New “X” non-binary gender designation on Canadian travel and immigration documents

As of August 31, 2017, immigrants and citizens of Canada may request that their gender be identified as “X” (Unspecified) rather than “M” or “F” on passports and immigration documents. IRCC is not yet able to print documents with this designation, so until the system update is complete, “X” will not be listed as an option when you’re requesting or renewing any documents. However, it will be possible in the interim to request an observation that will be added to the document, which will read: “The sex of the bearer should be read as “X”, indicating that it is unspecified.” There is no fee to request that this text be added, and it can be done for the following documents:

• Passports: the request form can be submitted along with your application for a new passport, or for an existing passport that will not expire within the next six months;
• Immigration documents: the request form can be submitted only once you are in Canada, and only for documents which do not expire within the next six months;
• Citizenship documents: the request form can be submitted only when you are in Canada, and only for documents which do not expire within the next six months.

It’s important to consider where you will travel if you are planning to request a passport with an “X” designation on it. Each country has control over its own borders and will apply its own laws to foreign nationals seeking entry.