? about new passport law

[MosMom]

I'm assuming since my DH isn't a citizen he can't get a US passport. I'm wondering if he is going to need a Canadian passport or if his green card will work since that is what he has to have to enter the US anyway. Even with a passport he couldn't come home without his green card.

I've been on hold several times for upwards of 45 minutes and I've given up looking through the website. I figured someone here might be in the same boat or know what is up.

 

[EthansMom]

My understanding is that he's going to need a passport. If he's a Canadian citizen, then he's going to need a Canadian passport. Does Canada have a passport website that might be able to give you the information on getting a Canadian passport?

 

[EthansMom]

The current requirement is that everyone must have a passport if arriving via airplane from any other country. Next Jan. it will be required that everyone have a passport to arrive via all means from another country.

Here you are: http://www.canadaimmigrationcenter.org/canadian_passport_online.html?NS_cid=13

"The Canadian Passport Application Guide contains:

Canadian passport instructions for first time applicants
Canadian passport renewal instructions
Canadian passport application for Canadian citizens living in the United States
How to add a married surname to a passport
How to add a spousal common-law surname to a passport
Application requirements and procedures
Printing instructions for application forms
Guarantor instructions
How to apply for a passport by mail
How to apply for a passport in person
Where to apply for a passport
Payment instructions and application fees (The purchase price of the application guide does not include any application fees)
Travel information for individuals with Canadian passports
Contact information for Canadian Embassies and Consulates abroad
You only need to obtain one application guide, which you are can share
Printing of multiple copies are allowed"

 

[MosMom]

Ohhh probably. I was hoping that wouldn't be the answer but kind of knew it would be. This might be a huge pain if they require him to show up in person to apply like the US does. We'll have to drive since we can't fly. *crosses eyes*

 

[MosMom]

Oooh cool. How to apply for a passport by mail.

I'm purchasing that guide right now. Thanks!

 

[Serena]

Would the canadian consulate be able to help? I googled and found one in chicago and one in detroit.

 

[EthansMom]

Ohhh probably. I was hoping that wouldn't be the answer but kind of knew it would be. This might be a huge pain if they require him to show up in person to apply like the US does. We'll have to drive since we can't fly. *crosses eyes*

I tried to look that up too, but the information is included in the passport application, which you have to pay to download.

Good luck!

 

[MosMom]

I really think his immigration card should work. You don't get more official than that card. It gets him into the country now. They just have to make everything more difficult.

 

[EthansMom]

Would the canadian consulate be able to help? I googled and found one in chicago and one in detroit.

I was wondering too if Canadian citizens could get a passport at a consulate or embassy. People obviously lose their passports when traveling, so I would think that there must be a way to get passports issued out of your home country.

I saw a quick blurb on the news the other day about the lines for Canadian citizens getting passports... I think they said the waiting line was 2 hours long.

When we went on a cruise last spring, I went ahead and got my passport updated with my married name and got the kids passports. I figured it would be easier to get it done (and have them) than to wait until we needed them and then find that there would be a much longer turn-around time. As it was, it took about 8 weeks for the kids' passports to come in the mail.

 

[maddiel]

Go to Passport Canada's site You can download the information for free.

M.

 

[Luv'sTink]

Your going to need both. DH had a passport and a Green card and the always wanted to see both. He is a US citizen now and has a Canadian and a US passport.

Does he want to become a US citizen? It is really easy to do.

 

[cassie]

My DD is married to a German national, and they live here in the US, and he uses his German passport if he leaves the US. He doesn't have to have a green card as he is considered a resident of the US. Does that make sense to you?

 

[MosMom]

Well, we're not heading up to Canada until sometime between May - July (I know that sounds absurd but we have to wait until my BIL who is in the Army finds out when he can go). I want to get this done pronto so we don't go into crisis mode.

 

[MosMom]

He has considered it, we just haven't done it. His green card expires in 2011 and he'll do it before then.

 

[EthansMom]

Go to Passport Canada's site You can download the information for free.

M.

Sorry, MosMom, looks like this is the actual site for Canada and it's free!

Thanks Maddiel!

 

[maddiel]

If you are driviing to Canada this May or June, he doesn't need a passport. If you are flying he will need one and you are smart to start the process now. You shouldn't need to buy that guide - the application from the government's web site explains the steps, although they processing times for mailed-in applications are longer than they had been predicting.

M.

 

[EthansMom]

I found on the official Canadian site that Maddiel referred to:

"Canadians residing in the United States must send the application form by mail to our Gatineau office in Canada. If you plan to submit your application in person in Canada you may complete the application form for Canadians residing in Canada or the application form for Canadians living in the U.S."

Your DH will need to fill out the paperwork, get his photos, get it signed by a guarantor (there are requirements for that), and then can mail in the application. There is a 4 week processing time, not including delivery time.

 

[MosMom]

Go to Passport Canada's site You can download the information for free.

M.

Great thanks!

 

[Luv'sTink]

My DD is married to a German national, and they live here in the US, and he uses his German passport if he leaves the US. He doesn't have to have a green card as he is considered a resident of the US. Does that make sense to you?

Cassie our DH are legal US residents also, but they still need "Green" cards as proof of residency and the right to work in the US.

Your Son IL may not need one because he is here for his goverment???

 

[MosMom]

Yes, I read through all that. Lucky for us I have an uncle who is a lawyer and my stepmom is a bank officer so we have the two guarators we will need. This shouldn't be too bad. Certainly not any worse than getting his green card.