Have you ever faced a conundrum of an expired passport in Canada before your flights to India from Canada? Ever faced the problem of a renewal date close by and you need to travel to countries soon? Luckily, the passport renewal process is not difficult and cumbersome, but rather very easy and quick. The process can easily be carried out online while sitting comfortably in Canada. There is no need to visit the home country for renewal purposes. The Indian consulate in Canada is very supportive and ensures the process goes smoothly. It also double-checks the process so that you don’t break any immigration laws.
Steps for renewal of an expired passport in Canada
The consulate general of India has an advisory that all passport holders should renew their passports at least six months before the expiry. Passport holders are also recommended to apply for a renewal a year before it expires. Only with a valid and working passport, you can catch flights to India from Canada.
In Canada, authorities will never consider an expired passport as grounds for an emergency. The consulate will not accelerate the application on the said grounds. But do not panic even if you have the expiration nearby, just carry the application process mentioned below and wait for your new passport to arrive.
Filling of the application- the first step is to fill out an online form without any misinformation or mistakes. The details on the form should be the same as were on your previous passport. But you should change the information if you have changed your name or address.
Mentioning of the country from where you are applying- if you are applying from a country other than India then you need to mention it on your application form. A field is usually given in the form for the needful. For example, if you are applying from Canada then you need to choose Americas and Canada options in the form.
Printing out the form- once the form is submitted online, do take the print in order to submit a hard copy of it to your nearest BLS center. The copy must also include a passport photograph, required documents and the fee.
If an error occurs- if ever an error has crept into your form or you have accidentally made an error then you have the option of filling a fresh form online. You should take the print of the correct form and submit to the nearest BLS center.
Submission of the form- though submitting the form only requires a click, you also need to submit the hard copy as well. The applicants are debarred from walking into the consulate for this purpose so you need to visit the nearest BLS center that too after an appointment.
So now you can clearly see the process is simple and straightforward. If in case your passport has expired before you can renew it then together with your application you need to attach an affidavit. The package must also include a self-attested declaration written clearly on a white paper mentioning clearly the reason for the delay. The consulate can ask you to pay a late fee if the passport has expired a year ago. You can only cross international borders on your last minute flights with a renewed passport only. Please keep in mind an expired passport is going to give you much of an unnecessary hassle at the last minute.
Though you can travel with an expired passport if you still have a valid visa left. If your Indian Passport still has a valid visa attached, you only need some supporting documents to travel. However, remember that you cannot cross countries with an expired passport.
Most Indian passport are valid for 10 years, you have plenty of time at your disposal to renew your passport unless there is an emergency. Without proper travel documents, international travel can become very grave, but fortunately, authorities have established processes for travelers to quickly obtain passports in case of emergencies
Documents needed for Canadian passport
The passport package must contain the following documents. You should also consult the FAQ page for any document-related concerns or particular requirements like a Indian Passport for minors, replacement of lost passports, etc. The documents that are needed are below mentioned.
- A recent and clear photograph according to the guideline
- Applicant’s original passport
- First and last page copies of the applicant’s current passport
- Applicant’s legally valid status copy in Canada. Examples include study permits, work permits, PR cards, and visitor cards.
- Landing paper copy
- One copy of proof of Canadian address and Indian address
- A photo along with a personal particular form
- Annexure E form
The documents needed for a Canadian passport for an Indian traveler or resident are as follows. Please make sure that all the information in these documents is up-to-date and accurate. And if you have changed your address or name then mention the changes and provide the supporting documents. It is advisable to have a valid passport even before you look for business class deals online.
Cost of a passport in Canada
It is always a good idea to double-check on the prices you have to shell out during the process as they tend to change without notice. The current passport prices are mentioned below.
- A 36-page normal adult passport- $96
- Replacement of lost/damaged passport with 36 pages- $189
- Replacement of lost/damaged passport with 60 pages-$220
- Tatkal adult passport with 36 pages- $282
A charge of $7.40 as an extra BLS service is applicable. Other attested documents or affidavits can carry additional costs. Please visit the official consulate websites to get the latest information.
Canadian passport renewal for a child
The rules are slightly different when it comes to the renewal of the passport of a child in Canada. In addition to the standard application form, parents need to furnish the following documents as well
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- Annexure D form
- Parent’s passport copies
- Parent’s address and ID proof
- Annexure C form in case of single parent
- Custody proof
- Custodial parent’s passport copy
- Custodial address proof copy
Indian authorities do not recognize divorces granted by Canadian courts. Therefore, in cases involving separated parents under Canadian jurisdiction, both parents must provide consent.
- 36 paged normal minor passport- $65
- Replace lost/damaged passport with 36 pages-$189
- Tatkal minor passport with 36 pages-$251
Annexure D or Annexure C forms attested from the consulate. This can cost an additional $16.
The child’s passport is good for 2 years if the child is visiting under the visitor’s permit. Moreover, it depends on the child’s age and the type of visa issued. The passport under the student column is valid for five years while Minors between the 15-18 age group have a validity of 10 years.
For emergency passports
Some people would like to renew their passports at the earliest to save some time. These people can apply for a passport under the Tatkal scheme even before they start looking for flights to India from Canada.
Authorities issue emergency passports under a limited number of entries. For example, people can apply for an emergency passport in Canada in case an immediate family member is critically ill or has died. Immediate family members only include the applicant’s children, spouse, siblings, or parents. Submit the application through the Sampark portal to ensure a quick appointment.
Tatkal passports actually are not issued for
- Lost or damaged passports
- For changing personal information like address, marital status, name, etc.
- Renewing short-validity passports
- In the case of divorced parents, passports for minors
- Work permit, study permit, or visitor permit cases
Please visit the consulate website and review the instructions, FAQs, and related information to address your queries or concerns. But still, the best is to contact the consulate through the SAMPARK service.
FAQs
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How many days does it require to get a passport?
In general, the issuing of a Indian Passport takes 8 weeks after the consulate general receives the application. Please do not consider the date of applying as the starting time of 8 weeks. Whether you have applied for a 36-page or 60-page passport you will get the passport in the stipulated time.
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How long does it take to get an expedited passport?
You will get a passport within a week under the TATKAL category notwithstanding the postal delays and other hindrances.
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Can a passport be renewed by mail?
Yes, the passport can be renewed by mail. You need to send the hard copy of the online application along with all the required documents to the nearest BLS center. We will parcel your passport to your Canadian address.
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How to replace a lost passport?
In case of a lost passport, you need to file a police complaint at your nearest police station. In order to apply for a new passport, you need to submit the annexure F form and a copy of the police report. Both these documents are necessary.
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Which documents are considered proof of address?
Tax statements, Licenses, rental agreements, government photo ID, a letter from the university, Copies of the permit, or home internet bill are some of the Canadian proofs of address.
Indian proof of address documents includes passport, Voter ID, bank passbook, electricity and water bill, or government landline bill.
That sums up everything you need to know about Indian passport renewal in Canada
Once you renew your passport, you can safely catch your flights from Canada to India, exploring the country across its length and breadth.
