New Canadians whose passports expire soon, or that expired during the pandemic when many government offices were closed, may be eligible for Canada's new simplified passport renewal process. As of March 31, Canadians in Canada and abroad can now use the simplified process to renew an expired passport as long as it was issued within the last 15 years. The simplified process is also available to individuals who had their passports lost, stolen or damaged.
Previously, the simplified passport renewal process wasn’t available for passports that expired longer than a year ago or those that were lost, stolen or damaged.
“As international travel resumes, we need to continue to modernize and improve our passport services to make sure we meet the needs of Canadians. Simplifying the renewal process will make it easier and faster for Canadians to get their passport, and is another step toward greater modernization while prioritizing the health and safety of Canadians and our employees.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser,
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Canada Passport Just 1 Benefit of Canadian Citizenship
A Canadian passport is a travel document for Canadian citizens. A Canadian passport is ranked the 8th most powerful passport in the world, according to the 2022 Henley Passport Index. Canadian passport holders can travel to 185 destinations without a visa.
There are no legal differences between naturalized citizens and citizens born in Canada. Once you are a naturalized Canadian citizen you can:
- Apply for a Canadian passport.
- Participate in Canadian politics including voting and running for office.
Learn More:
- Canada to Ban Foreign Home Buyers for 2 Years
- Canadian Citizenship Through Marriage or Homeownership?
Are You Ready to Become a Canadian Citizen?
Canadian citizenship gives you additional rights, benefits and protections that are not available to Canadian Permanent Residents, including the right to vote and the right to hold public office. Citizens are no longer required to meet residency and other requirements of Permanent Residents.
Ackah Business Immigration Law is a full-service immigration law firm for business and individual immigration and has offices in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. Contact Ackah Law today at (403) 452-9515 or email us directly.
