Kelowna 
The Federal government has introduced a 30-business-day service guarantee for passport processing.
Per the news release, if a completed application is not processed within this timeframe, applicants will receive a full refund of their passport fees.
This policy applies to applications submitted online, in person, or by mail and is part of efforts to enhance service efficiency.
Online passport renewals were piloted in December 2024, allowing eligible Canadians to renew their passports digitally. This includes completing the application online, paying fees, and uploading a professional-digital photo securely and conveniently from their computer or mobile device.
The online renewal initiative aims to reduce wait times at Service Canada locations and improve accessibility. This phased rollout enables monitoring and refinement before broader implementation. Since its launch, nearly 1,000 Canadians have successfully renewed their passports online, states the news release.
The federal government is also expanding in-person services. This includes the establishment of a new passport processing and print centre in Surrey, British Columbia. The government has also extended the 10-business-day passport service to 24 Service Canada Centres since 2022, including in Iqaluit and Yellowknife, with plans for a full-service passport office in Charlottetown, PEI.
Service Canada has also begun publishing estimated wait times for all its locations online so that Canadians can choose the most suitable service centre. Plans are underway to develop a digital queuing system, allowing individuals to join a queue remotely, reducing time spent in line.
