Anyone waiting for their Canada passport renewals?

peacefrogdog

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Feb 22, 2000
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In a bit of a jam. My kids' passports expire April 2022. We were advised to renew in advance of our cruise sailing out of Port Canaveral as they expire within 6 months (and apparently some countries like Bahamas have issues with that).

I had mailed in renewal application for their passports that they originally got when they were age 14 and 12 respectively. Thought all was good because Passport Canada charged my credit cards last week. However, found today that because they are now applying as 18 and 16 year olds (which counts as adult age passport wise), the existing renewal applications we mailed to them are not valid, and we have to start the process again from scratch by sending in a new application for adults. The problem is that we had sent in their existing passports as part of the originally application which the central passport office in Gatineau still has, and that they will be sent back to us "within the month". We are scheduled to fly out of Pearson Dec 26th.

They said they can transfer the existing applications to our local passport office , and then reapply in person and paying for an urgent/expedited process. However, was told that because our travel date is > 30 days from today, the local offices likely will not even offer us an appointment, not to mention that we still need our passports returned to us in order to actually apply again.

If all goes well, we get our passports back by early-mid Dec and then we go in person and pay to get them processed urgently. Any other suggestions for this scenario? Has this happened to anyone else?
 
That is frustrating, at least once you get the adult ones you will be good for 10 years! Doesn't help at the moment. They were working pretty quickly but I am not sure if that is still the case. Since it's 11 days until one month to your trip, can you book an appointment for then? It's less than two weeks, hopefully the main office could transfer everything by then? I assume you had to send original birth certificates and such in addition to the old passports. I'd suggest calling your local office, and also your MP if that doesn't work. They should be able to assist you as well.
 
In a bit of a jam. My kids' passports expire April 2022. We were advised to renew in advance of our cruise sailing out of Port Canaveral as they expire within 6 months (and apparently some countries like Bahamas have issues with that).

I had mailed in renewal application for their passports that they originally got when they were age 14 and 12 respectively. Thought all was good because Passport Canada charged my credit cards last week. However, found today that because they are now applying as 18 and 16 year olds (which counts as adult age passport wise), the existing renewal applications we mailed to them are not valid, and we have to start the process again from scratch by sending in a new application for adults. The problem is that we had sent in their existing passports as part of the originally application which the central passport office in Gatineau still has, and that they will be sent back to us "within the month". We are scheduled to fly out of Pearson Dec 26th.

They said they can transfer the existing applications to our local passport office , and then reapply in person and paying for an urgent/expedited process. However, was told that because our travel date is > 30 days from today, the local offices likely will not even offer us an appointment, not to mention that we still need our passports returned to us in order to actually apply again.

If all goes well, we get our passports back by early-mid Dec and then we go in person and pay to get them processed urgently. Any other suggestions for this scenario? Has this happened to anyone else?

Call and see if you can get an appointment and pay for expedited service. If you can't, see if they take walk-in appointments and do that daily until you get seen. It looks like your kids will need a guarantor and two references that can't be family members so find those too and make sure they are available to come with you for walk-in appointments.

Apply as new passports for adults, say that the old passports are lost (technically they are lost somewhere in the process), and bring all necessary documents that you would need in order to apply for new passports.

This is what I found in an internet search:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...n-passports/new-adult-passport/apply-how.html
1. Complete the application form
To save time, complete the form on your computer. Sign each page of the application.
Download the adult passport application (PPTC 153) (PDF, 1.66 MB)
Instructions and tips
  • Read the instructions at the end of the form to make sure you complete it properly.
  • If you can’t open the form, follow these instructions.
  • To get a Braille instruction booklet or large-print forms sent to you, contact us.
  • The term “mother’s surname” may not apply to you.If it doesn’t
    • cross it out on the form and write “parent’s surname at birth”
    • fill in the field with the surname (last name) at birth of 1 parent
    • write your initials in the margin
2. Gather all necessary documents and get your passport photo
Include the following documents with your application form:
  • proof of Canadian citizenship (original only)
  • a document to support your identity
  • any valid Canadian passport or travel document (refugee travel document or certificate of identity) issued in your current name or any other name of yours
    • This is so we can cancel it. You can’t travel with a cancelled passport or travel document.
  • 2 identical passport photos
    • On the back of one of the photos, the photographer must write
      • their name
      • their complete address and
      • the date the photos were taken
    • Your guarantor must also sign the back of this photo.
    • Read the full photo requirements for more information.
Extra documents may need to be provided if you:
All documents must be submitted in either French or English. If a document is in another language, an official translation must be provided.

