Travellers looking to renew their Canadian passport or get their first shouldn't face long waits and will get one with the new design.
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) told V.I.A. that most travel documents are processed within the standard service times in Metro Vancouver and generally don't experience waits.
People can also use a simplified renewal process by submitting their old passports.
Before submitting passport applications, Service Canada recommends that you ensure the application is correctly filled out and includes any necessary supporting documents.
When should I think about getting my passport?
Service Canada recommends getting a passport before planning a trip in case of difficulties.
Don't wait until your passport expires to get a new one. Many countries require that your passport be valid for six months before you leave or for an extended and specific period after you arrive in some countries.
How long does it take to get a passport in Canada?
Applications at a passport office or a Service Canada Centre should be processed within 10 business days.
Applications at regular Service Canada Centres, at regular mobile service sites, and by mail should be processed within 20 days.
Service Canada notes that it has increased demand on a seasonal basis as popular travel times approach, meaning people may experience delays.
Service Canada also has a website that allows you to check wait times before visiting a passport office.
What percentage of applications are processed in the standard time frames?
According to Service Canada, 92 per cent of applications, regardless of how they were applied, are processed within the standard service times.
"Certain types of cases, such as incorrectly completed forms or complex cases for other reasons, make up a significant portion of applications that take longer than the normal processing time," said the ESDC.
Will I get a passport with Canada's new design on it?
The new Canadian passport has enhanced security features that help prevent fraud and confirm the document's validity. It also celebrates the country's heritage and identity with new artwork, showcasing its natural beauty through the four seasons.
The new cover design features the outline of a maple leaf, which is the first "significant change" to the passport in decades, according to the government.
ESDC said all Canadians applying for a new passport will receive the latest design with updated security features. However, the old passports are still considered secure and reliable; they will not need to apply for a new one.
Do you need a passport to fly within Canada?
You do not require a passport to fly within Canada but need one for cross-border flights to the U.S.
How can the mobile passport control app help with flights to the U.S.?
Canadians heading across the border can have a new option to submit their information digitally before flights.
Locals who plan to travel to the U.S. from Canada can submit their passport and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone before they leave for a trip.
The U.S. Customer Customs Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app allows travellers to experience "shorter wait times, less congestion, and efficient processing," when crossing the border.
Is the 10-year passport surge affecting wait times?
The first 10-year passports were issued in 2013 and started to become eligible for renewal in July 2023.
For 2024-2025, based on IRCC forecasts, Service Canada expects to receive between 4.89 million and 5.40 million passport applications. While approximately 50 per cent of these applications are expected to be renewals, it does not expect delays.
What about if you need to get your passport quickly?
If you plan to travel soon and need a Canadian passport issued immediately, you can apply for urgent or express service.
The urgent service will get your travel document to you by the end of the next business day, while the express option typically takes two to nine business days.
The urgent service costs an additional $110 more than a regular passport and the express option costs an extra $50.
You must visit a passport office in person to take advantage of the urgent option and you may be required to show proof of travel.
Can I use the simplified process to renew an expired Canadian passport?
Canadians can use a simplified process to renew their expired passport if it was issued within the last 15 years of the date they apply. The simplified version is also available to individuals who lost their passports or lost or damaged them.
Renewing a Canadian passport is easier than applying for a new one. If you are renewing one, you will not require a guarantor (a person who can confirm your identity), proof of citizenship, or supporting identification.
To renew your passport, fill out the questions online with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to see what steps you need to take next. The system will tell you to:
- give you all the forms you need
- tell you how to submit your application
- show the costs for different passport services
