As COVID-19 restrictions lift and travel demand by Canadians surges, the Government of Canada has announced the expansion of the simplified renewal application process for Canadian passports.
Effective immediately, Canadians in Canada and abroad can now use the simplified process to renew an expired passport as long as it was issued within the last 15 years.
The simplified process is also available to individuals who had their passport lost, stolen or damaged.
Previously, the simplified renewal process wasn't available for passports expired longer than a year or those that were lost, stolen or damaged.
With the simplified renewal process, applicants don't need to have a guarantor or to provide their original documents, such as proof of citizenship or photo identification. They simply need 2 photos, 2 references, their completed form and the applicable fees.
The government says these changes make renewing a passport easier, while maintaining the highest level of program integrity.
"As international travel resumes, we need to continue to modernize and improve our passport services to make sure we meet the needs of Canadians," says Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
"Simplifying the renewal process will make it easier and faster for Canadians to get their passport, and is another step toward greater modernization while prioritizing the health and safety of Canadians and our employees."
The federal government says demand for passports, both new and renewals, has started to increase and is returning to pre-pandemic levels. It recommends that Canadians apply early and not finalize any travel plans until they have received their new passport.
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