Service Canada promising 30-day passport renewal or you get a full refund

Service Canada is making Canadians a bold promise about passport renewal: If your travel document isn’t processed in 30 business days, you’ll get a full refund.

In addition to guaranteed processing times, Service Canada announced the launch of online passport renewal. These changes were announced on Friday, March 7, by Minister of Citizens’ Services Terry Beech, as the department aims to focus on efficiency and accountability.

“We are modernizing service delivery and improving the passport program to reduce wait times and costs while ensuring Canadians can access the support they need without unnecessary barriers,” said Stéphane Lauzon, parliamentary secretary to the minister of citizens’ services.

In December 2024, eligible Canadians could participate in a government pilot program allowing them to renew their passport online.

Erman Gunes/Shuttersrtock

Starting later this year, Canadians who submit a complete passport application online, in person, or by mail can expect to have it processed within 30 business days. If it’s not processed within that timeframe, Canadians will receive the full refund of their renewal fees, a service fee that currently starts from $120.

These efforts to modernize passport services come after Service Canada found itself understaffed to deal with the backlog of passport applications post-pandemic. In 2022, people even paid hundreds of dollars to hold others’ spots in line outside passport offices.

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Beech has also announced a new passport processing and print centre in Surrey, B.C., expanded 10-business day passport services, and more Service Canada Centres. Currently, it takes 20 business days to process passport applications submitted in person, by mail, or online.

As Service Canada works to streamline its operations, Canadians will also soon see significantly reduced processing times for applications for federal benefits such as Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

“With new digital options including online passport renewals, SIN online, and digital credentials, Canadians can expect to spend less time in line or waiting on hold,” said Beech.

With files from Imaan Sheikh