Metro Vancouverites planning to renew their Canadian passport may face longer processing times in July.
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) expects increased applications over the summer, particularly in July, and processing times may take longer.
"Seasonal peaks are normal and happen around common travel times," the ESDC told V.I.A.
Wait times may vary from one office to another across the county, with some regions experiencing a higher demand during common travel times.
Since July 1, the average wait times at ESDC offices in Metro Vancouver were between 50 minutes and four hours. However, the offices were closed on Canada Day, which may have increased client volumes (since people had to apply for travel documents over four days instead of five).
ESDC offers a 10-business-day turnaround service when applications are submitted at passport offices and Service Canada Centres. It says its "service standard" is to process 90 per cent of applications during this window.
For applications submitted at regular Service Canada Centres and by mail, the ESDC service standard is to process 90 per cent of applications in 20-day windows.
ESDC said it is meeting its service standards, despite increased application volumes during peak times.
The first 10-year passports were issued in 2013 and became eligible for renewal in July 2023. ESDC said it processed 3.4 million passports in 2022 and 4.8 million in 2024.
This year, the department expects to process over 5.4 million passport applications, representing nearly a 50 per cent increase in two years. Roughly 50 per cent of the applications are expected to be renewals.
ESDC expects to exceed its performance target of 90 per cent of applications for the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year.
What should you do if you need to get your passport quickly?
If you plan to travel soon and need a Canadian passport issued immediately, you can apply for urgent or express service.
The urgent service will get your travel document to you by the end of the next business day, while the express option typically takes two to nine business days.
The urgent service costs an additional $110 more than a regular passport and the express option costs an extra $50.
You must visit a passport office in person to take advantage of the urgent option and you may be required to show proof of travel. The Sinclair Passport Office in Vancouver offers this service.
Locals can determine the best service location based on their needs and can check estimated wait times at offices offering the 10-business day service on the virtual passport office locator.
ESDC Canadian passport recommendations
ESDC recommends Canadians renew their passport ahead of time for their travels. Travellers who don't need to travel for 30 business days are encouraged to visit one of the 600 Service Canada Centres or scheduled outreach sites to submit their applications or apply by mail. The service standard is 20 business days, plus mailing time.
Service Canada also has a website that allows you to check wait times before visiting a passport office. Wait times are updated thrice daily at 9:30 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.
Clients can also book appointments up to 60 days in advance for passport services at their nearest Service Canada location on eServiceCanada to avoid waiting in line. All passport application forms must be completed before the appointment.
Where can I get my passport in person?
Service Canada Centres in Metro Vancouver are located in the following communities:
- Vancouver - Sinclair Centre (Downtown) Service Canada Centre
- Vancouver (West Broadway) Service Canada Centre
- Vancouver East (Kingsway) Service Canada Centre
- North Vancouver – North Shore Service Canada Centre
- Burnaby Service Canada Centre
- Richmond Service Canada Centre
- New Westminster Service Canada Centre
- Coquitlam Service Canada Centre
- Surrey North Service Canada Centre
- Langley Service Canada Centre
- Ridge Meadows (Maple Ridge) Service Canada Centre
Locals who need a passport sooner than 20 business days should apply at a passport office or Service Canada Centre that offers 10 business day, express or urgent passport service.
In Metro Vancouver, offices offering 10-business day service are located in the following communities:
- Vancouver Passport Office (Sinclair Centre)
- Richmond Passport Office
- Surrey Passport Office (Central City Shopping Centre)
- Surrey South Service Canada Centre (this location offers passport services in 10 business days)
Will I get a passport with Canada's new design on it?
The new Canadian passport has enhanced security features that help prevent fraud and confirm the document's validity. It also celebrates the country's heritage and identity with new artwork, showcasing its natural beauty through the four seasons.
The new cover design features the outline of a maple leaf, which is the first "significant change" to the passport in decades, according to the government.
ESDC said all Canadians applying for a new passport will receive the latest design with updated security features. However, the old passports are still considered secure and reliable.
Clients who want to know the status of their submitted passport application can visit the Passport Application Status Checker online. People who applied in person will need a file or reference number from the receipt. Clients who mailed in their application or don’t have a file number or reference number can request to receive it at the email address provided on the application.
The status of the application submitted in person will be available after five business days, and 10 business days for those submitted by mail.
Can I use the simplified process to renew an expired Canadian passport?
Canadians can use a simplified process to renew their expired passport if it was issued within the last 15 years of the date they apply. The simplified version is also available to individuals who lost their passport or lost or damaged it.
Renewing a Canadian passport is easier than applying for a new one. If you are renewing one, you will not need a guarantor (a person who can confirm your identity), proof of citizenship, or supporting identification.
To renew your passport, fill out the questions online with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to see what steps you need to take next. The system will:
- give you all the forms you need;
- tell you how to submit your application;
- show the costs for different passport services.
