Current wait times for Metro Vancouver travellers applying for passports can "fluctuate significantly."
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) spokesperson Liana Brault told V.I.A. that wait times across three of Metro Vancouver's Service Canada Centres (Richmond, Vancouver, and Surrey) can vary dramatically during the day.
Over the past week, daily average wait times have been between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours.
"Offices are actively monitoring and adjusting their workflows to minimize wait times for clients," she said.
Service Canada reports that it issued approximately 33 per cent more passports in 2023–24 than the previous year and exceeded the 90 per cent performance target by processing 92 per cent of passport applications within service standards.
For 2024–25, the department "expects to receive between 5.19 million and 5.74 million passport applications."
Start your passport application process early
Locals shouldn't plan on their passports arriving early or leaving the application process to the last minute.
Service Canada encourages Canadians to check the validity of their travel documents before making vacation plans. Minister of Citizens’ Services Terry Beech recommends applying for a first passport at least six months before travel. Travellers renewing travel documents should do so at least six months before travel.
Early application allows travellers more time to gather required documents and helps prevent situations where they may not enter or leave a country because of entry and exit requirements, according to the announcement.
Travellers have several application options depending on when they plan to travel.
- No immediate travel plans: People who aren't leaving on trips right away can apply for a passport by mail or any Service Canada Centre, passport office, or scheduled outreach site.
- Travel in the coming weeks: Canadians who will travel in the coming weeks should visit a Service Canada Centre or a passport office that processes applications within 10 business days. Service Canada notes that this time does not "include the mailing time for the passport." Clients can choose to pick up their passport once it is ready to avoid the wait.
- Travel in less than two weeks: If a passport is needed in less than two weeks, Canadians must visit a passport office that offers urgent or express pick-up services. Proof of travel is required.
The service standard for applications submitted at passport offices and select Service Canada Centres is 10 business days, plus mailing time (if pick-up is not required).
Brault said Metro Vancouver Services Canada Centres have been successfully meeting the service standard.
The service standard for applications submitted at "most Service Canada Centres, scheduled outreach sites and by mail is 20 business days, plus mailing time," she added.
What should you do 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 (arrives in two to nine business days).
Urgent requests require travellers to visit a passport office in person and show proof of travel. You must also visit a Passport Office rather than a regular Service Canada Centre.
Two offices that issue urgent passports are located in Victoria and Kelowna.
How can locals ensure a smooth experience during their visit?
Metro Vancouverites should check Service Canada walk-in wait times before their visits.
Locals can find a passport service location in Canada online with Service Canada, which updates wait times at 9:30 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.
Brault said Service Canada also allows travellers to book an appointment for passport services at their nearest Service Canada location on eServiceCanada before their visit.
Applicants can now check the status of their application in just a few clicks. To use this service, clients must include an email address in the online Passport Application Status Checker.
People who applied in person will need a file or reference number from the receipt. Clients who mailed in their application or don’t have a file number or reference number can request to receive it at the email address provided on the application.
The status of the application submitted in person will be available after five business days, and 10 business days for those submitted by mail.
Where can I get my passport in person?
Service Canada Centres in Metro Vancouver are located in the following communities. These centres can provide passports within the 20 day standards but may issue them earlier:
- Vancouver - Sinclair Centre (Downtown) Service Canada Centre
- Vancouver (West Broadway) Service Canada Centre
- Vancouver East (Kingsway) Service Canada Centre
- North Vancouver – North Shore Service Canada Centre
- Burnaby Service Canada Centre
- Richmond Service Canada Centre
- New Westminster Service Canada Centre
- Coquitlam Service Canada Centre
- Surrey North Service Canada Centre
- Langley Service Canada Centre
- Ridge Meadows (Maple Ridge) Service Canada Centre
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.
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