Immigration Minister Lena Diab says that online passport renewal is now open to all eligible Canadian adults. To qualify, applicants must have an address in Canada, be older than 16 when they got their last passport, and must have received it within the last 15 years, among other criteria.
Applicants will still need to get a passport photo taken by a commercial photographer and submit a digital copy when applying online.
Online passport renewals have been an option for some passport holders for few years but the most recent version of the service had a daily cap of 2,000 applications.
Diab says people who apply online should expect to receive their new passports within 20 days and to be able to track its progress in real time.
Online passport renewal also benefits those who face barriers to in-person service, including people living in rural or remote communities and those with mobility challenges. In-person and mail-in services will continue to be available for Canadians who choose or need them.
This change builds on recent improvements to passport services, including the online passport application status checker; expanded access to in-person 10-business-day passport service at select Service Canada Centres; and the government’s passport service guarantee that applications will be processed within 30 business days or the passport is free.
The requirements for the online passport renewal service are slightly different from the ones for renewal applications submitted in person or by mail. Applcants should check the requirements before starting the application process.
“The online passport renewal service is a great example of modernizing our service delivery landscape and improving the passport program. In the long term, this online service will reduce wait times at our points of service.” added Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Families, Annie Koutraki.
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