Canada expands online passport renewal

On 28 July 2026 the Canadian government announced that its online passport renewal service would be opened to every eligible adult citizen. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab said the change removes previous caps on users and is intended to make passport services more convenient, especially for people in rural, remote or mobility‑challenged situations. Applicants can submit the renewal form, a digital passport photo and payment entirely online, while the standard 20‑business‑day processing time and a 30‑day guarantee remain in place. In‑person and mail‑in options continue for those who prefer them or do not meet the online eligibility criteria.

A follow‑up announcement on 31 July 2026 reiterated the expansion, emphasizing the same goals of simplifying the process for Canadians living outside major centres and confirming that the digital service retains the existing processing guarantees. The two releases together mark the completion of the government's effort to broaden digital access to passport renewal for all eligible adults across Canada.