Ottawa, April 2 -- Canada will refund passport application fees if processing exceeds 30 business days, the government said Tuesday, introducing a new service guarantee to improve accountability and service standards.

The new refund policy reflects our commitment to maintaining excellence in our passport delivery system": Lena Metlege. Photo: Lena Metlege/X

Under the policy, refunds will be issued automatically if processing exceeds the 30-day limit, with timelines calculated from the receipt of a complete application to the printing and verification of the document.

Officials said the guarantee is intended to provide a consistent service standard across application methods and ensure compensation when processing targets are not met. ...