3. Find a guarantor and 2 references
For new passport applications you will need to find a guarantor to sign your application, one of your passport photos and all copies of any supporting identity documents you are submitting with your application.
You will also need 2 references to include on your application. Your references must have known you for at least 2 years. You cannot use a family member or your guarantor as a reference.

4. Submit your application

If you’re applying in person
By appointment

  • You need to complete the online Service Canada form.
    • complete the required fields
    • click on Passport services: appointment request for a passport service
    • check the box beside If you need to apply in person, select this option
  • Service Canada will call you back to schedule your appointment.
Without an appointment (walk-in)
You can go to any passport office (Service Canada Centre – Passport Services) or Service Canada Centre that offers passport services without an appointment (also called walk-in services).
Walk-in services are not guaranteed. They may not be available at busy locations.
If you can’t submit your application yourself, someone else can submit your application for you.
Paying your fees
Your fees depend on what services you’re getting and how you’re applying.
Fees and methods of payment for in-Canada applications
You won’t receive a refund for the service fee if you
  • cancel your application
  • are refused a travel document
  • are issued a passport for a shorter validity period than requested (for example, in cases where an individual has had multiple losses)
Only the consular fee, which applies to all adult applications, is refundable if a passport is not issued.

5. Receiving your passport
If you applied by mail, the passport (and any original documentation you submitted) will be returned to you by mail, and may be in 2 separate packages.
If you applied in person and paid for a pickup service, the pickup date will be indicated on your receipt.
You can send someone else to pick up your passport if they have valid identification and written authorization from you to do so.

Information about guarantors:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...cuments-references-guarantors.html#guarantors
 
I just walked into our passport office (Kitchener, ON), no appointment needed. They estimated a few weeks to have it mailed to me but I received it 6 days later in the mail. You can look up online and see if there are any offices close to you that you can just walk into. It wasn't even busy, I was in and out in under 20 minutes.
 

I had mine done in the Hamilton Office on Nov. 3 and had it expedited. I picked it up on Nov. 5.

My daughter had her baby's done on Nov. 5 and got hers today...no expedited price.

As long as you call and they get you an appointment at a passport office, it can easily be done in a couple of days.

There wasn't even a line-up at the office. It was relatively enjoyable!!!!
 
Call and see if you can get an appointment and pay for expedited service. If you can't, see if they take walk-in appointments and do that daily until you get seen. It looks like your kids will need a guarantor and two references that can't be family members so find those too and make sure they are available to come with you for walk-in appointments.

The guarantor AND the two references have to accompany us in person?
I was hoping it would be just a matter of the guarantor signing one passport photo and the proofs of ID, and just leaving the references' contact information.
 
The part I don’t understand is them saying that the passport office wouldn’t offer you an appointment because it’s under 30 days. Expedited service takes a few days so that would be plenty of time. And you pay for that service so it’s not like they would be doing you a favour.

My adult daughter has to renew hers as we leave January 2nd and it expires while we are away (don’t even get me started on how many times I reminded her). We still have 25 business days which is what the website is saying it will take by mail. If they can guarantee it by mail in 25 business days, why couldn’t they do it in person quicker ? Seems off.
 
The part I don’t understand is them saying that the passport office wouldn’t offer you an appointment because it’s under 30 days. Expedited service takes a few days so that would be plenty of time. And you pay for that service so it’s not like they would be doing you a favour.

My adult daughter has to renew hers as we leave January 2nd and it expires while we are away (don’t even get me started on how many times I reminded her). We still have 25 business days which is what the website is saying it will take by mail. If they can guarantee it by mail in 25 business days, why couldn’t they do it in person quicker ? Seems off.

