Many Canadians thought that since travel restrictions are eased almost throughout the world, nothing could disrupt their travel plans. How wrong they were as Canada’s passport processing is unacceptably delayed.

Before blaming anyone, it is best to understand the reason for this backlog. During the first two years of the pandemic, the passport of some Canadians expired, and others didn’t have passports. Statistics show that only 20 percent of the normally anticipated passport volume was received during 2020 and 2021. Now that travel restriction are eased, Canadians are experiencing a two-year backlog of passport processing. Data shows that the requests include 15 percent passport renewals and 85 percent new Canadian passport applications.

The government has issued a simplified renewal process to ease these delays in the Canadian passport processing process. Those who wish to renew their Canadian passport don’t need a guarantor or provide original documents as proof of citizenship or photo application. Only two photos, two references, a completed passport renewal form, and applicable fees are needed.

On the other hand, application for a new passport is a more complex process, especially for child passport applications, as both parents' permission is needed before applying for a kid’s passport.

Currently, applicants with imminent travel plans within 48 hours are prioritized to ensure they can catch their respective flights.

The Wait...How Long?

Those who apply for a Canadian passport in person at a passport office expect the whole process to take up to two weeks, plus the mailing time. If you apply in person at a Service Canada Center that offers 10-day processing, wait up to two weeks plus mailing time to get your passport. If you apply in person at a regular Service Canada Center or via email, expect that your application may take up to 13 weeks, plus mailing time.

What if you need to get a Canadian Passport ASAP? What do you need to do?

Let’s say you need a passport within two business days or less. Here’s what you got to do:

1. Go to a passport office with urgent pick-up service.

2. This is walk-in only, and no appointments, so make sure to check the walk-in wait times before you go.

3. Be ready to pay for the extra fees that apply for your rush passport processing.

4. You are required to show proof that you need the passport ASAP.

Proofs may include:

• An airline, bus, or train ticket or if you are going to drive your private vehicle, present a written statement explaining why you need to travel.

• A travel itinerary showing proof of payment.

• Any proof of illness or death in the family that will require you to travel.

• A written statement from you or a third party explaining your need for the passport.

Disclaimer though, the government, despite their efforts, cannot promise always to deliver your passport on time. So they recommend that you do not finalize any of your travel plans until you get your passport because they will not be liable for any losses.

The Canadian government is addressing the passport processing backlogs by:

• expanding the simplified renewal application to any adult passport issued in the last 15 years.

• launching an appointment booking toolthat directs applicants to the correct location for service

• making passport wait times available so that applicants can prepare for their visit to a passport office

• expanding access to passport services by extending their hours of service and expanding the pick-up and expedited services to 20 additional sites

• improving client experience in their offices

• continually hiring employees and adding processing capacity to keep up with the volume of applications and get rid of the delays

• streamlining processes to maximize efficiency and productivity

• updating the way they deliver their services by exploring digital solutions for renewal submission,

• tracking the status of applications online, and enabling 300 regular Service Canada Centers to process simple passport renewals.

While the government is doing their best, Canadians should still stretch their patience before they can get hold of their passport and finally leave the country for some well-deserved out-of-the-country adventure. Nonetheless, it is hoped that as newer strategies in processing passport renewals and applications are applied, the backlogs will finally be over.