As Canada continues to open its doors to an increasing number of newcomers, IRCC has substantially improved the efficiency of passport issuance for these newcomers. Making the most of existing data and refining the overall process, IRCC is actively enhancing the passport application experience.
True to its dedication to ongoing improvement, IRCC has initiated the Citizenship to Passport Pilot program. This program offers new Canadians a smoother and more efficient route to securing their passports. This development is a welcome relief to those who have previously found the process challenging.
Eligible candidates have been receiving email invitations containing detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to apply for passports through the optimized process. This initiative is a beacon of hope for new Canadians and has already gained recognition for its potential to improve the processing time of passport applications.
Once the Citizenship Oath is taken and IRCC receives the passport application, the processing is expected to take a brisk 20 business days. IRCC’s efforts in improving the passport processing system have been commendable.
New Canadians can acquire their passports more quickly and efficiently by simplifying the process and improving the turnaround time. IRCC’s implementation of the Citizenship to Passport Pilot program is a noteworthy example of how the organization continues to prioritize the needs of its clients.
The integration of citizenship and passport processes to create a cohesive and efficient system is being investigated through a pilot program. Despite efforts to reduce application backlogs, newly arrived Canadians have traditionally faced significant delays in citizenship and passport programs. The pilot’s results will guide the development of an integrated citizenship and passport model, with recommendations for broader implementation expected by December 2023.
Canadian passport services have successfully restored efficiency standards to pre-pandemic levels. Service Canada indicates that passport delivery timelines, previously disrupted by labor strikes, have been reinstated to a 10 to 20-day window, with 98% of passports delivered within this timeframe. Passport application backlogs have been cleared, and most application delivery standards are being exceeded.
These achievements come in the wake of a year marked by a sharp increase in demand for new or renewed passports, spurred by the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions. With the revival of pre-pandemic service standards and the Citizenship to Passport Pilot rollout, newcomers to Canada can anticipate a more streamlined and swift passport application procedure.
The exploration of merging citizenship and passport procedures into a unified, efficient system is under scrutiny through a pilot program. Despite concerted efforts to reduce application backlogs, new Canadians have historically encountered significant delays in citizenship and passport processes. The insights garnered from this pilot will inform the creation of a cohesive citizenship and passport model, with proposals for more comprehensive application expected to be tabled by December 2023.
