With winter starting and many Canadians planning escapes from the snow and cold, Service Canada is encouraging travellers to make sure their passports are up to date, or to apply well ahead of their trip if they don’t already have one.
Planning ahead is always the best approach, says Minister of Citizens’ Services Terry Beech, who encourages any Canadian who needs their first adult passport, or a passport for their child, to apply at least six months prior to their travel date.
For those who already have an adult passport, Service Canada similarly recommends starting the renewal process at least six months before expiry.
By getting an early start on the process, travellers will have plenty of time to gather the required documents and materials for renewal. It could also avoid situations where they cannot enter or leave their country of choice despite having a valid passport because of entry and exit requirements (eg having a valid passport for six month before entering the country).
Renewal options
Canadians can visit eServiceCanada to book an appointment at their nearest Service Canada location. All forms must be completed before the appointment. Canadians can also obtain passport services without an appointment.
Depending on when the passport is needed, many options are available to submit passport applications:
- No immediate travel plans: Canadians who do not have immediate travel plans can submit their application by mail or in person at any Service Canada Centre, passport office or scheduled outreach site.
- Travel in the coming weeks: Canadians who will travel in the coming weeks can visit a Service Canada Centre or a passport office that processes applications within 10 business days. This does not include the mailing time for the passport. Clients can also choose to pick up their passport once it is ready.
- 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.
“Travelling can often be a stressful experience, but getting your passport doesn’t have to be,” says Beech. “By planning ahead and identifying the best service options for you, you can get ahead of the busier service times at Service Canada Centres and passport offices.”
For more information, including urgent passport services and finding a service location (along with current wait-times), click HERE.
Quick facts
- The service standard for applications submitted at most Service Canada Centres, scheduled outreach sites and by mail is 20 business days, plus mailing time.
- The service standard for applications submitted at passport offices and selected Service Canada Centres is 10 business days, plus mailing time if pick-up is not required.
- Clients who applied in person will need the file or reference number from their receipt. For mailed applications or those without a reference number, clients can request to have the number sent to the email provided in the application. The status will be available after five business days for in-person applications, and after 10 business days for mailed applications.
- Rather than calling or visiting a Service Canada point of service, applicants can check the status of their application in just a few clicks. To use this service, clients must include an email address to use the online Passport Application Status Checker.
- Service Canada issued approximately 33% more passports in fiscal year 2023-24 than in the previous year and exceeded the 90% performance target by processing 92% of passport applications within service standards.
- For 2024-25, Service Canada expects to receive between 5.19 million and 5.74 million passport applications. Service Canada remains on track to exceed its service standard target once again, despite the significant increase in demand.
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