Last Updated on February 23, 2023
This article was originally published on 24 May 2022 and was updated on 17 June 2022 and 18 August 2022 to reflect new information.
18 August 2022 Update: The government of Canada added 12 new electronic entry gates (eGates) to the Toronto Pearson International airport, and 30 new primary inspection kiosks (PIKs) in an effort to reduce airport delays and entry wait-times.
This article was originally published on 24 May 2022 and was updated on 17 June 2022 to reflect new information.
17 June 2022 Update: The government of Canada introduced an approximate passport wait time service for clients to prepare for their visit to a passport office and view approximate processing times. Generally, passports are processed and received within 40 days.
Key Points
- New measures introduced to reduce processing delays in the issuance of new or renewed passports for Canadian citizens traveling abroad
Overview
The government of Canada is experiencing an increase in demand for new or renewed passports, resulting in longer processing times for Canadian citizens. In response to these delays, the government has prioritized the processing of travelers with urgent needs and introduced several steps to reduce the delays. These steps include:
Reopening all passport service counters across Canada and increasing service capacity by 40 percent by hiring more employees;
Expanded capacity in waiting rooms to accommodate increased volume;
Introducing measures to simplify and expedite passport processing. These measures include a simplified process for renewing expired passports that were issued in the last 15 years and simplifying procedures for obtaining new passports if the previous one was lost, stolen or damaged. Applicants also do not need to have a guarantor or provide their original documents (such as proof of citizenship or photo identification) and instead only need to provide two photos, two references, their completed form and pay the application fees;
- Expanding operating hours of passport offices and call centers;
- Launching Service Canada to provide a 24-hour online tool for booking appointments
- The government estimates that most individuals will receive their new or renewed passport within at least 10 business days.
What are the Changes?
The government of Canada has introduced several measures that aim to reduce processing delays for issuances of new or renewed passports. Some of these measures include introducing new staff to passport offices throughout the country and offering simplified procedures for making appointments and submitting documents. Canadian citizens should ensure that they hold a valid passport before traveling outside of Canada.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of Canada’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.
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Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative.
