Canadian passport applicants to receive refund if processing exceeds 30 days

The Canadian government has introduced a new accountability measure for passport services, promising a full refund to applicants if processing times exceed 30 business days.

The “30 days or free” guarantee is part of a strategy to modernise Canadian public services and provide a more consistent experience for those seeking international travel documents.

Lena Metlege Diab, immigration minister, made the announcement, which came into effect in April 2026.

Under the new policy, any applicant whose travel document takes longer than 30 business days to process will automatically receive a full refund of their fees.

Read also: Nigerians, others to pay more as Canada increases residence, citizenship fee

The processing clock starts once a complete application, including the correct forms, photos, and payment, is received. It concludes once the document is printed and verified. It is important to note that the 30-day window does not include postage or delivery time.

While current service standards typically range between 10 and 20 business days, the government maintains that this new guarantee provides a vital safety net for citizens.

Diab emphasised the government’s commitment to excellence, noting, “Canadians expect reliable services. While most passports are processed within our standards, this refund policy reflects our commitment to efficiency and making a positive difference for the public.”

Patty Hajdu, minister for Jobs and Families, added that the move ensures accountability.

“By making services more efficient, we ensure Canadians don’t have to take unnecessary time off work or pay extra for in-person services. This guarantee reinforces the expectation of timely, predictable service.”

The new policy applies to most standard applications but carries specific exclusions, such as:

Urgent and express services: These have separate, shorter timelines and are already covered by existing refund authorities if delayed.

Administrative fees: Costs for replacements, transfers, or certified copies are not eligible.

Exceptional circumstances: Delays caused by major operational disruptions are exempt.

Specific documents: Child refugee travel documents and certificates of identity are excluded due to their low fee value.

How to obtain a Canadian citizenship

Foreign nations such as Nigeria are eligible to apply for a Canadian passport if they hold Canadian citizenship.

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must hold permanent resident status and have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days within the five years preceding your application.

Additionally, you must have fulfilled your tax filing obligations and, for those aged 18 to 54, demonstrate proficiency in English or French and pass a test on Canadian history and values.

The application process is conducted primarily through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. After determining your eligibility, you must compile a digital application package, including identification and proof of language skills, and pay the required processing and citizenship right fees.

Once your application is submitted and tracked through your online account, you may be invited for an interview or citizenship test.

If successful, the final step is to attend a formal citizenship ceremony, where you take the oath of citizenship and receive your official certificate.

Read also: Canada prioritises jobs in transportation sector for permanent residency

How to apply for the Canadian passport 

The Government of Canada implemented its first passport fee increase since 2013, which became effective as of March 31, 2026.

For Canadians applying within the country, the cost of a 10-year adult passport has risen from $160 to $163.50, while the 5-year adult passport has increased from $120 to $122.50. Parents will also see a slight rise in child passport fees, which have moved from $57 to $58.50.

Canadians residing abroad face higher adjustments to cover international processing. The fee for a 10-year adult passport outside Canada is now $266.25 (up from $260), and the 5-year version has increased to $194.25 (from $190).

Meanwhile, a child’s passport applied for from abroad now costs $102.50, a modest increase from the previous $100. Other specialised documents, such as adult certificates of identity and refugee travel documents, have also seen their fees adjusted to $266.25 and $122.50, respectively.

To ease the transition, the government has introduced a grace period. If you submitted a complete application by mail on or before April 29, 2026, using the old fee structure, you will not be required to pay the difference.

However, any applications received after this date, or those submitted in person or online from March 31 onwards, must reflect the new pricing to be processed.

How to obtain the Canadian passport 

Most adults aged 18 and over must submit a filled application form, original proof of citizenship, a valid photo ID, two recent photographs, and the relevant fee.

A guarantor is also required to sign the application and one of the photos. This person must be a Canadian citizen with a valid 5- or 10-year passport who has known you for at least two years.