Service Canada has announced that Canadian passport processing times have returned to pre-pandemic levels, providing efficient service to applicants.
In a recent news release by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), it was reported that there are no longer any backlogs in passport applications, and Service Canada is surpassing the delivery standard for most applications. Despite a brief disruption caused by a 12-day strike by the Public Service Alliance of Canada from April 19 to May 1, passport delivery has been streamlined.
Currently, nearly all passports are being delivered within the 10-20-day target, depending on the application submission method. ESDC states that approximately 98% of issued passports meet the service standards, regardless of the intake process.
This update comes after a year of unprecedented demand for new or renewed passports due to the easing of COVID-19-related travel restrictions. Passport offices experienced long queues, with some individuals even camping overnight to ensure their applications were submitted in person.
In anticipation of a surge in passport renewals this summer as 10-year validity passports approach expiration, passport staff have been diligently working on service improvements. These enhancements ensure that new Canadian citizens can easily make travel plans to visit their loved ones using their new passports during the summer season.
With these improvements in place, individuals can expect efficient and timely processing of their passport applications, allowing them to embark on their travel plans and reunite with family and friends.
Other improvements to passport services in Canada, Passport Canada has issued 852,589 passports so far in 2023 and issued 3,346,223 passports between April 2022 and March 2023. It forecasts that it will issue between 4.3 and 4.9 million passports in the 2023/2024 fiscal year. Passports are only available to Canadian citizens. One way that Service Canada plans to help maintain service standards is by offering online renewal.
As of May this year, those with passports that have either expired within the past 15 years or those with passports that were lost, stolen or damaged will now be able to submit the necessary documents online instead of waiting in line at an office or putting important documents in the mail. This does not apply to new citizens who are applying for their first Canadian passport.
Throughout the spring, Service Canada opened 7 new 10-day passport offices in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. They are located in: Prince George, British Columbia; Lac-Mégantic, Quebec; Gaspé, Quebec; Saint-Georges, Quebec; Timmins, Ontario; Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec and Dryden, Ontario. Once an application is submitted, Canadians can keep track via an online passport application status checker. ESDC says since the launch of the service on March 21, 2023 there have been over 702,000 visits to the online status checker website.
Improvements in Passport Services in Canada
Passport Canada has made significant improvements to its services, enhancing convenience and efficiency for Canadian citizens.
In 2023, Passport Canada has already issued 852,589 passports, and between April 2022 and March 2023, a total of 3,346,223 passports were issued. For the upcoming fiscal year of 2023/2024, it is projected that Passport Canada will issue between 4.3 and 4.9 million passports. It’s important to note that passports are exclusively available to Canadian citizens.
To maintain service standards and provide greater convenience, Service Canada now offers online renewal for passport holders.
Since May of this year, individuals with passports that have expired within the past 15 years, or those that were lost, stolen, or damaged, can submit their necessary documents online. This eliminates the need to wait in line at an office or send important documents through the mail. However, this online renewal option is not available for new citizens applying for their first Canadian passport.
In addition, Service Canada has opened seven new 10-day passport offices in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. These offices are located in Prince George, British Columbia; Lac-Mégantic, Quebec; Gaspé, Quebec; Saint-Georges, Quebec; Timmins, Ontario; Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec; and Dryden, Ontario. These new locations provide increased accessibility and faster processing times for passport applicants.
Once an application is submitted, Canadians can easily track its progress through an online passport application status checker. Since its launch on March 21, 2023, the online status checker website has received over 702,000 visits.
These improvements in passport services demonstrate Passport Canada’s commitment to enhancing customer experience, offering convenient online renewal options, expanding office locations, and providing transparency throughout the application process. Canadian citizens can now enjoy a streamlined and efficient passport application experience.
Considering the recent improvements in Canadian passport processing and the streamlined services provided by Passport Canada, it is crucial to ensure that you have the right guidance and support for your specific situation. Brace Law, with its offices in Oakville and Vaughan, is well-equipped to provide you with expert assistance in navigating the passport application process in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Albanian, Arabic, Punjabi, Farsi, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, and Urdu.
Whether you require information on renewing your passport online, understanding the eligibility criteria, or seeking advice on any other related matter, Brace Law is here to help. Our team of professionals can assess your circumstances and provide you with the best options tailored to your needs.
Contact us at 905-815-6555 or email admin@bracelaw.ca to get the assistance you need. Consider it handled with Brace Law – Affordable Fees, Consultations & Meetings by Phone & Virtually.