IRCC Gives An Update To Canadian Passport Processing Time "30 Days or Money Back" Guarantee

Canadian Passport Sample (Source: Google Gemini)

Your Canadian Passport Will Arrive Within 30-Business Days or Money Back

Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (March 31, 2026) (Ottawa, Ontario): IRCC has brought forward a New Guarantee towards processing of Canadian Passports. IRCC recent update suggests a new deadline proposed i.e. 30-Business Days to the process the Canadian passports or else applicants will be fully refunded for their passport or travel documents fee, if and when processing exceeds the duration. This new policy is implemented effective April 1, 2026. 

The Passport processing time starts, once the Service Canada receives a complete application is received i.e. after applicants submit the required documents, photo and payment. The guarantee covers the processing period up until the moment the passport or travel document is printed and verified. The time it takes for documents to arrive by mail isn’t included. The new guarantee ensures a fair practice has been established while processing the applications for passport offices to process these applications by meeting service standards and if not, the applicant's will be refunded the full amount as a contrary measure. 

Passport Canada, Service Canada (Source: Government of Canada)

Hon. Lena Metlege Diab (Minister of Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada) during this annoucement has said, "Canadians expect reliable services from their government. While most passports are processed within our service standards, our new refund policy reflects our commitment to maintaining excellence in our passport delivery system. As with all our services and programs, we’re focused on maximizing efficiency and making improvements that make a positive difference for people."

Hon. Patty Hajdu (Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario) statement release mentions, "When Canadians receive the services they need in a timely manner, it means they don’t have to take time off work, find childcare or pay more to access services in person. By making services more efficient and better suited for the needs of Canadians, the ‘30 days or free’ passport guarantee reinforces that they can expect timely, predictable service, and it ensures Service Canada remains accountable for meeting established standards."

Online Application Forms Submission Process (Source: x.com/ServiceCanada_E)

The IRCC has outlined that their are some exception to this policy which includes administrative services, such as replacement, transfer, or true certified copy fees, or to child refugee travel documents, and child certificates of identity. This situation doesn't apply to applications processed in exceptional circumstances that may impact operations, underlined in Service Fee Act. Although, urgent and express services due to shorter timelines; if those timelines are not met, fees are refunded under existing authorities. 

This reform has been introduced after the recent annoucement by IRCC to increase the passport fees which was 10-year regular adult passport – from $160 to $163.50 (up $3.50), 5-year regular adult passport – from $120 to $122.50 (up $2.50), 5-year regular child passport – from $57 to $58.50 (up $1.50). Click here to read the Changes in Passport and Travel Document fee. 

___________________________________________________________________________________

About Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Formerly known as Citizenship and Immigration Canada is responsible for Immigration Services, Citizenship Registrations, Passport Canada, Refugee Services and Enhancing Rights & Responsibilities of Canadian Citizenship. The Department was reformed in 1994 and was re-created to implement the mandate of Department of Citizenship and Immigration Act. In 2013, IRCC assumed the responsiblity of administering the passport program in Canada. Canadian Embassies and Consular Offices internationally represents the IRCC in countries across the globe whereas domestic operations are handled by Service Canada offices. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) act as enforcement services to control the immgration border services at ports of entry.

Click here to read more about the IRCC. Click here to explore Careers at IRCC. Click here to read the latest from IRCC Newsroom.