Passports

[Carolynleanne]

Both of my kids have now arrived! Just a little over a month from the date we mailed out to the date it was received back here. That's pretty quick!

 

[Lorajo]

I just sent in for my two girls too.
My 6 yo daughter is sort of smiling in the picture. Walmart insisted they put it through a govt approved software and it passed, but I’m expecting a reject!

 

[hdrolfe]

Well colour me shocked... new passport and all old documents delivered today! I mailed it all on May 21 express post. I do live in Ottawa so Gatineau is really close but holy cannoli that was fast!

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

What?! I mailed mine May 18, it arrived May 20! FFS. I am going to call again tomorrow to see if there is any update. They better not have stuck it at the bottom because I sent a *gasp* cheque!

 

[hdrolfe]

What?! I mailed mine May 18, it arrived May 20! FFS. I am going to call again tomorrow to see if there is any update. They better not have stuck it at the bottom because I sent a *gasp* cheque!

To be fair, mine is dated June 1st, so would have been mailed a day or two ago, mail to/from Gatineau is really quick. But yes, you may want to call. Oh, and a typo, I was looking at the wrong calendar, I mailed it on Friday May 21, it arrived there on the 25th in the afternoon. Still quick.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

That's even better! LOL

I wouldn't be concerned if they would just cash the dang cheque! Like, I don't even use those things anymore. Why I thought it would be a "safe" idea to send one in the mail is beyond me.

 

[hdrolfe]

That's even better! LOL

I wouldn't be concerned if they would just cash the dang cheque! Like, I don't even use those things anymore. Why I thought it would be a "safe" idea to send one in the mail is beyond me.

well cheques are generally better than cash at least Hopefully they have it in process for you.

 

[LittleFlounder]

I wouldn't be concerned if they would just cash the dang cheque! Like, I don't even use those things anymore. Why I thought it would be a "safe" idea to send one in the mail is beyond me.

I know! I feel the same way about cheques! Recently I had to send a cheque to the company I work for to pay out my benefits because I’m on an LOA....really?! It’s a big company, and they want a cheque mailed?!??
C’mon people, get with the times! What’s wrong with paying by credit card or e-transfer?? I hadn’t written a cheque in over 10 years!! LOL I get a little mad when I think of it!

 

[amw]

That's even better! LOL

I wouldn't be concerned if they would just cash the dang cheque! Like, I don't even use those things anymore. Why I thought it would be a "safe" idea to send one in the mail is beyond me.

Not sure where you are situated ...

So its been awhile, so I Can’t give exact dates. I sent my passport package to the Ottawa address. When my originals were returned, with credit card receipt (about month later), the receipt was processed in Whitby which is the closest passport office to where I live in Markham. The new passports came separately a week later.

So it looks like the main Ottawa mailroom might redirect the applications to local offices for processing. The poster who received Theirs back so quickly from Gatineau could be because they were local to the main office.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

@amw interesting. I am in Halifax. Turn around time would longer for sure. I believe I sent my application to address in Gatineau

 

[amw]

@amw interesting. I am in Halifax. Turn around time would longer for sure. I believe I sent my application to address in Gatineau

Yes. It was Gatineau. They must send the applications back to local offices from that central mailroom — there are still employees at the offices even though they are “closed.” I thought it was weird, but that’s what the credit card slip said. I guess when you see your cheque go through, you’ll get your package soon — but give it 6 weeks from mail date.

 

[Aug2020distrip]

I sent mine to Gatineau but when I followed my tracking it arrived in Ontario somewhere lol but, it’s finally showing on my credit card so I expect to get it back soon! (I forget the exact date I sent in the mail. May 18th ish maybe?

 

[amw]

I sent mine to Gatineau but when I followed my tracking it arrived in Ontario somewhere lol but, it’s finally showing on my credit card so I expect to get it back soon! (I forget the exact date I sent in the mail. May 18th ish maybe?

Gatineau and Ottawa are basically one greater city area separated by a river. — one side Quebec, one side Ontario. Who knows where the mailroom door is.

 

[FinnFogg]

Send my son’s mid-May. Used Expresspost, which the post office advised meant we should use the “courier” address as opposed to the “mail” address. Noticed that my CC was charged late last week. Both the new passport and the old passport/birth certificate arrived yesterday (via expresspost) in separate envelopes.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

Well when I called to check on it, the lady said they had record of receiving it at least, so that is good.

I am going to call again today. I might even ask if they get re-directed to our local passport offices for processing.

 

[hdrolfe]

I guess this is a benefit of living in Ottawa? Quick passport processing... Weird too how some send back stuff in different packages, mine was all together. I have to admit it was a big relief to get everything back. It's like, step one towards travelling, done!

 

[TammyLynn33]

Not sure where you are situated ...

So its been awhile, so I Can’t give exact dates. I sent my passport package to the Ottawa address. When my originals were returned, with credit card receipt (about month later), the receipt was processed in Whitby which is the closest passport office to where I live in Markham. The new passports came separately a week later.

So it looks like the main Ottawa mailroom might redirect the applications to local offices for processing. The poster who received Theirs back so quickly from Gatineau could be because they were local to the main office.

Oh I do know the lady that called myself and my son to check things lol was definitely calling from her home .. so if those flagged are being processed from home .. I would think that slows things down too

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

And it takes a few days to have the cheque cleared the bank they said.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

Just off the phone with them. What a $hitsow I got myself into LOL

They just reviewed the file on Wednesday. The guy said they need to speak with the guarantor (her Father!). I asked if there was an issue or missing info and he said they just need to verify something. (?)

Then I asked about the payment. He said there was nothing enclosed. I said "Oh, I sent a cheque" He said "Certified Cheque? We dont't take personal cheques" Then I said well can I give you a CC number of the phone? "Oh there is another number you need to call to do that"

OMG

Finally, DH can either call them or they will call him this afternoon and the office might call me for the cc info or I can call back.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

Update:

I called with with DH and they verified all his info, why the photo was signed and dated for March vs the form for May.

And they took my credit card info over the phone.

Sounds like it will be on its way soon, thank god!

Lesson learned... Don't use cheques.