The Government of Canada has announced a new policy set to take effect later in 2025. Under this policy, if a passport is not issued within 30 business days, the full application fee will be refunded to the applicant. To qualify for this guarantee, the application must be complete and may be submitted in person, by mail, or online.
To improve service quality, the government also plans to make online passport renewal available to all Canadian citizens. Previously limited in scope, this service will soon allow applicants to submit their renewal requests at their convenience, without the need for in-person visits or mailing documents.
Additionally, applicants will be able to track the status of their applications online without needing to contact Service Canada by phone. These initiatives are aimed at reducing wait times, streamlining the process, and improving access to government services.
The cost of a passport for adults remains $120 for a five-year passport and $160 for a ten-year passport. Expedited processing services are also available for additional fees. This policy is not yet in effect and is scheduled for implementation later in 2025.
