Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Canada Expands Passport Renewal Process Amid Easing Travel Restrictions
Ottawa, March 31, 2022 — As COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease, a growing number of Canadians are eager to venture beyond national borders. In response, the Government of Canada remains committed to enhancing its services to align with the evolving needs of its citizens.
In a joint announcement, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, unveiled an expansion of the simplified renewal application process for Canadian passports.
Simplified Passport Renewal Process
Starting today, Canadians both domestically and abroad can benefit from this streamlined approach to renewing expired passports, provided they were issued within the past 15 years. This simplified process now extends to individuals whose passports were lost, stolen, or damaged—a significant shift from the previous limitations that did not accommodate such circumstances or passports expired for more than a year.
Key Features of the Simplified Process
- No Guarantor Required: Applicants are no longer required to secure a guarantor.
- No Original Documents Needed: Proof of citizenship or photo identification is not necessary.
- What You Need:
- Two passport photos
- Two references
- A completed application form
- Applicable fees
These adjustments streamline the renewal procedure, ensuring convenience while upholding the highest standards of program integrity.
Rising Demand for Passports
With the relaxation of COVID-19 travel restrictions, the demand for both new and renewed passports is rapidly returning to pre-pandemic levels. The Government of Canada advises citizens to apply well in advance and to avoid finalizing travel plans until their new passport is in hand. The simplified renewal process provides reassurance, allowing Canadians without urgent travel plans to renew their documents at a steady pace.
This initiative underscores the government's commitment to modernizing its services, ensuring that Canadians can travel with ease and confidence. As the world gradually opens up, Canada's proactive measures in passport renewal stand as a testament to its dedication to citizen convenience and service enhancement.
