Canada Introduces 30-Day Passport Renewal Guarantee
The federal government has announced a new passport renewal guarantee, ensuring that Canadians receive their passports within 30 business days. If Service Canada fails to meet this timeline, applicants will receive a full refund of their passport fees.
New 30-Day Processing Commitment
On March 7, 2025, Citizens’ Services Minister Terry Beech revealed the updated policy. The government aims to streamline passport services, reducing delays that previously caused frustration for travellers.
The 30-day limit applies to all complete passport applications, regardless of whether they are submitted online, in person, or by mail. However, this timeframe does not include mailing time for applications or passport delivery.
Addressing Past Delays
Service Canada faced severe backlogs after the COVID-19 pandemic, when demand for passports quadrupled between 2021 and 2022. The department issued only 1.3 million passports in 2021-22, less than half the three million issued in 2018-19.
In response, the government implemented new digital tools, expanded in-person processing, and launched online passport renewals to speed up the process.
Enhancing Federal Services Beyond Passports
Minister Beech also announced improvements to federal benefit programs, social insurance number (SIN) applications, and employment insurance (EI) processing.
- SIN applications for newcomers will integrate with immigration paperwork, reducing Service Canada visits by up to 50%.
- Online passport renewals allow eligible applicants to upload digital photos and complete applications remotely.
- Automation in EI and pension claims has sped up processing times.
What Canadians Should Expect
The government has not announced an official launch date for the 30-day passport processing guarantee. However, officials confirm the policy will take effect later in 2025.
Travellers should ensure their applications are complete to qualify for the refund if delays occur. Service Canada recommends applying well in advance of travel dates to avoid last-minute issues.
With this new 30-day processing guarantee, the government aims to restore confidence in Canada’s passport system. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to modernize federal services and reduce wait times for essential documents.
More…
- https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/time-is-money-passports-to-be-renewed-in-30-business-days-or-its-free-service-canada-says
- https://globalnews.ca/news/11071027/passport-30-day-process-free-if-late
- https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2025/03/government-of-canada-announces-important-improvements-to-passport-services-and-the-release-of-the-first-state-of-service-report-government-guarante.htmlÂ
