Overview

• The Canadian government pledges to process complete passport applications within 30 business days or refund the application fee in full.
• The new guarantee applies to applications submitted online, in person, or by mail and will take effect later this year.
• An online passport renewal system, piloted in December 2024, will expand nationwide in the summer, allowing Canadians to apply digitally from anywhere.
• The announcement follows efforts to modernize services after COVID-19-related backlogs caused significant delays and public frustration in 2022.
• Other updates include the SIN@Landing program for newcomers and improved efficiency in Employment Insurance and dental care benefit processing.