Passport applications now covered by a '30 days or free' guarantee

As of April 1, Passport Canada will automatically refund the passport fee if a complete application takes more than 30 business days to process, excluding mailing time and additional review for complex cases.

Passport Canada will automatically refund the passport fee if a complete application takes more than 30 business days to process. The policy took effect April 1 and was announced by Lena Metlege Diab, federal minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. The processing clock starts when a complete application is received and stops when the passport is printed and verified. The policy excludes mailing time and additional review for complex applications, and it does not apply to urgent or express services. Key details: - A full refund of the passport fee is automatic if processing exceeds 30 business days for a complete application. - The timing starts when Passport Canada receives a complete application and ends when the passport is printed and verified. - Mailing time and additional review time for complex applications are not included in the 30-business-day period. - Urgent and express services are excluded and have separate timelines and refund authorities. - Refunds for online renewals will be issued to the payment card used, and refunds for in-person or mailed applications will be sent by cheque; a cheque may be issued if a card refund fails. - Applicants who have not received a refund by July 1 of the fiscal year after they applied are asked to contact Passport Canada. Summary: The policy sets a single, measurable service standard and makes refunds automatic when the 30-business-day window is exceeded. Applicants can check application status online or by contacting the passport office, and the government has outlined how refunds will be issued and when people should follow up if a refund is not received.