Metro Vancouverites looking to renew their Canadian passports face dramatically improved wait times over recent years past -- but there are several ways to get a new one.
People who already have a passport -- even if it is an expired one -- can now take advantage of a simplified process. As long as the original passport was issued within the last 15 years of the date they apply, applicants won't need a guarantor or to provide their original documents, such as proof of citizenship or photo identification.
Passport renewal applicants require two photos, two references, their completed form, and the applicable fees. The simplified process also applies to people who have lost their passport or if it was stolen or damaged.
Find out everything you need to know about getting a Canadian passport issued in Metro Vancouver in the first quarter of 2024.
When should I think about getting my passport?
Service Canada recommends that you get a passport before you plan a trip in case you run into difficulties.
You also shouldn't wait until your passport expires to get a new one. Many countries require that your passport be valid for six months before you leave or for an extended and specific period after you arrive in some countries.
What options are available to me for passport renewal?
Renewing a Canadian passport is easier than applying for a new one. If you are renewing one, you will not require a guarantor (a person who can confirm your identity), proof of citizenship, or supporting identification.
Canadians over the age of 16 must submit their old passport with their application; the old one will be cancelled and cannot be used for travel.
To renew your passport, fill out the questions online with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to see what kind of steps you need to take next. The system will tell you
- give you all the forms you need
- tell you how to submit your application
- show the costs for different passport services
How to renew a Canadian passport in 20 business days (by mail)
Complete the online form for your passport application. Service Canada reminds applicants not to forget to include whether they want a five- or 10-year passport under section 4 of the form.
You need to include the following with your application:
- Three pieces of information:
- the date your passport was issued
- the date it expired
- its passport number
- your most recent passport, if it’s still valid
- Two identical passport photos
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
- their name
- their complete address and
- the date the photos were taken
- You do not need a guarantor’s signature on the photo.
- Read the full photo requirement
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
You need to include two references to include on your application.
- They must have known you for at least two years.
- They cannot be family members.
Submit your application and pay your fees after you complete these steps.
Mailing times vary across the country but you can use a "certified courier or traceable mail service to reduce the delivery time of your application and help protect your documents," according to IRCC.
Your passport will be mailed to you unless you pay for pick-up service. This typically takes about five business days, but it can vary across the country.
How to get a new Canada passport in 20 business days (by mail)
Complete the online form for your passport application.
You need to include the following with your application:
- proof of Canadian citizenship
- This can be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
- If you have a paper certificate, it must be the original document, not a photocopy.
- If you have a citizenship e-certificate, you must attach a printed copy.
- This can be a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
- any valid Canadian passport or other travel document (refugee travel document or certificate of identity) issued to you
- a document to support your identity
- This can be a photocopy or the original.
- If you want to use a photocopy of your ID, make sure you show both sides and have it signed and dated by your guarantor or signing official.
- This can be a photocopy or the original.
- 2 identical passport photos
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
- their name
- their complete address
- the date the photos were taken
- Your guarantor must also sign the back of this photo.
- Read the full photo requirements for more information.
- On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
You need to include two references to include on your application.
- They must have known you for at least two years.
- They cannot be family members.
Submit your application and pay your fees after you complete these steps.
What about 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 end of the next business day, while the express option typically takes two to nine business days.
The urgent service costs an additional $110 above the cost of a regular passport and the express option costs an additional $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.
How long will it take to receive my passport?
Most Service Canada Centres across the country provide 20-business day service for passport applications. However, 21 locations offer 10-day passport service and 37 passport offices have 10-day pick-up service.
As of January 2024, passport offices across the Lower Mainland in Vancouver, Richmond, and Surrey are experiencing on average waits of around one to two-and-a-half hours. Also, those offices have been meeting the 10-business day plus mailing time service standard, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) told V.I.A.
Wait times vary depending on the office, day of the week, and time of day. They are updated three times daily for every office and can be found on the ESDC website.
How do 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.
Canada unveiled the new look in May 2023 and started issuing the new booklet in June 2023. But not all offices are equipped with the new printers for the new booklets. As a result, some people may get the old passport, "which is still secure and reliable," ESDC told V.I.A.
By spring 2024, Canada will only issue the new passport booklet.
The Canadian passport was also recently included in a ranking of the world's most powerful passports, with its citizens able to visit 116 countries visa-free.
Service Canada also has a website that allows you to check on wait times before visiting a passport office.