I tried to renew my passport in September for a December trip. They told me I couldn't get an appointment because I was OVER 30 days. Perhaps that's what the OP meant.

Then we got the news that the border was opening and we wanted to do a quick trip down to our SC home (that we haven't been to in over 18 months). So I called again and got an appointment the next week and had to pay an extra $100. If I just could have gotten the appointment when I wanted it in September, I would have saved $100.
 
The part I don’t understand is them saying that the passport office wouldn’t offer you an appointment because it’s under 30 days. Expedited service takes a few days so that would be plenty of time. And you pay for that service so it’s not like they would be doing you a favour.

My adult daughter has to renew hers as we leave January 2nd and it expires while we are away (don’t even get me started on how many times I reminded her). We still have 25 business days which is what the website is saying it will take by mail. If they can guarantee it by mail in 25 business days, why couldn’t they do it in person quicker ? Seems off.

The people at the central passport office said that is unlikely that the local office will offer us an appointment because they are prioritizing people who are hoping to travel in the next few weeks. But this just their prediction - could be totally off (and I hope they area).

How did people book their appointments? Through the general Service Canada thing where they call you in 1-2 business days to set it up?
 
Oh that makes more sense. They’re basically saying you have to be closer to the trip date. How frustrating. I hope you can find some resolution. I would call the local office and ask what they recommend. Hopefully they can help you.
 
The guarantor AND the two references have to accompany us in person?
I was hoping it would be just a matter of the guarantor signing one passport photo and the proofs of ID, and just leaving the references' contact information.

not sure, I didn’t read the information thoroughly. Perhaps they only need to sign the backs of the photos…
 
The people at the central passport office said that is unlikely that the local office will offer us an appointment because they are prioritizing people who are hoping to travel in the next few weeks. But this just their prediction - could be totally off (and I hope they area).

How did people book their appointments? Through the general Service Canada thing where they call you in 1-2 business days to set it up?

I would just try getting an appointment. Or if you live close to the office, just walk in and see if they are taking walk ins.
 
The guarantor AND the two references have to accompany us in person?
I was hoping it would be just a matter of the guarantor signing one passport photo and the proofs of ID, and just leaving the references' contact information.

the guarantor and references do not have to accompany you to the passport office. It is a matter of the right person signing in the right place and the right names on the application in the right place and being available if passport canada calls them. Passport Canada has excellent instructions on their website.
 
I have to give passport canada some credit. Even though this process is not totally smooth, I explained my dilemma to them regarding when we are travelling, and someone from there called me at 830 pm to guide me as to next steps. When they predict my passport could be ready will be cutting it close to my travel date but good to know that they have a way to keep tabs on travellers' plans.
 
Wait, can't you get the old passports returned and use them for your Dec trip? Then reapply in January?

We did our kids' passports (child to first time adult) at the end of Aug and had them and the new passport back by the end of Sept.
 
Wait, can't you get the old passports returned and use them for your Dec trip? Then reapply in January?

We did our kids' passports (child to first time adult) at the end of Aug and had them and the new passport back by the end of Sept.

It's because it's not good for six months after the trip concludes. I thought that's what I read in the original post.
 
Yes - because my kids' passports expire < 6 months from our travel, i was strongly advised to renew before not so much for entry to the USA, but because I am cruising the cruiseline may have issues because we stopping in Caribbean ports.
 
We sent my adult daughters renewal in yesterday by Canada Post Express Post. They recommend 25 business days for mailing and processing, and we have 27 business days, so I went for it. She would have to take a day off for an appointment and it’s really not easy with her job so we mailed it in. In my experience they do everything in their power to get it to you by the travel date if you follow the guidelines. If there’s a problem we will have to go to plan B and pay for the expedited service .
 
From my phone calls with many representatives at the central passport office that processes mail applications, I get the strong sense they are getting a ton of applications right now. I ended up paying to transfer the applications to be processed at local passport offices which has been helpful (despite the cost. The system administrator at each office reached out and walked us through what needs to be done and most importantly, provides an actual contact number to reach her/him to get updates.
 












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