If you receive a new passport while your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application is processing, you must urgently upload a scanned copy of the new passport to IRCC via Webform. Visas cannot be issued beyond the expiry date of your passport, and the physical visa counterfoil must be placed in a valid document.
A passport is your most crucial travel document. Sometimes, applicants submit a Canadian visa application only to realize their passport is expiring soon, damaged, or lost. If you renew your passport in your home country while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is still processing your TRV, your application data becomes outdated immediately.
Canada issues visas that match the validity of your passport. ✈️ To avoid having your visa issued in an old, cancelled document, you must act proactively. Navigating government portals can be stressful, so consider reaching out to a qualified immigration law firm from our directory if you need help keeping your application compliant.
Step-by-Step Process for Updating Passport Info in Canada
This is a federal process managed by IRCC, so the steps apply no matter where you live or where you plan to visit in Canada. Here is how you safely update your passport details.
Step 1: Secure Your New Passport
First, you must complete the renewal process with your home country’s government. Keep your old, cancelled passport. Many countries punch holes in the cover or cut the corners to signify it is cancelled, but the visas inside may sometimes still hold historical value.
Step 2: Prepare a High-Quality Scan
Scan the new passport carefully. You must include the main biodata page (the page with your photo, passport number, and date of birth). IRCC also recommends scanning any pages that have new stamps or visas from other countries, as this proves your travelling history.
Step 3: Draft a Letter of Explanation
Write a brief, polite Letter of Explanation (LOE). State your name, Application Number, and Unique Client Identifier (UCI). Clearly explain why you obtained a new passport (e.g., “My previous passport was due to expire in 6 months, so I renewed it to receive a longer Canadian visa”).
Step 4: Submit the Update via IRCC Webform
Go to the official IRCC Webform online. Select “Replacement of a document” or “Update application info.” Fill in your details precisely as they appear on your original application, and upload your PDF package containing the Letter of Explanation and the new passport scans.
How Much Does it Cost to Update IRCC?
There are no IRCC fees to update your passport information. However, you will incur costs locally to get the new document and potentially hire a professional. Values are estimates as of May 2026:
| Service / Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| IRCC Webform Update | $0 CAD (Completely free). |
| Foreign Passport Renewal | Varies globally, typically $100 to $300 CAD equivalent. |
| Immigration Lawyer Consultation | Generally $200 to $500 CAD for application review. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Once you submit the Webform, it generally takes IRCC about 3 to 4 weeks to process the message and link the new passport to your pending file. If your application is already in the final stages of approval, the officer might send you a Passport Request (PPR) letter based on your old passport, which means you will need to send an urgent explanation to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) along with your new physical passport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if my visa is already approved in my old passport?
If you have a valid Canadian TRV in a cancelled or expired passport, you can generally still travel to Canada. You must bring both passports with you: the valid new passport, and the old passport containing the valid Canadian visa counterfoil. Do not try to peel the visa sticker off.
Will IRCC extend my visa if I get a new passport?
If your application is still processing and you provide the new passport in time, IRCC will usually issue the TRV until the expiry date of the new passport (up to a maximum of 10 years). If the visa is already issued, you cannot extend it; you must apply for a brand-new TRV when it expires.
What if my old passport was stolen while the TRV is processing?
You must obtain a police report immediately. When you submit your new passport via the Webform, include the police report in your Letter of Explanation. IRCC needs to know your old passport is no longer in your possession to prevent identity fraud.
Can I just wait and tell the border officer when I arrive in Canada?
No. If your TRV has not been issued yet, you must update IRCC. The physical visa sticker must be printed with the correct passport number. If the numbers do not match because you hid the update, the airline will likely deny you boarding.
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