Canada begins new “30 days or free” guarantee for passport processing

The Government of Canada is strengthening accountability for passport processing by introducing a new guarantee for passport services.

Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that, effective April 1, 2026, applicants will receive a full refund of their passport or travel document fee if it takes more than 30 business days to process their application. If processing exceeds 30 business days, refunds will be issued automatically. Processing time starts when a complete application is received and ends when the passport or travel document is printed and verified. It does not include mailing time. A complete application includes a filled-out form, all required documents, such as a passport photo that meets requirements, and the full payment of fees.

The “30 days or free” guarantee provides a clear and consistent standard for applicants, no matter how they apply. Most passport applications are processed within service standards, but applicants should be compensated when the government does not meet them.