Backgrounder on passport services 

From: Employment and Social Development Canada

Backgrounder

The following information will help applicants across Canada choose the best service option for passports in their area based on their specific needs.

Service Options

Specialized passport offices

All of these offices offer standard 10-day passport pick-up services, and most also offer urgent and express service (Service standard for urgent applications: end of next business day; Service standard for express applications: 2 to 9 business days. Extra fees apply and you must provide proof that you need the passport):  

Atlantic Region

New Brunswick

Newfoundland and Labrador

Nova Scotia

Québec Region

Ontario Region

Western Region and Territories

Alberta

British Columbia

Manitoba

Saskatchewan

Service Canada Centres Offering 10-day pick-up Service

Canadians can apply for a passport at these locations and receive it after 10 business days. The passport can either be mailed or be picked up in person.

Atlantic Region

Québec Region

Ontario Region

Western Region and Territories

Service Canada Centres Offering 20-day service

 Find a Service Canada Centre near you.

What Canadians Need To Know

  • Passport applications should be submitted well in advance of making travel plans.
  • Anyone travelling within two business days must go to a passport office (Service Canada Centre – Passport Service) offering urgent pickup service. No appointment is needed and a proof of travel or need is required.
  • Applying in-person allows the applicant to have their documents reviewed in-person and to take their documents home with them instead of sending them in the mail. This also reduces application time.
  • Information on how to apply and obtain a passport application form can be found online on Canada.ca.

To prevent processing delays, here are common errors to avoid when applying for a passport

  • The Guarantor must sign the back of one photo for Child and Adult General applications.
  • For Child applications:
    • The applicant is generally a custodial parent or legal guardian of the child.
    • All parents, including all legal guardians, are requested (and may be required) to participate in obtaining passport services for the child.
    • When completing a child form, the relationship between parents must be indicated and the bottom of Sections 2 and 5 must be signed.
    • An applicant who does not know the current whereabouts of the other parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is asked to contact the Passport Program.
    • If applicable, all documents (including separation agreements, divorce judgment, orders, etc.) pertaining to the child that refer to custody, decision-making responsibilities, access, parenting time and/or mobility are required to be submitted.
  • For Adult General applications:
    • The Guarantor must sign and date a copy of the applicant’s ID.
    • Indicate the requested passport validity - 5 or 10 years - on the form.

Checking on the Status of a Passport Application

Canadians who have applied for a passport can check the status of their application online, with a few clicks and some basic information. The online Passport Application Status Checker provides Canadians with an important digital service option for passport services, providing timely information without having to call Service Canada or visit an office.  

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