Strathmore and Wheatland County residents save a trip with online passport renewals
By Mario Prusina Times Contributor
Strathmore and Wheatland County eligible adults can now renew their passports online as the federal government expanded its digital passport renewal service across the country.
Announced July 29 by Parliamentary Secretary Peter Fragiskatos on behalf of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Lena Metlege Diab, the change removes the previous limit on the number of people who could access the online renewal service.
Eligible Canadians can now submit their passport renewal application, upload a digital passport photo and pay online, eliminating the need to mail documents or visit a Service Canada Centre. In-person and mail-in services will continue to be available.
Diab said the expansion is part of the federal government’s effort to modernize passport services.
“Canadians expect passport services that work for their lives,” said Diab. “Expanding online renewal gives eligible Canadians a simpler, more convenient way to renew their passports, without unnecessary barriers or delays. This is part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing work to modernize passport services and deliver public services that are responsive to the needs of Canadians today.”
The government said the online service is expected to improve access for Canadians living in rural and remote communities, like Wheatland County, as well as those with mobility challenges. Applicants renewing online will receive the same 20-business-day service standard as simplified adult renewal applications submitted by mail or at most Service Canada Centres. The online system also provides real-time updates, allowing applicants to track the progress of their application.
The expansion follows several recent changes to passport services, including the introduction of an online application status checker, expanded access to 10-business-day passport service at select Service Canada Centres, and the federal government’s passport service guarantee.
Fragiskatos said the expanded service reflects how Canadians increasingly expect to access government services.
“Expanding online passport renewals reflects the way Canadians increasingly expect to interact with government: through secure, convenient and reliable digital services,” said Fragiskatos. “By modernizing the passport renewal process, we improve accessibility, enhance the client experience, and deliver faster, more efficient service, while maintaining the integrity and security of Canada’s passport program. This is another step toward building a responsive, client-focused service that meets the needs of Canadians in today’s digital world.”
All passport applications require commercially taken photos, and online applicants must obtain a digital passport photo file from a commercial photographer. Canadians requiring a passport sooner must continue to apply in person at a Service Canada Centre or passport office offering 10-business-day, express or urgent service. Canadians applying from outside the country can continue to apply by mail or through a Government of Canada office abroad.