OTTAWA, March 13, 2026 — The federal government has unveiled a new pricing structure for passports, effective March 31, which includes a pledge to refund fees if processing times lag. This adjustment represents the first price hike since 2013, with authorities stating that annual updates will now become the standard to keep pace with the growing costs of secure document production.
Under the new schedule, domestic applicants will pay $163.50 for a 10-year adult passport and $122.50 for a five-year version. Children’s passports will also see a slight increase to $58.50. The government declared that these measures aim to provide a more predictable and consistent experience for citizens while ensuring the program remains financially viable.
To balance the increased costs, the IRCC maintained that it is strengthening its commitment to applicants. Starting next month, the government is guaranteeing a 30-business-day turnaround for all complete applications.
“Refunds will be issued automatically if processing exceeds the 30-day timeline, requiring no action from applicants,” the government affirmed. This move is intended to hold the department accountable to its service standards, even as current average wait times hover around 20 days.
Canadians residing abroad will see the most significant changes, with 10-year adult passports rising to $266.25 and five-year versions reaching $194.25. Officials stated that the revised fees also extend to specialized services, including weekend and statutory holiday processing. The government asserted that the new framework would help modernize the passport system while keeping it one of the most secure in the world.
