Canada expands online passport renewals to all eligible adults

The Canadian government has removed the daily limit on online passport renewals, allowing all eligible adults to apply whenever they choose. Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced the change at a press conference in Vancouver, saying 'eligible Canadians will no longer have to wait for an online application spot to become available.' The move follows a pilot project that started in December 2024 and a phased rollout that reached 2,000 applications per day before the cap was lifted.

According to CBC and Global News, the cap removal applies to Canadian citizens aged 16 and older applying from within Canada. Applicants must have a passport that expired or will expire within six months, provide a Canadian residential and mailing address, and upload a digital passport photo taken by a commercial photographer. The service is not replacing in-person or mail-in applications, which remain available.

The online renewal system was tested starting December 2024 with just 10 applications per day, gradually expanding to 2,000 daily by July 28, 2026, when the full launch occurred. At that time, CIC News reported a 20-business-day processing target and a 30-day free guarantee. The government expects 4.6 million passport applications in 2026, with renewals accounting for 60% of that volume. Up to two million applicants are expected to use the online service.

The change addresses past frustrations with lengthy in-person waits and limited online slots. Minister Diab noted the system was 'designed with that in mind and tested.' The government is also considering expanding eligibility to children under 16 and Canadians abroad. With passport fees increasing in March 2026, the convenience of online renewal may help offset some public dissatisfaction.