Canada is changing passport application rules and you could get yours for free

The rules for Canadian passport applications are changing soon.

You could be eligible for online renewal and to get your passport for free with a new money-back guarantee.

On March 7, 2025, the federal government announced enhancements to passport services, including an update to applications.

Any complete passport application will be processed within 30 business days, or it will be free.

It doesn't matter if you submitted your passport application online, in person at a Service Canada location, or through the mail.

If the government fails to process your application within 30 business days, you will get a full refund of your passport fees!

The mailing time of your application and passport is not included in the 30-business-day period.

Passport fees are $57, $120 or $160 depending on your age and if it's a five-year or 10-year passport.

This money-back guarantee is expected to come into effect later this year, whether you're renewing online, in-person or by mail.

Also, the federal government is set to make online passport renewals available to more Canadians over the coming months.

Only a limited number of eligible adults have been able to renew their passport online since December 2024.

"Our government is working to make services more efficient, affordable, and better suited to the needs of Canadians," said Stéphane Lauzon, parliamentary secretary to the minister of citizens' services

"We are modernizing service delivery and improving the passport program to reduce wait times and costs," Lauzon continued.

You can also use the online Passport Status Checker to track your application.

If you're travelling soon, you should check your passport because many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your arrival date.

The "six-month rule" is meant to prevent travellers from overstaying or getting stranded due to unexpected issues.