The Government of Canada announces the coming into force of a measure which it hopes will facilitate part of the process of obtaining a Canadian passport.
Effective immediately, Canadians who mailed in a completed application more than 20 business days ago and who will be traveling within the next 20 business days can visit one of over 300 Service Canada Centers to request a transfer. , to ensure that their application is processed in time for their trip.
Previously, Canadians could request a transfer only in person at one of 35 passport offices, or by contacting the call centre. This change gives them an additional option to make this type of request.
Depending on the date of travel, the application will be expedited and the passport will be mailed to the customer before the required date, or the file will be transferred to an office for printing and collection.
The government aims to reduce the number of file transfers handled by passport offices and to minimize the burden of local printing. It will speed up the processing of requests for which the service standard has not been met.
Authorities say offices should see another reduction in queues associated with urgent applications at passport offices.
The government advises that proof of travel or the need to travel will be required. Additionally, if the request was mailed less than 20 days ago and a transfer is required due to imminent travel, transfer fees will apply and additional charges may apply.
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