Canada introduces ‘30 days or free’ passport processing guarantee

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said the “30 days or free” policy will take effect April 1 and apply to standard passport and travel document application.

The new refund policy reflects our commitment to maintaining excellence in our passport delivery system": Lena Metlege. Photo: Lena Metlege/X

Under the policy, refunds will be issued automatically if processing exceeds the 30-day limit, with timelines calculated from the receipt of a complete application to the printing and verification of the document.

Officials said the guarantee is intended to provide a consistent service standard across application methods and ensure compensation when processing targets are not met.

Most passport applications are currently processed within existing service standards, which range from 10 to 20 business days depending on how and where applications are submitted, according to government data.

The new policy does not apply to urgent or express services, which already have separate refund provisions, or to certain administrative services and child refugee travel documents.

The move is part of broader efforts to improve service delivery after pandemic-era backlogs strained passport processing systems.