Enhancing Passport Processing: Canada's New Standards
The Canadian federal government has unveiled a significant update to its passport processing standards by establishing a 30-business-day guarantee for handling applications. This initiative, set to launch within the year, ensures that individuals can expect a full refund of their passport fees if their applications are not processed within the specified timeframe, regardless of how they submit their request. Service Canada anticipates handling approximately 5.74 million passport applications between 2024 and 2025, and the introduction of this money-back guarantee aims to alleviate the challenges posed by increasing demand.
Citizens’ Services Minister Terry Beech has committed to processing completed applications—whether submitted in-person, by mail, or online—within six weeks. Currently, the standard processing time stands at 20 business days, with expedited service available for 10 days at numerous Service Canada centres nationwide. Previously, most applicants submitting in person have received their passports within a week, with 99% obtaining theirs within ten days.
In an effort to further ease the application process, the gradual rollout of online passport renewal is set for all Canadians in 2025. A pilot project was launched in late 2023, allowing limited users to apply online with a 20-day processing time, and around 1,000 individuals have taken advantage of this service.
Addressing Backlogs and Future Demand
Service Canada's moves to enhance passport services stem from the severe impacts of COVID-19, which brought about significant reductions in in-person client interaction and a substantial rise in mail applications as travel restrictions were lifted. The agency faced a 45% increase in applications, particularly complex ones, leading to a major backlog, with the number of passports issued since 2021 soaring by 315%.
To tackle the backlog and meet the anticipated rise in passport demands, Service Canada has expanded its capacity since 2022, with 60 locations across the nation offering the expedited 10-day service. Communities such as Iqaluit and Yellowknife have recently gained access to these services, with a full-service location slated for Charlottetown, P.E.I., in the near future. Furthermore, the agency emphasizes that 93% of Canadians reside within 50 kilometers of one of the 582 passport service locations.
Transition to Digital Services and Current Fees
While traditional mail and in-person applications remain available, Service Canada is transitioning towards a digital-first approach. New online tools facilitate smoother service delivery, such as the capacity for users to book appointments up to 60 days in advance and an online passport status checker that has seen over 833,000 users since its launch in mid-2023.
Current passport fees are set at $120 for a five-year passport for individuals aged 16 and older, making the 10-year option at $160 more economical over time. Children aged 15 and under pay $57. Additional fees apply for expedited services, including $20 for standard in-person pickup and increased rates for faster processing options. These changes reflect Service Canada’s commitment to improve the efficiency and accessibility of passport services for all Canadians.