Passport fees set to increase in Canada
OTTAWA – The Canadian government has announced plans to increase passport fees starting next year. The price hike is expected to come into effect on January 1, 2023, and will impact both adults and children applying for or renewing their passports.
Currently, the cost of an adult passport (age 16 and over) is $160 CAD for a five-year validity period and $260 CAD for a 10-year validity period. However, under the new fee schedule, the cost of a five-year adult passport will increase to $180 CAD, while the price of a 10-year adult passport will rise to $290 CAD.
For children under the age of 16, the current fee for a five-year passport is $57 CAD, and this will increase to $70 CAD. The new fee for a 10-year child passport will be $120 CAD, up from the current $72 CAD.
The decision to raise passport fees comes as part of the government’s efforts to offset the rising costs of passport production and processing. According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the current fees do not cover the full cost of providing passport services, leading to a financial burden on the government.
In a statement, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, said, “The cost of producing and processing passports has increased significantly in recent years, and we must adjust our fees accordingly to ensure that we can continue to provide efficient and reliable passport services to Canadians.”
The government also highlighted the fact that Canadian passport fees have not been increased since 2013, and the current rates no longer reflect the true cost of passport services.
While some Canadians may be concerned about the fee hike, the government has assured that the new fees are in line with those of other countries and are necessary to maintain the integrity and security of Canadian passports. The increased revenue from passport fees will also allow the government to invest in new technologies and security features to prevent fraud and counterfeiting.
In addition to the fee increases, the government has also announced new measures to streamline the passport application process and reduce processing times. One such initiative is the introduction of online passport renewal services, which will allow Canadians to renew their passports from the comfort of their own homes.
Moreover, the government is working on expanding the network of passport offices and service locations across the country to make it easier for Canadians to access passport services. These changes are part of the government’s commitment to improving customer service and making passport application and renewal processes more convenient and efficient.
While the fee increases may be met with some resistance from the public, the government believes that they are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of passport services in Canada. The new fees will help cover the costs of providing passport services and will enable the government to continue offering high-quality and secure passports to Canadians.
Overall, the increase in passport fees is a reflection of the government’s dedication to maintaining the integrity and security of Canadian passports. By adjusting the fees to reflect the true cost of providing passport services, the government is taking steps to ensure that Canadians can continue to travel safely and securely with their Canadian passports.
