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Canadian Passport - Mail-In Application Timelines

SandhuHarry

Star Member
Jan 13, 2016
196
55
So we went to service canada first week of March and applied in person (normal processing), still nothing. I would have thought it will be faster since we applied at service canada and paid there. Anyone knows time estimates? I am starting to get worried and I can not reach them via phone. When shall I escalate to my MP? We now have to go to UK in June due to medical emergency ( we did not know that at the time when we applied, this is something happened recently), although we have not booked yet. So I am not sure how to fast track, do I need to book the tickets then go to service canada again? What will they do since my application has already been sent?
I also applied at service Canada march first week, nothing yet. Expected mail out on receipt is April 14. I submitted request for status update yesterday, which takes 3 days to process. You too try that, it’s mentioned on the receipt they give along with the file number on it.
 
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PumpkinJack

Hero Member
Nov 26, 2015
235
107
I called them today many times but I got a message that no officer is available to pick up your call due to high volume of calls. I am unable to get in touch with them. My application was sent to Gatineau, Qc office in January 2022.
Yeah, I think they closed the help desk. It used to take you to the waiting list or just the line will be busy but now one you select language, a recorded voice will be played on how to apply for passport and disconnect the call.
 
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creamsalad

Newbie
Apr 1, 2022
3
0
Yeah, I think they closed the help desk. It used to take you to the waiting list or just the line will be busy but now one you select language, a recorded voice will be played on how to apply for passport and disconnect the call.
And who do we call to have our passport transferred to a local office now?
 

yikelin

Star Member
Oct 16, 2014
85
19
Visa Office......
Accra
NOC Code......
1114
App. Filed.......
19-12-2014
Nomination.....
09-03-2015
IELTS Request
Sent with application
Med's Request
Upfront medical 9th March 2017
Passport Req..
24-04-2017
VISA ISSUED...
11-05-2017
LANDED..........
08-07-2017
We sent our application and it was received on the 3rd of March at the Ottawa mail room. The CC was charged on the 25th of March and still have not received either passport or certificate back . Decided to call them today to get an update . Called them 7.30 and was caller 82 . Finally got through after an hour on the line and was told that our applications were still in examination . Almost forgot spent almost an hour with the agent because apparently who ever did the input in the system made a mistake and spelt my last name wrong . Was able to get the file number not the tracking number since it had not been printed or sent .
 

Corgi

Star Member
Jun 11, 2018
63
45
Sorry to ask again, what's the earliest before your travel date that you can call to request a file transfer? They told me 10 business days when I called them last Wednesday but just wanted to see if anyone had managed to get this done any earlier. I have to travel to the US for a Nexus interview in one month today.
Finally got a response on an online status request I sent weeks ago, and still at 'file under examination', so now I am pretty over it.
 

PumpkinJack

Hero Member
Nov 26, 2015
235
107
We sent our application and it was received on the 3rd of March at the Ottawa mail room. The CC was charged on the 25th of March and still have not received either passport or certificate back . Decided to call them today to get an update . Called them 7.30 and was caller 82 . Finally got through after an hour on the line and was told that our applications were still in examination . Almost forgot spent almost an hour with the agent because apparently who ever did the input in the system made a mistake and spelt my last name wrong . Was able to get the file number not the tracking number since it had not been printed or sent .
My application is the exact same timeline and same typo which I was able to keep bothering them now and then to get it fixed. I also had to ask questions every time I call to ensure they have no reasons to delay throwing the ball on my court. In-mail application is tricky especially when everyone rush to get their travel documents for vacation.
 

delray55

Hero Member
Apr 4, 2022
307
134

india_user25

Star Member
Jul 28, 2015
91
4
Sorry for noob question : Is it mandatory to specify address on page 4 of actual passport and how do we manage the address as it changes?
 

PumpkinJack

Hero Member
Nov 26, 2015
235
107
Yeah, I think they closed the help desk. It used to take you to the waiting list or just the line will be busy but now one you select language, a recorded voice will be played on how to apply for passport and disconnect the call.
Expect a minute long nonstop lecture on how to apply for passport just to tell all lines are occupied and call later at the end.
 

CaBeaver

Champion Member
Dec 15, 2018
2,941
1,369
Sorry for noob question : Is it mandatory to specify address on page 4 of actual passport and how do we manage the address as it changes?
All you need to do is sign the passport to be valid. For the address, it's optional I believe. Here what it says on the website

To change your address on your passport:

  • cross out the old address on page 4
  • write the new address in the space above the old one
    • if there isn’t enough room on the page, write the new address on a separate piece of paper and insert it into your passport
  • don’t use correction fluid (whiteout)
A change of address doesn’t make a passport invalid.