May 18, 2023 · 0 Comments
Brian Lockhart
Coming this fall, Canadians will be able to renew their passports online.
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser made the announcement at a news event that unveiled a new design for the passports which included updated security features and new colourful pages.
Fraser said that Canadians will be able to upload the necessary documents and passport photos on a secure government website.
Those applying for a passport for the first time, including children, will still need to go through the traditional application process with Service Canada.
The move to a digital option resulted from the problems last year when the department was swamped with passport applications, leading to long lines and even longer waits for people to get their documents.
The majority of applications the government receives are for new passports. However, there is an expected surge in passport renewals over the next year as the first 10-year passports that were issued in 2013 are set to expire.