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Indian passport surrender

sayedsameer84

Star Member
Oct 26, 2016
71
30
Hi Guys, is anyone going to do a walk-in in Toronto BLS (1448 Lawrence Ave E) let me know if we can go together, it's better to have company. I guess we have to go there early morning around 4 AM. I am thinking to go there on Sunday night technically Monday early morning for citizenship surrender. Thanks.
Hi, so did you go for Walk-In? Can you please share your experience? Any things we should take care of? Thanks in Advance.
 

sayedsameer84

Star Member
Oct 26, 2016
71
30
My experience ------

Went for the surrender of indian passport for self and family today to the BLS center in Brampton.

First comments----there are 2 offices -----

1. 40 Gillingham Drive - where PPT services including renewa;al/ fresh ppt / surrender (only) / OCI / PCC are provided
2. 60 Gillingham Drive - where Visa services are provided (and surrender certificate if you are applying for both Visa and Suurender together)

Visa lines were pretty huge - there were around 100 to 150 people ahead of me (the line circled the entire building). Someone standing in the line told me that if it is just surrender we should go to 40 Gillingham Drive office.

The line at 40 Gillingham was relatively shorter (around 75 people ahead of me).

Queue started and moved relatively faster once the counters were opened. I went in around 950 and was out by 1015.

Few pointers to note.

1. Carry all original documents that they mention in the checklist - including Canadian Passport (if you have) / Citizenship Certificate etc. They will verify and give it back to you
2. Please ensure that the application form is properly and accurately filled
3. Ensure that the photograph is as per specifications, (else you can pay extra 15$ and take the photos there)
4. I did not have a Canadian Passport, but surrendered the Indian Passport with a letter indicating the reason why am unable to provide and they were OK with it.
5. Even though your application was walkin you have the option of receiving the docs to your home/ mailing address at an extra fee.....you could pick the docs up from the center directly once it is available....For certificate of the adults, the person has to come physically and collect (you cannot ask someone else to collect on your behalf). For Minors - both parents have to come, I believe
6. Collection is only at specific times on weekdays - Monday to Friday. No Collection on Saturdays.
7. While it is not mandatory for all the applicants to be physically present, it will be better if they hang around, in case of any last minute verification / photo issues.

Saturdays are relatively crowded. Weekdays as per a person standing in the line, are relatively shorter. All in all - expect around 4 hours either way.

People were courteous and helpful. Now I have to wait as the application moves from BLS to Consulate + the entire consular process (processing, printing etc.) and then the move from Cosnulate to BLS for me to go and pick up.
My kids have not got their Canadian Passport yet, but as others (including you) have advised, BLS is okay with us submitting a letter indicating the reason. My question is - For minor kids, did you write a letter with them as the first person OR did you write a letter for them as their parent?
For example, I, abc - parent of xyz, declare that .. OR was it directly like: I, xyz, declare that?
 

sayedsameer84

Star Member
Oct 26, 2016
71
30
yes, please follow the checklist and include it with the application. Also carry the original in case they want to verify it.
Online Application Form
Indian Passport (Original and Copy) – last held
Canadian/Foreign Citizenship certificate (Copy)
Canadian/Foreign passport* (Copy) ---> Include the letter since you didn't get the Canadian Passport yet.
Proof of Address
Photograph (to be pasted in the application form) ---> Photo can be taken at BLS
Fees ---> can be paid at BLS by debit card/cash
Do you know what proof of address can be submitted for minor kids? Will parents proof of address with the childs birth certificate work?
 

OllySyd

Hero Member
Apr 13, 2017
298
222
My kids have not got their Canadian Passport yet, but as others (including you) have advised, BLS is okay with us submitting a letter indicating the reason. My question is - For minor kids, did you write a letter with them as the first person OR did you write a letter for them as their parent?
For example, I, abc - parent of xyz, declare that .. OR was it directly like: I, xyz, declare that?
i wrote the letter as if they were writing but I signed it as their parent......the person in the counter....just took the ltetter as is and didnt really pay attention to it.....
 
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OllySyd

Hero Member
Apr 13, 2017
298
222
Quick question, once we submit our surrender passport application via courier, how soon we can check application status online? Also, where should I check the status, I mean I see below 2 options (Toronto Jurisdiction)

https://www.blsindia-canada.com/toronto-jurisdiction/track-application.php

https://portal3.passportindia.gov.in/Online/welcomeLink?request_locale=en
The BLS website is what you should check first. Once it says processing at consulate general, then you could use the the second website. Once the passport website changes to certificate printed, then you can start checking BLS website again.
 

aman_78671

Star Member
Dec 20, 2017
167
44
My passport surrender application was changed on Friday 18 Nov 2022. Does this mean that the surrender certificate has already been printed?
How much time usually does it take from here approximately?
I am asking this because I won't be available at my address for another 4 weeks to collect the certificate. Please share your experience.


Application StatusSurrender certificate is under review at Indian Embassy/Consulate.
 
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