The government of Canada continues to modernize and improve its services in order to meet the changing needs of its citizens.
Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC), announced on March 31, 2022 that the government expanded the simplified renewal process of Canadian passports. Effective immediately, Canadians living in Canada and abroad can use the simplified process to renew their expired passport issued within the last 15 years.
The new instructions are also applicable to individuals who had their passports lost, stolen, or damaged. The simplified renewal process does not require applicants to provide original documentation, such as proof of citizenship or photo identification, or have a guarantor.
All they need is two photos, two references, the completed form, and the applicable fees. While maintaining the highest level of program integrity, these changes make renewing a passport easier.
The COVID-19 travel restrictions have been eased, resulting in an increase in new passport requests and a return to pre-pandemic levels of passport demand. Therefore, Canadians are advised not to finalize any travel plans until they have received their new passport from the government of Canada.