Canadian VS Finland (and most of EU)

Yes I know, Canada lost the Ice Hockey World Championships and I didn't blog about it.  There - I just did.  (Finland didn't win either you know!)

Now, something that has come up recently, that didn't before - is getting my youngest son a guarantor for his Canadian Passport.
My first son, V�in�, did not have a guarantor because we didn't know anyone here long enough (minimum 2 years) and of a professional status such as:

• Dentist, medical doctor
• Judge, Magistrate, Police Officer
• Mayor
• Notary Public
• Practising Lawyer, Notary
• Signing Officer of a Bank

WHAT IS A GUARANTOR?
Oh, in case you have NO idea what I am talking about - a guarantor is someone that has known you for at least 2 years and is of a professional status (as mentioned above) and is willing to fill in your Canadian Passport application and sign one of your photos (the back of it) confirming your identity and the child's.
(Or in this case, my youngest - Ahti's, identity).
It is a major responsibility because if they're caught lying in any way, shape or form - pretty sure there are some consequences...and even though you might have been the mother (or father) and have endured a difficult pregnancy and a tough labour and lost a lot of sleep and have "technically" known the child since your honeymoon (or last date night away from the other kids) - you as a parent, CANNOT sign the paperwork as a guarantor.

So back in 2010, when we started applying for a Passport for V�in� - we didn't know anyone for at least 2 years (and obviously, neither did he) - so we went to the Magistrate and for a fee of 14� (may have changed since then) - they signed it as a Notary Public.  We had to provide our identification and that was all fine and done immediately.

Now, time has gone by and we have more friends and one of them is a practicing lawyer.
So when I asked her if she wouldn't mind being Ahti's guarantor - she asked me what she had to do.
Once I explained it all she said it was fine and we went over the paperwork and she filled it all in.

Afterwards, I asked her if it's the same for an EU Passport.
Nope.
Apparently they don't have anything like this system and they just ask about your parents birth dates and some other questions to confirm your identity and you of course, send in your photos and you get a passport.

I bet you're wondering why my kids don't have EU Passports now - aren't you?
My kids are yes, both born here, but because my husband and I are Canadians - they are automatically deemed Canadian.
If your child doesn't have any automatic ties to a particular citizenship once born, then I think you can apply for Finnish Citizenship.
There is a small possibility of applying for EU citizenship when the kids are older (and once we know what we're doing or where we are going!) and they could have dual-citizenship - which would be fantastic and open up so many doors for studying and travelling!!

So, if you have to go ask your colleague or friend to be your guarantor for your Canadian Passport - that's the kind of reaction you might get...because Finns simply don't have to do that.

For more information (direct from the source) on Canadian Passports - please check here.

And ONE SUPER-DUPER important thing!!!!!!!!!

If you are a Canadian applying for your child(ren)'s passport out of country and through the Embassy for example (Canadian Embassy is in Helsinki by the way) - you must use the form that says:

"Child Passport Application for Canadians under 16 years of age (abroad)"


"Abroad" is the key word and they WILL return the application to you as not filled in properly - or wrong form chosen...we've been there with V�in�'s application.
And yes, if you look closely enough - they're the same form numbers....just that stinking word "abroad" has to be on the front page, where you don't actually write anything on it.

And yes, another popular question is in regards to babies having their own passport (it lasts 3 years until the child is a bit older - then it lasts 5 years prior to needing a renewal.  The reason for this is because a baby's facial features change so much and so quickly.  However a Finnish police representative told me the EU passports last 5 years - even for babies because they measure different points than the Canadian system.)  It IS mandatory because that's how babies can get kidnapped or moved without the other parent knowing.
If you do plan on travelling without the other parent of the child - or even part ways and meet up later - PLEASE get the other parent to write and sign a letter for you to carry with you if you have the child.  Security/customs representatives WILL question where the other parent is and if you have that letter and explain what your plans are - it'll make it a much smoother trip for you and your child!!
We did this last year, my husband and I travelled to New York together with V�in� and he stayed in NY while I kept going to Canada and thankfully I had a letter because he drilled me with a few good questions about my husband's whereabouts and the status of our relationship!  (aka - "Are you two having any issues in which the child is involved?" - so in other words - you are fleeing to Canada so the hubby can't find you and the kid?)


And one more thing!  When I first filled in V�in�'s application - in 2010, I was required to submit a person to be my character reference.  They WERE contacted and asked a tonne of questions about me, my life growing up, my hobbies and interests, my previous jobs - pretty much anything and everything but my shoe size!  I don't think I have to fill anything out like that this time for Ahti - but be sure you pick someone that really knows you well - that is NOT a relative (if I remember correctly).
They contacted my reference by e-mail - so you don't have to worry about having a Canadian calling Finland on their own account!

Hope this helps and safe travels!