Question Period Note: Passport Services

Passport Program Services

• The Government of Canada issues passports, unlocking the world for Canadians by providing visa-free access to over 180 countries.

• Most Canadians can access a range of services, including passport services, at one of over 300 Service Canada Centres, most within 50 kms of where they live.

• A new online option for adult passport renewals in-Canada was recently launched, and is currently being scaled up to all eligible adult renewal clients. This new online option saves Canadians time by making the application process more convenient than it’s ever been.

• The Passport Program had resumed a service standard adherence above 90% as of the March 2025, where it achieved 95.7% adherence.

• The Passport Program is led by IRCC in partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
• Through the Canadian Passport Order, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRC) authorizes ESDC and GAC to exercise specific functions to support service delivery domestically and abroad.
• Canadians can access passport services at 336 sites, including 60 sites offering standard 10-day pick-up services (of which, 37 sites also offer express services), in addition to 249 scheduled outreach sites that provide in-person services to communities without easy access, through dedicated call centres, through Member of Parliament offices, and via mail at three processing centres in Canada.
• Current service standards are to process in-person applications within 10 days and mail-in applications within 20 days. Service standard adherence for the 2024-25 fiscal year was 78 %.
• Since December 2024, eligible adult Canadians seeking to renew their passports in-Canada can also apply online. Daily limits on online application submissions continue while IRCC ensures new digital processes are working smoothly.
• Overseas passport services are provided at 120 full service and 85 partial service missions, around the world. Service levels abroad continue to vary depending on the localized situation.
• In cases where service standards are not met, the Program issues a 25% refund to clients when an application is processed between 1-10 business days outside of service standards, and 50% to clients for 11+ business days beyond service standards.

Gender X
• Since 2019, and in accordance with international standards, IRCC has offered clients three options to be displayed in the field: Female (F), Male (M) or Another Gender (X).
• IRCC’s current operational policy requires clients to complete a one-page gender identifier request when their supporting documentation (e.g., birth certificate, etc.) or prior passport does not include their affirmed gender identity.
• Official Government of Canada travel advisories warn travellers if their passport indicates “X” as a gender identifier, they may face entry restrictions into some countries.
• Travellers are advised they may still be asked to provide binary sex information when travelling and that they may be denied services in their affirmed gender. While travelling outside Canada, travellers are subject to, and must follow, local laws even if these laws infringe on their human rights.
• The Government of Canada cannot guarantee entry or transit through other countries. The decision to travel is always the responsibility of the traveller.

If pressed on Service Canada cuts
• IRCC has projected lower passport volumes in 2025-26, down from the 5 million passports issued in 2024-25 to 4.5 million forecast in the next year.
• The Passport Program operates on a cost-recovery basis which is supported by the passport fees that IRCC collects.
• The Government of Canada forecasts passport demand by looking at data such as past application volumes, upcoming passport expiries, and trends in travel, the economy, and population growth. This forecast helps the government plan operations, allocate resources, and manage materials and costs effectively.
If pressed on the Canada Post Labour Disruption
• In the event of a Canada Post labour disruption Canadians will continue to receive passport deliveries through an alternate courier, but some delays outside of service standards may occur during this period.
• Canadians who require their passport to travel within six weeks of applying should apply in-person or use a certified courier.