[Updated] Canada: Passport Processing Returned to Pre-Pandemic Timeline

This article was originally published on 27 January 2023 and was updated on 22 March 2023 to reflect new information.  

22 March 2023 Update: The government of Canada has confirmed that the specialized passport office in the country is expected to process passport applications within 10 business days. Applications submitted via mail and any Service Canada Centre are expected to be processed within 20 business days. The government has stated that it will continue to seek new measures to decrease passport processing times.  

Key Points

• The Canadian government has announced that passport application processing has returned to pre-pandemic timelines

Overview

The government of Canada announced that the processing of passport applications has returned to the pre-pandemic timeline. The average timeline for passport applications delivered in-person at a passport application center is estimated at ten days, and 20 days for applications submitted via mail.  According to the government announcement, 98% of backlogged applications have been resolved.

What are the Changes?

The Canadian government has announced that passport application processing has returned to pre-pandemic timelines. The average processing time is ten days for in-person submissions and 20 days for mailed submissions. 98% of the backlog has been resolved.

Looking Ahead

The government is preparing to process renewal applications for the first group of 10-year passports issued in 2013. Continue to check the government of Canada’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.