Canada passport renewal: What you need to know

Gone are the days of cumbersome paperwork, long waiting times, and in-person appointments. In this article, we'll explore the advantages of the online Canadian passport renewal process, the step-by-step process, and the costs and requirements involved.

Additionally, we'll explain more about expediting the Canadian passport renewal process for those who require urgent services, along with a breakdown of any additional fees involved.

Whether you're a frequent globetrotter, business traveler, or planning your first international adventure, the online passport renewal system promises a smooth journey. Let iVisa do the hard work for you when renewing your Canadian passport with our easy-to-use service!

Can I apply online for a Canada passport renewal?

If you're 16 years of age or older and living in Canada, there's no need for an in-person application. When you apply through iVisa, part of the process is done online. However, you must still mail certain documents to the Canadian government, including your current passport, as part of your application.

Don't worry about navigating the complex details of the renewal process. We'll send you a ready-to-print application kit by email, including:

• The completed application form, based on the info you filled out online.

• Two government-compliant passport photos.

• A prepaid shipping label.

• Full PDF instructions on the next steps!

This handy renewal kit makes the process much simpler and quicker. You'll be traveling in no time!

Please note: Canadian nationals living outside Canada still cannot apply online for a passport renewal with us. Visit the information page about applying for a passport abroad on the government website.

Will I get my old passport back?

Once your new valid passport is issued, your old one will be canceled and unusable for travel.

If your passport has a valid visa for another country, select online that you want it back. It will then be sent back to you together with your new passport. However, the old passport won't be valid for official use anymore.

When to apply for a Canada passport renewal

It all boils down to what you need your passport for - travel or identification. Let's break it down:

• Renewing for travel: Each country has its own set of rules and requirements in terms of passport validity. So, before you embark on your adventure, take a moment to check out the entry and exit requirements for all the countries you're planning to visit. Then, grab your passport and check its expiry date.

A good rule of thumb is to make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

• Renewing for identification: If you're just using your valid Canadian passport as a trusty form of ID, you're in luck! It's valid until the exact expiry date, but it's always a good idea to renew it before then, as renewal can take a couple of weeks to complete.

Keep in mind that you need to send in your current passport when renewing it and won't be able to use it during that time. Make sure you have another legal form of ID for official matters on hand during this period.

Track your Canada passport renewal status

To track the status of your Canada passport renewal application, visit the official Government of Canada passport services website and create an account. Look for the "Check Status" or similar section, where you'll need to provide details such as your last name, date of birth, previous passport number, and the application submission date.

After entering this information, you'll receive the current status of your application, whether it's in progress, under review, approved, or if there are any issues to address.

Who can enjoy the Canada passport renewal expedited service?

The Canada passport renewal expedited service is available to Canadian citizens who require a faster processing time for their passport renewal due to urgent travel or other valid reasons.

The expedited passport service is currently only available with an in-person pick-up at a passport office near you. You'll also have to provide proof of why you need your passport sooner (such as a travel ticket), and extra fees apply.

We currently don't offer expedited services online. Find out more about express pick-up services on the Canadian government website.

What are the requirements for a Canada passport renewal application?

Renewing a passport is simpler than applying for a new one. This is because you don't need a guarantor, proof of Canadian citizenship, or other supporting identification.

Before renewing your Canadian passport online, make sure you meet all the criteria and have all the required documents:

• You have a Canadian passport.

• You are 16 years of age or older.

• Your Canadian passport has expired or is about to expire.

• Your passport is in good condition (not ripped or damaged), not lost or stolen.

• You can provide two references to include on your form.

• You'll also need two passport photos, taken in person by a commercial photographer or studio.

What type of references can I use for my Canadian passport renewal?

You'll need two references when applying for a passport or another travel document. Here's the scoop on who can be your references:

• They should be at least 18 years old.

• They must have known you for at least 2 years.

• They permitted you to use their name and contact info for your application.

To keep things smooth sailing and avoid any hiccups, make sure your references are reachable when the Canadian government needs to contact them.

Examples of acceptable references are good friends, long-time GPs, a former or current employer, or a colleague.

Please note: Your references cannot be family members, including your spouse/partner or anyone related to them.

How does online Canada passport renewal work?

To renew your Canadian passport easily online, just follow these steps:

• Step 1: Provide the online information on our passport renewal page and upload your passport photos and a copy of your current passport. Then, please pay for the iVisa service on our secure payment platform.

Our agents will check the information carefully before emailing you your renewal kit.

• Step 2: Once reviewed and processed by our team, you'll receive a complete renewal kit by email, including the prepaid shipping label. Check and print all necessary documents, sign them, and mail them to the Canadian government per our instructions. Don't forget to include your current passport!

• Step 3: Wait for the Canadian government to process your request and receive your renewed passport (and your previous passport if selected) after 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the workload of the passport offices.

How much does the Canadian passport renewal cost?

The price of renewing a Canadian passport can be split into two parts:

• iVisa passport services: For our handy renewal kit, careful review by our experts, and shipping label, we offer a standard fee of US$51.92.

This fee is paid directly on our website by debit or credit card, PayPal, Amazon Pay, or Venmo.

• Government passport renewal fee: There are two options. For an adult (age 16 and over), the price is CA$120 for a standard 5-year passport or CA$160 for a standard 10-year passport.

Note that you'll have to fill out your credit card information on the printed form you'll receive by email, authorizing the government to charge the applicable government fee to your credit card.

Please note that passport fees may change over time, so it's essential to check the most up-to-date fee information on the official website of the Government of Canada.

What is the price of the expedited passport renewal service?

While we currently don't offer this option, expedited services may cost between CA$20 and 120, depending on how fast you need your passport.

Why should I use an online passport renewal service?

Let us help you get your new Canadian passport easily and quickly!

Our renewal kit is an excellent alternative to an in-person application because it gives you a reliable and manageable online form, unlike a complex government process. Besides, you'll send your old Canadian passport straight to the Canadian government through Canada Post, saving you additional time and money.

The stages when applying with us are as follows:

• The iVisa team reviews and sends the complete application kit by email.

• The kit is checked, printed, and signed by the applicant and sent to the government by mail.

• The government processes the application and will mail the new passport to the applicant.

Note that the processing time doesn't include shipping time and the iVisa part.

Contact us for more information about the Canada passport renewal process

If you have additional questions about the renewal process, let us know by online chat or email at [email protected]. If you've made a mistake on your application, please contact us immediately.