Your Guide to the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 326)
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If you’re applying for a certificate of identity or a refugee travel document and can’t find a guarantor who meets IRCC’s rules, you can use a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (PPTC 326) instead. You sign it in person in front of a notary public, justice of the peace or commissioner for oaths, and you still need two references for your application. You can download the PPTC 326 form (PDF).
Key Takeaways
- PPTC 326 replaces a guarantor for certificate of identity and refugee travel document applications.
- A guarantor for these documents must live in Canada, be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, have known you for at least 6 months, and work in an occupation on IRCC’s list.
- You can download the government’s PPTC 326 form as a PDF, or request a copy from IRCC.
- You sign PPTC 326 in person in front of a notary public, justice of the peace or commissioner for oaths.
- You still need two references who have known you for at least 6 months.
Applying for travel documents as a non-Canadian isn’t always straightforward, and you need a guarantor to complete the application process. If you don’t have a guarantor, you typically need to complete a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor, Form PPTC 326.
Understanding how to complete Form PPTC 326 and how it works can help you move forward with confidence. This guide breaks it all down so you can prepare, complete, and commission Form PPTC 326 with clarity and ease.
What Is a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 326)?
PPTC 326 is a sworn statement you make when you can’t find a guarantor for a certificate of identity or refugee travel document. You declare that the information in your application is true and explain why you don’t have a guarantor. You sign it in front of an authorized official, who confirms your identity and signs the declaration too.
Who Can Be a Guarantor for a Certificate of Identity or Refugee Travel Document?
The guarantor rules for these documents are different from the rules for Canadian passports. According to IRCC’s references and guarantors page, your guarantor must:
- Live in Canada
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Have known you personally for at least 6 months
- Be available to confirm your application
- Work in one of IRCC’s listed occupations, such as notary public, lawyer, doctor, dentist, pharmacist, police officer, professional engineer, accountant, school principal or minister of religion, and be licensed and currently practising
If you’re applying for a child, the guarantor must also know the child. If you can’t find someone who meets all of these rules, use PPTC 326 instead.
Applying for a Canadian passport? Different rules apply. See our guide to passport guarantors.
When Do You Need a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 326)?
PPTC 326 is for people applying for one of these travel documents for non-Canadians:
- Certificate of identity: for permanent residents who are stateless or can’t get a passport from their country of nationality
- Refugee travel document: for protected persons, including Convention refugees, in Canada
Canadian citizens applying for a passport without a guarantor use a different form, the statutory declaration in lieu of guarantor (PPTC 132).
Where Can You Get Form PPTC 326 (PDF)?
You can download the PPTC 326 form (PDF), a copy of the Government of Canada form. You can also contact IRCC to request one, or, if you’re outside Canada, the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.
How to Complete Form PPTC 326
Use capital letters and black or dark blue ink, and make sure everything is true and complete. A false declaration can lead to prosecution or a refused application.
Your Personal Information
Your full name, your unique client identifier (UCI) if you have one, your date and place of birth, your current address and your contact details.
Your Declaration
Explain why you can’t provide a guarantor, and list two pieces of identification by type and number. Don’t sign or date this section until you’re in front of the official.
The Official’s Declaration
The official fills in their name, occupation or title, business address and daytime phone number, then signs and dates the form after watching you sign.
Your Two References
Your application needs two references, even with PPTC 326. Each reference must:
- Be 18 or older
- Have known you for at least 6 months
- Agree to let you use their name and contact details
- Not be your guarantor
- Not be a close relative, like a spouse or common-law partner, parent, child, sibling, in-law, grandparent or grandchild, or any relative living at your address
Who Can Commission Form PPTC 326?
You sign PPTC 326 in front of an official who can administer oaths. The official doesn’t need to know you personally.
- In Canada: a notary public, justice of the peace or commissioner for oaths
- Outside Canada: a Canadian or British diplomatic or consular representative, or a qualified local official, such as a civil servant
What to Expect When Commissioning Form PPTC 326
PPTC 326 is signed in person. Bring:
- Your unsigned declaration
- The two pieces of government-issued photo ID you listed on the form
The notary confirms your identity, has you swear or affirm that the declaration is true, watches you sign, and then completes and signs their section. Government fees for certificates of identity and refugee travel documents are listed on IRCC’s travel document fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t find a guarantor for my refugee travel document?
Use a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (PPTC 326). Download the form, fill it in, then sign it in person in front of a notary public, justice of the peace or commissioner for oaths.
Can a family member be a reference on PPTC 326?
No. References can’t be close relatives, like a spouse or common-law partner, parent, child, sibling, in-law, grandparent or grandchild, or any relative who lives at your address. A former spouse can be a reference.
How long must a guarantor have known me for a certificate of identity?
At least 6 months. Your references must also have known you for at least 6 months.
Where do I get the statutory declaration in lieu of guarantor form?
You can download the PPTC 326 form (PDF), or request a copy from IRCC.
Who can sign or witness PPTC 326 outside Canada?
A Canadian or British diplomatic or consular representative, or a qualified local official, such as a civil servant. They don’t need to know you personally.
What’s the difference between PPTC 326 and PPTC 132?
PPTC 326 is for certificate of identity and refugee travel document applicants. The PPTC 132 is for Canadian citizens applying for a passport without a guarantor.
Complete Form PPTC 326 and Sign It with a Notary Today
Once your PPTC 326 form is filled in, the last step is signing it in person. Bring your unsigned declaration and two pieces of ID to a notary public near you.