Canada will allow online passport renewal services this fall, new design unveiled

Canadians will be able to apply to renew their passports online beginning this fall, says Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, as the government unveiled a new design for the Canadian travel document.

It maintains a deep blue cover with a new outline of a maple leaf and the coat of arms now in the bottom left corner instead of the centre.

Inside images of the country’s history, including Terry Fox and Vimy Ridge, are replaced with images of Canada’s diversity, nature and wildlife.

“The new passport has been redesigned from cover to cover with state-of-the-art security features and new artwork, maintaining its status as one of the most secure and universally accepted travel documents in the world for all Canadians,” the federal government mentioned in a press release.

Through the summer and months ahead, many people renewing their passports may get the older version, and the older version is still valid until you renew to get the new design. More details regarding the roll-out will be provided at a later date.

Starting this fall, Canadians can renew their passport, pay their fees, and upload their photograph securely and conveniently online.

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“The new Canadian passport is more than a travel document; it is a representation of our national identity and values,” said Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

“It is a reminder of the beauty and diversity of Canada, and it reflects the country’s commitment to welcoming people from all around the world.”

Among the modifications to the new design, passport holders’ personal information will be laser engraved instead of printed with ink, making the data page more durable.

Other features include a Kinegram over the primary photo, a custom see-through window with a secondary image of the passport holder, a variable laser image, and a temperature-sensitive ink feature.

“The new passport celebrates Canada’s heritage and identity with iconic images of Canada’s natural beauty throughout the four seasons,” the feds added.

“It also includes a new cover design with an outline of a maple leaf — the first significant change in decades.”

With files from Cormac MacSweeney of CityNews