COURTENAY, BC, May 17, 2024
/CNW/ - Minister of Citizens' Services, Terry Beech, is in Courtenay today visiting the Comox Valley
Service Canada Centre. This location is among the 22 Service Canada
Centres across the country where the 10-business day passport
service was expanded. Canadians can apply for their passport
on-site and the application will be processed within 10 business
days. Since August 23, 2023, the
Comox Valley Service Canada Centre has processed over 7,600
passport applications.
This location also offers services for other programs, such as
Employment Insurance, pensions, and Social Insurance Numbers.
With summer fast approaching, many Canadians are planning their
vacations. For those who want to travel abroad, Service Canada
encourages future travelers to have a valid passport before booking
a trip. Canadians in northern and central Vancouver Island who have
no immediate travel plans can take advantage of other Service
Canada Centres that offer 20-day passport service, including
locations in Campbell River,
Port Alberni and Nanaimo. They can also apply by mail, and the
application will be processed within 20 business days (plus mailing
time).
Travellers who need their passport in less than 10 business
days must visit a passport office that offers express or urgent
pick-up service, for an extra fee, such as the Victoria Passport
Office in the Bay Centre. For more details, visit the Find a
passport service location in Canada webpage.
Clients who want information on the status of their submitted
passport application can visit the online Passport Application
Status Checker. This digital tool allows applicants to get updates
on their applications without needing to call or visit Service
Canada. The status of applications submitted in person are
available after 5 business days, and after 10 business days for
those submitted by mail.
Quote
"We are always looking at new ways to enhance your experience
and reduce the time you have to wait in line at a Service Canada
Centre. With the new, expanded 10-business day passport service at
the Comox Valley Service Canada Centre Vancouver Islanders have
great option to apply for, and receive their passport, quickly and
efficiently."
– Minister of Citizens' Services, Terry
Beech
Quick Facts
- The service standard for applications submitted at passport
offices and Service Canada Centres offering 10-day passport service
is 10 business days, plus mail time if pick-up is not
required.
- The service standard for applications submitted at regular
Service Canada Centres, scheduled outreach sites and by mail is 20
business days, plus mail time.
- The performance target for application processing is for at
least 90% of complete applications to be processed within these
service standards. For 2023–2024, 92% of applications, regardless
of method of submission, were processed within service
standards.
- To use the Passport Application Status Checker, those who
applied in person will need the file reference number provided on
their receipt. Clients who have mailed in their application or
don't have file number or reference number can request to receive
it at the email address that was provided on the application.
- Clients can book appointments for passport services at their
nearest Service Canada locations on eServiceCanada. Appointment
availability may vary, and all passport application form(s) must be
completed prior to the appointment.
- Estimated wait times at offices offering the 10-business-day
service can be found at the Find a passport service location in
Canada webpage.
- For 2024–25, Service Canada expects to receive between 5.19
million and 5.74 million passport applications.
- Passport Program statistics are published online, and all data
is updated monthly.
Associated Links
- Passport Application Status Checker
- Canadian passports and travel documents
- Travel advice and advisories
- Find a Service Canada Office
- Welcome to the eServiceCanada Appointment Booking Tool
- Passport Program statistics
- Service Canada (Passport
Canada) on Facebook
- Canadian Passport Program on X (Twitter)
Follow us on X (Twitter)
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada