Check processing times for passport services
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Reduced passport and travel document services
Due to the impacts of COVID-19
- some services are still unavailable
- we extended the eligibility period for Canadian passport renewals
- You may have extra time to renew your passport.
- there are travel restrictions
- Dual citizens need a valid Canadian passport or special authorization to board their flights.
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Processing times for passport applications
We try our best to meet our service standards. However, some of the measures we’ve put in place to safeguard the health and safety of clients and employees may affect how quickly we can process your application.
Processing times depend on how you applied. Your application processing time
- starts once we have received both
- your application form, and
- all your supporting documents
- depends on whether your application is properly completed or not
- doesn’t include mailing time
A small number of cases may take longer so we can do necessary
- routine verifications, and
- security checks
Applications submitted in Canada
Service standards
These are the service standards
- for in person at a passport office: by appointment only
- Due to COVID-19, our in-person processing times are currently based on when you need the passport.
- Answer a few questions to find out how to apply for passport services. (opens in a new tab)
- You must provide proof that you need the passport.
- by mail: 20 business days
This doesn’t include mailing time. We aren’t liable for any losses if we can’t deliver your passport in time. We recommend you don’t finalize any travel plans until you get your passport.
Urgent or express service
You must apply for urgent or express services in person: by appointment only
Answer a few questions to find out how to apply for passport services. (opens in a new tab)
You must provide proof that you need the passport. Additional fees apply.
Our service standards for urgent and express service are
- urgent pick-up: by the end of the next business day
- express pick-up: 2 to 9 business days
We try our best to meet our service standards, but we aren’t liable for any losses as a result of the passport not being issued or delivered to you or your child in time. We recommend you don’t finalize any travel plans until you get your passport.
Applications submitted from the United States
If you live in the United States, you must submit a passport application by mail.
The processing time for mailed applications from the United States is 20 business days.
This doesn’t include mailing time. Passports are printed in Canada, and mailing time varies by region. Because of this, you should give yourself extra time when applying.
If you need a passport urgently or in certain circumstances (such as illness or death), contact the nearest Government of Canada office abroad. Additional fees apply.
Applications submitted outside Canada and the United States
If you are outside Canada and the United States, you must contact the nearest Government of Canada office abroad by telephone or email to submit your application.
Additional fees may apply for urgent passport services.
The processing time for applications submitted outside Canada is 20 business days.
This doesn’t include mailing time. Passports are printed in Canada, and mailing time varies by region. Because of this, you should give yourself extra time when applying.
You may also check what local processing times are at your nearest Government of Canada office abroad.
Passport and travel document fees
COVID-19 is causing disruptions to our services that are beyond our control. As a result, we may not always meet our passport and travel document service standards.
If you submit a passport or travel document application between April 1, 2021, and June 30, 2021, you aren’t eligible for any fee refunds under the Service Fees Act.
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