailed passports are sent via Australia Post and require a signature upon delivery. Delivery times vary depending on your location.

Entering Canada on a non-Canadian passport: Canadian citizens are expected to travel to Canada using a valid Canadian passport.

Dual nationals without a valid Canadian passport who need to enter Canada urgently may be eligible for special authorization to travel using a non-Canadian passport. This service is free and allows eligible individuals to board a flight to Canada under specific circumstances.

Replacing your Australian visa or ETA: Your Australian visa or ETA is linked to the passport used when you applied.

If you replace your Canadian passport, you must update your visa or ETA details with Australia's Department of Home Affairs to keep your travel authorisation valid. There is no cost to update your information.

If you hold visas for other countries, contact the relevant embassies or consulates.

More questions: For answers to other frequently asked questions, visit the Government of Canada's Passport Help Centre.

Refer to Retiring abroad.

The Age Pension is a government payment scheme which provides a steady income to eligible Australians to help them cover living costs when they're retired.

Refer to Marriage outside Canada.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 2017.

See general information on getting married in Australia.

Marriage in Australia is administered at the state level. Refer to the following state government links for detailed information on marriage in Australia:

• New South Wales
• Queensland
• Northern Territory

Refer to Students and youth and EduCanada.

Find out if you need a study permit.

The Association for Canadian Studies in Australia and New Zealand (ACSANZ)

The Association for Canadian Studies in Australia and New Zealand (ACSANZ) is an interdisciplinary organisation that encourages interest in Canadian Studies and aims to promote greater understanding of Canada. The Association's members are academics researching and teaching about Canada in Australia and New Zealand.

ACSANZ is funded by the Government of Canada, through the International Council of Canadian Studies (ICCS). ACSANZ was formally established in 1982 and was one of the founding members of the ICCS.

ACSANZ and the Canadian High Commission in Canberra manage a range of programs and awards, which promote Canadian Studies in tertiary institutions in Australia and New Zealand. Support is given to teaching and research in a number of areas, particularly in the social sciences and humanities, and to work of a comparative nature.

ACSANZ activities include:

• The ACSANZ biennial conference in Canadian Studies, held in even numbered years
• Periodic regional mini-conferences, which focus on special topics
• A refereed scholarly journal, Australasian Canadian Studies, published twice annually
• A newsletter with information about forthcoming conferences, funding schemes, and other news, sent to all members
• Several postgraduate research travel grants offered annually, to stimulate and support interest in Canadian Studies among potential academics

Refer to Travel documents – Visas.

• Apply to travel, study, work or immigrate to Canada.
• Find a visa application centre (VAC) to book an appointment to give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
• Submit an enquiry using the IRCC web form to contact a visa office.

Permanent residents of Canada: Find out how to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD).

Refer to Voting in an election while outside Canada.