Canada is limiting the number of online passport renewals—here is how to get yours through

author avatar
Asheesh Moosapeta
Published: February 16, 2026

If you’re applying to renew your passport online, you’ll be subject to a daily cap on applications.

You’ll be able to create an online account any time you like, but if the cap has been hit, you won’t be allowed to start your passport renewal application.

Schedule a Free Canadian Citizenship Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm

To maximize your chances of being able to apply online, you can initiate your application immediately after 7 am or 7 pm Eastern, which are the times at which the limit resets each day.

Only online applications are subject to this cap.

Canadians seeking to renew their passports can also apply by mail or in-person at passport offices and/or Service Canada centres.

Current service standards for passport applications are as follows:

Application type Online In-person Mail 
Service standard 20 business days 10 or 20 business days (depending on location)20 business days 

Service standards do not include mailing time.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) notes that all applications may be delayed due to Canada Post labour disruptions.

Applicants who require urgent renewal of their passportsfor example, on account of scheduled travel in the upcoming days or weeks, can request expedited processing in person at passport centres. Proof of urgent travel plans is required.

Schedule a Free Canadian Citizenship Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
Economic permanent resident applicants see drop in processing times
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC's) latest processing times shows decline in application wait times for economic immigrants.
You’re Canadian under Bill C-3, but your future children might not be — here’s what you can do about it
A child raises the Canadian flag while sitting on his father's shoulders.
Canadian citizenship costs Americans less than a Caribbean vacation—and millions already qualify
A Canadian passport hel in the foreground, with multiple other passports in the background.
With Medicare approaching a fiscal cliff, American retirees set sights on Canadian health insurance
A person sits waiting in the doctor's office as they await treatment.
Top Stories
Economic permanent resident applicants see drop in processing times
If your grandparent is Canadian, you might be too: A 2026 eligibility guide
11 Everyday Canadian English Phrases Every CELPIP Test Taker Should Know
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Sponsor Content
11 Everyday Canadian English Phrases Every CELPIP Test Taker Should Know
Couple Learning English in Canada
Live Webinar: What to Know Before Buying Your First Home in Canada: A Guide for Newcomers
family moving into new house
Starting a Small Business in Canada as a Newcomer: 5 Steps From Legal Eligibility and Registration to Taxes and Funding
Banking for Newcomers
How Public Libraries in Canada Help Newcomers Access English Classes, Employment Resources, and Settlement Support
people reading books in the library
Link copied to clipboard