Canada Removes Passport Renewal Cap on July 28: What You Need to Know

Canada lifted its daily cap on online passport renewals on July 28, allowing all eligible adults to apply whenever convenient. Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced the change in Vancouver, removing the previous limit of 2,000 applications per day. Up to two million Canadians could use the online service this year, avoiding in-person waits at Service Canada locations as demand climbs to 4.6 million applications nationally.

Who can renew online and what they need

Canadians aged 16 and older can renew online if their passport was issued within the past 15 years and expires within six months or has already expired. Applicants must have a Canadian address, upload a digital photo from a commercial photographer taken within the past six months, and submit supporting documents digitally. In-person and mail-in renewals remain available.

Why the government removed the daily limit

The federal government removed the 2,000-per-day cap after years of complaints about long waits. The government expects 4.6 million passport applications in 2026, up from 3.8 million in 2025. Approximately two million of those qualify for online renewal. Immigration Minister Diab said the expanded service will help rural and remote communities, people with mobility challenges, and those with busy schedules.

Processing times and cost

Online renewals target a 20-business-day processing window, not including five days for mailing. The government implemented a “30 days or free” policy earlier in 2026, meaning applicants receive their passport free if processing exceeds 30 business days. Application fees have not changed since 2013, and the government does not anticipate increases.

What’s next for the service

Immigration Minister Diab did not rule out expanding eligibility to children under 16 and Canadians applying from abroad in the future. The online system has been tested and is ready for the increased volume. The government began testing limited online renewals in December 2024 before removing the daily cap on July 28, 2026.

Final Thoughts

The removal of the daily cap makes passport renewal more accessible for Canadians, cutting wait times and reducing in-person visits. With two million eligible applicants expected this year, the service addresses a long-standing bottleneck in the passport system.

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