A Canadian passport is valid for a period of either five or ten years, depending on the type of passport issued. When the passport nears its expiration date, it must be renewed to continue using it for international travel.
Renewing a Canadian passport is a straightforward process that can be completed online or by mail. Here are the steps to renewing:
Step 1: Check the eligibility
Before starting the passport renewal process, it is important to ensure that you are eligible to renew your passport. To be eligible, you must have a valid Canadian passport that is either expired or will expire in six months or less.
Step 2: Gather the necessary documents
To renew your Canadian passport, you will need to provide a completed application form, two identical passport photos taken within the last six months, and the fee payment. The passport photos must meet specific requirements, such as being taken against a plain light-colored background, having a neutral expression, and showing your full face. Additionally, if your name has changed since your last passport was issued, you will need to provide documentation to support the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Step 3: Submit the application
There are two ways to submit your passport renewal application: online or by mail. The online application process is faster and more convenient, as you can complete the application and pay the fee online. To apply online, you will need to create an account on the Government of Canada’s passport website and follow the instructions provided. If you choose to renew your passport by mail, you will need to download and print the application form, complete it, and mail it along with your passport photos, fee payment, and any supporting documents to the address provided.
Step 4: Wait for processing
Once your passport renewal application is submitted, it will be processed by Passport Canada. The processing time can vary, depending on the time of year and the volume of applications received. Generally, passport renewal applications are processed within 20 business days for online applications and 20 business days for mail-in applications. However, processing times can be longer during peak travel periods.
Step 5: Receive your new passport
Once your passport renewal application has been approved, you will receive your new passport by mail. If you applied online, you can choose to receive your new passport by regular mail or pay an additional fee for priority or express delivery. If you applied by mail, your new passport will be mailed to the address you provided on your application form.
If you don’t have a passport yet, Citizenship Tracker will help you prepare everything for it.
Citizenship Trackeris the best tool to track your progress in obtaining documents in Canada. With it, you can easily keep track of important terms and deadlines for submitting a replacement passport.
It is important to ensure that your passport is valid before traveling to avoid any delays or issues at the border. By following these steps and providing the necessary documents, you can renew your passport and continue to enjoy international travel.
