Why does a ten year passport cost more than a five year?

[Admiral Beez]

Renewing my passport this week. Why does it cost more for the ten year passport vs the five year one? The ten year one is saving the government money, since they don't have to do all the work every 60 months.

 

[DSCToronto]

In 2014 it was reported " When the fee increases were introduced, Passport Canada said they were essential.

"At a time when Canadians are increasingly concerned about identity fraud, Passport Canada is quickly reaching a point where not only will new advancements be impossible, but the organization's ability to maintain current operations will be jeopardized," the agency said when it outlined the new fee structure.

The agency said the new fees allow it to be self-sustaining for the next 10 years, given that the 10-year passport means fewer yearly renewals and in turn fewer fee payments.

For every $160 spent on a 10-year passport, about $94 covers the cost of the passport itself, according to a breakdown provided by the Citizenship and Immigration Department, which manages the program.

The rest goes to the department."

The report went on to say " The figures from 2013-2014show that while taxpayers pay more than it costs to receive passports, those immigrating to Canada actually pay far less for their documents, despite a slew of recent fee increases.

For example, it cost the government $393 million to process permanent residency applications in 2013-14, but it only received $137 million in return from applicants.

Those seeking special permission to enter Canada due to prior criminal convictions or other inadmissibility reasons cost the government $6.5 million, but paid only $1.7 million in fees."

 

[Monarch Butterfly]

Some countries will not accept passports that expire within three to six months of their expiry date. This means your passport will only be good for 4 years and 6 months, not 5 years. Or 9 years and 6 months, in the case of a 10 year passport. So you get an extra 6 months of use out of a 10 year passport. Depending on which country you use the passport, of course. The United States allow you entry up to the expiry date. Check with the country you are going to to confirm.

 

[Admiral Beez]

Back in 2011 I drove to the USA, my Canadian passport was expired (but not stamped invalid), so I tried to use my British one. The US border guard told me that the British passport would require me to fill out paperwork upstairs, so she instead agreed to take the admitted expired Canadian passport. She saved me a hour that day. On the trip back the Canadian official didn't even look at my passport, AFAIK.

 

[Skeezix]

Part of the cost of the passport are consular fees. You're basically paying a flat rate in order to be able to call on a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate while abroad. You're obviously going to pay more for that service for a 10-year period as opposed to a 5-year period. But that still doesn't fully explain the whole price differential between the 5 and 10-year passports.

 

[Monarch Butterfly]

Must be assuming a five year inflation increase at some assumed rate?

 

[DSCToronto]

Part of the cost of the passport are consular fees. You're basically paying a flat rate in order to be able to call on a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate while abroad. You're obviously going to pay more for that service for a 10-year period as opposed to a 5-year period. But that still doesn't fully explain the whole price differential between the 5 and 10-year passports.

I always used to think this was so and started to says so in my comment above but it is NOT noted on the Passport Canada page and this wep page seems to state clearly (or as clearly as lawyers can say anything!) that the passport fee is for passports http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2012/2012-12-19/html/sor-dors253-eng.html

 

[Admiral Beez]

To be fair, the ten year passport IS cheaper than two back to back five year passports at the current rates.

 

[uto123]

Even though there's the option of renewing every 10 years, I've always renewed it at every 5 years but without any real reason.

 

[Admiral Beez]

Even though there's the option of renewing every 10 years, I've always renewed it at every 5 years but without any real reason.

I believe the ten year option is a very recent change.

 

[DSCToronto]

I believe the ten year option is a very recent change.

2013.

 

[Skeezix]

I always used to think this was so and started to says so in my comment above but it is NOT noted on the Passport Canada page and this wep page seems to state clearly (or as clearly as lawyers can say anything!) that the passport fee is for passports http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2012/2012-12-19/html/sor-dors253-eng.html

It was traditionally the government's explanation/justification for passport fees that exceeded the cost of providing the passport itself. The Tories might have stopped using that line of justification. As for that reg, all it does is establish the passport fee, among other things. It doesn't provide the make-up of the fee.

 

[dowlingm]

Irish 10 year passport renewal via the Embassy in Ottawa is $130. No 5 year option for adults.
https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/canada/passports/how-to-apply-for-a-passport/

 

[Admiral Beez]

Got my passport in five business days from filling out the forms downtown. Good stuff.