Travel is rising now that Canada’s border controls have altered, so it is time to dust up those passports. If your Canadian Passport is about to expire, the renewal process is considerably more straightforward. To “modernize and improve its services to better adapt to the changing demands of Canadians,” the federal government has simplified the passport renewal process.
Given the recent relaxation of travel restrictions, the government reports that demand for passports, including new and renewals, is increasing and returning to pre-pandemic levels. Canadians in Canada and overseas can now use the simplified process to renew their expiring passports as of March 31, 2022. So, what does this imply?
If your Passport has expired within the last 15 years, or if it has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can now renew it without tedious procedures. Under the new simplified process, Canadians no longer need a guarantor or present their original documents, such as proof of citizenship or photo identification. The simplified passport renewal process will require applicants to submit two images, two references, a completed application, and the required costs. “These enhancements make renewing a passport easier while maintaining the greatest level of program integrity,” the Canadian government said.
Fortunately, thanks to the simplified renewal process, Canadians do not need to rush to renew an expired or soon-to-expire passport if they do not have any immediate travel plans. The Government of Canada continues to encourage citizens to apply as soon as possible and postpone any travel plans until they have their new Passports.