Starting April 1, 2026, Canadian citizens will see a significant change in passport processing times. The new policy ensures that passport applications will be processed within 30 business days. If this timeline is not met, applicants will receive a full refund of their passport fees.
Important Details of the Policy Change
The purpose of this new policy is to enhance accountability and efficiency in passport services, offering Canadians a more straightforward and predictable experience. Initially announced by the Government of Canada in March 2025, the implementation was delayed until April 1, 2026.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially confirmed the April 1 implementation date on March 3, 2026, through an online news release. This policy applies to various passport application types, regardless of the submission method – online, in person, or by mail.
Types of Passport Applications Included
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- Adult five-year passport in Canada
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- Adult 10-year passport in Canada
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- Child regular passport in Canada
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- Adult five-year passport from abroad
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- Adult 10-year passport from abroad
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- Temporary passport
Additionally, applicants for adult refugee travel documents and adult certificates of identity are eligible for refunds if their applications exceed the service standards.
Refund Process
Refunds for applications from Canada or the US will be issued via cheque to the mailing address on file. For applications from outside these regions, refunds will be processed through credit card, cheque, or electronic funds transfer.
The current refund structure includes a 25% refund for applications processed within 1-10 business days outside service standards, and a 50% refund for applications processed beyond 10 business days outside the standards.
Upcoming Fee Changes
From March 31, 2026, onwards, new passport applications will incur increased fees. The table below outlines the current fees and the revised fees post this date:
| Passport Type | Old Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 10-year adult passport (living in Canada) | $160 | $163.50 |
| 5-year adult passport (living in Canada) | $120 | $122.50 |
| 10-year adult passport (living outside Canada) | $260 | $266.25 |
| 5-year adult passport (living outside Canada) | $190 | $194.25 |
| 5-year child passport (living in Canada) | $57 | $58.50 |
| 5-year child passport (living outside Canada) | $100 | $102.50 |
| Temporary passport | $110 | $125.75 |
| Interim passport | $135 | $150.75 |
| Adult certificate of identity | $260 | $266.25 |
| Adult refugee travel document | $120 | $122.50 |
These fee adjustments will apply to passport applications processed within 30 business days. It is essential for Canadians to be aware of these changes when planning to apply for a passport.
