Canadian passports - how much time to process?

FigmentSpark

DIS Veteran
Joined
Apr 9, 2016
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My DS’s passport doesn’t expire until Oct 2021, but he Is turning 18 in a week. I’m trying to figure out when would be the best time for him to apply for a new passport. Does anyone know what kind of lag times there are on new adult passports? I assume he goes through the process as a new applicant, not just a renewal?
 
About 2-3 weeks ago I discovered both my kids' passports expired. I forgot as kids they only had 5 year passports while my husband & I have 10 year passports.

All the walk-in locations around me are closed (Covid-19). Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax. The website says walk-in services at Service Canada Centres and passport offices are still unavailable.

The website says there are same "in-person services" by appointment only if you need a passport in less than 30 days. I don't know where those are located. It also says you have to provide proof that you need the passport.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...avirus-covid19/passport.html#expired-passport
It also says they have resumed "mail-in service" if you need a passport in more than 30 days. I'm going to try to mail in adult applications for my kids but I need to locate a place that is taking passport photos first.
 
We mailed in my daughter's passport renewal. It arrived at the passport office in Ottawa on Oct 26th. We got our documents back this Thursday, so the new passport should arrive by mail this week.
 

Hello! I mailed in my kids passports in October and it only took about 3 weeks to a month to get processed. They even called when I forgot to put in one piece of information, was really pleased that they got processed so quickly.
 
So things aren't backed up, then? It always took about a month before, but I was worried it would take longer because of the shutdown.
 
Same situation. My son's expires in January. DH likes to go in person for passport stuff but of course that's not an option (We're in a big city, so it's usually an option). He's turning 16 the end of April and our next scheduled trip is end of August, so DH wants to wait until May 1st and said will mail in the application for a new passport (at first he refused to mail in his birth certificate but now says he will but only once he turns 16 as you don't have to renew as often). Am worried too with the backups that we wont' get it in time.

This is of course in the hopes that things are better in the summer as border is open for personal travel (with no 14 day quarantine) and our cruise is a go.
 
... at first he refused to mail in his birth certificate but now says he will but only once he turns 16 as you don't have to renew as often).

I did not think of that. Ugh.. Do they want the original birth certificate mailed? Do you get it back?
 
There is no real delay if you do it by mail. You can mail original documents or you can get notarized copies of them and send those. The only way you can get in person service is if you have a valid reason for urgent travel (sadly going to Disney does not qualify!). Also the age for an adult passport is over 16, not 18.
 
I mailed my DD's passport application in August and it was mailed back to me a month later.
 
It also says they have resumed "mail-in service" if you need a passport in more than 30 days. I'm going to try to mail in adult applications for my kids but I need to locate a place that is taking passport photos first.

Here in Ottawa I had to get US passport photos taken last week.

The local CAA travel office was able to do them. As a CAA Premier member they were free [one free set per year with membership at that level, not sure about other levels, though I think you at least get a discount]. Call yours to see if they are open and can do them.

It was quick and easy.

Also if you have a Henry's Camera near you they can do them, I called a few months ago.

Other places that normally do them, but call to see if they are doing them now, in their photo areas: Costco, Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart.

Good luck

SW
 
There is no real delay if you do it by mail. You can mail original documents or you can get notarized copies of them and send those. The only way you can get in person service is if you have a valid reason for urgent travel (sadly going to Disney does not qualify!). Also the age for an adult passport is over 16, not 18.

Ohh that's great. I would much rather send in a copy then risk losing the original. Thanks for the information!

Here in Ottawa I had to get US passport photos taken last week.

The local CAA travel office was able to do them. As a CAA Premier member they were free [one free set per year with membership at that level, not sure about other levels, though I think you at least get a discount]. Call yours to see if they are open and can do them.

It was quick and easy.

Also if you have a Henry's Camera near you they can do them, I called a few months ago.

Other places that normally do them, but call to see if they are doing them now, in their photo areas: Costco, Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart.

Good luck

SW

We do have a CAA membership. I will have to phone and see what they say. Also, Henry's - that's so good to know! I have a gift card (for a few years now) that I have never used.
 












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