Canada quietly boosts online passport renewal capacity
Immigration Canada increased daily online renewal applications to 1,500, up from 1,000 last fall. The gradual rollout ahead of summer travel allows the system to test and adjust.
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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is ramping up online passport renewal capacity ahead of peak summer travel season.
The IRCC increased its daily application limit for online renewals to 1,500 on March 31, 2026, up from 1,250 on March 15 and 1,000 on October 30, 2025. The gradual expansion began when the online pilot launched December 15, 2024, but initially accepted only a small number of applications daily.
"The gradual rollout gives us a chance to test and adjust the system as needed," an IRCC representative said in an email. "This allows us to closely monitor performance and quickly address any issues."
The daily cap resets at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET. An IRCC representative did not share when the next capacity increase is planned.
Canadians can renew online if they meet specific criteria: applying for their own passport, Canadian address, applied for their current passport at age 16 or older, hold a regular blue passport issued in the last 15 years with place of birth shown, have a valid or soon-to-expire passport, don't need it within 20 business days, will keep the same name and identifiers, have a digital photo, and have no notes on their passport.
IRCC also increased passport fees in March. A 10-year adult passport now costs $163.50 (up from $160), while a five-year passport costs $122.50 (up from $120). The government guarantees processing within 30 days or offers a refund.
Canadians who prefer can still renew by mail or in person.