This is just a transfer request option, which doesn't mean anything, this is just for people who cannot get through the call, also this guarantees nothing. I would rather have them working on something substantial like clearing applications that are due past 13 weeks as a start
Oh really?.....I thought this is something new because they posted this last Friday July 29, 2022......just a few days ago..... of course, we all hope that they will clear the backlog asap......especially for those past 13 weeks......
Statement
July 29, 2022 Gatineau, Québec Employment and Social Development Canada
“The recent increase in passport demand combined with the longer processing times have resulted in a growing number of Canadians requiring their passport applications be transferred to local passport offices for processing in order to get them in time to travel. This has been stressful for Canadians and a challenging way for them to get their documents.
“To help make this process easier for Canadians, Service Canada has implemented a new process. As of now, Canadians who provided a duly completed application by mail more than 20 business days ago, and are travelling within the next 20 business days, can visit any of over 300 Service Canada Centres to make a transfer request, in order to ensure their application is processed in time for their travel.
Previously, Canadians could only request transfers in person at one of 35 specialized passport sites (Service Canada Centre – Passport Services), or by contacting the call centre. This change gives Canadians an additional service option to make these requests.
“Depending on the date of travel, the application will either be expedited and the passport will be mailed to the client before the date required, or the file will be transferred to an office for printing and pickup.
“This change aims to reduce the number of urgent file transfers processed by passport offices and to minimize the burden on local printing facilities at those sites. It will speed up the processing of passport applications when the service standard has not been met and a file transfer has been requested as a result. We should also see a further reduction of lineups associated with urgent requests at passport offices. A proof of travel or need will be required.
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2022/07/minister-gould-announces-changes-to-transfer-requests-and-process.html