Indian Passport Renewal from BLS Toronto

[iSaidGoodDay]

I have applied for passport renewal - change of marital status and address change, and for police verification, I gave my inlaws address per BLS instructions. The police is saying they need pcc from my parents place, is that a valid request?

Very likely a dumb request. They are just looking out for ways to get a bribe here from your parents.

 

[cic86]

Is there a step by step process anywhere in this forum? Also when it comes to submitting the passport copy, do we have to take a copy of all the pages in the 36 page booklet?

 

[Unknown25]

I finally received my passport today. Here's the timeline:

1. BLS passport submission - Aug 19, 2025
2. Passport sent to the CGI Toronto - Aug 19, 2025
3. Processing started at CGI Toronto - Aug 29, 2025
4. PV initiated - Aug 29, 2025
5. Approved and Submitted as Clear by Police - Sep 12, 2025
6. Print Initiated - Sep 12, 2025
7. Printed - Sept 16, 2025
8. In Transit from Consulate General to BLS Centre - Sept 18, 2025
9. Dispatched by courier - Sep 19, 2025
10. Passport delivered by Purolator - Sept 22, 2025

For those who are unaware, passport application submitted in Toronto is printed locally by CGI Toronto after PV is received clear. So after printing it takes just 2 days to dispatch to BLS.

Thanks to the folks who responded to my queries on this forum.

how long did take for the step 5 once Police verification was done by police? and do you recall what was the status on bls website during step 4 and step 5?

 

[bond7890]

how long did take for the step 5 once Police verification was done by police? and do you recall what was the status on bls website during step 4 and step 5?

police visited my house on Sep 9. So effectively 3 days. Status on BLS doesn't change at all. It will be "Processing at Consulate" until passport is issued and dispatched from Consulate to BLS. These are the only statuses that BLS show:

On the day of submission: "In transit from bls to consulate"
When application reaches Consulate: "Processing at Consulate General"
When Consulate issues the passport and sends back to BLS: "In transit from consulate to bls"
Finally when bls is ready to deliver: "Ready for collection" OR "Ready for dispatch" depending on in-person or postal
If postal, then additional status: "Dispatched" along with Purolator tracking.

Hope this helps!

 

[bond7890]

Is there a step by step process anywhere in this forum? Also when it comes to submitting the passport copy, do we have to take a copy of all the pages in the 36 page booklet?

not sure about first part but for second part, only first and last page.

 

[bond7890]

Yes I thought so! once police completes his steps, how long does it take to initiate printing of passport?

2 to 3 days. In large metro, due to workload, maybe 7 to 8 days but not more than that.

 

[Unknown25]

Is there a step by step process anywhere in this forum? Also when it comes to submitting the passport copy, do we have to take a copy of all the pages in the 36 page booklet?

First and last page of current passport along with actual passport needs to be sent for passport renewal process

 

[shaif371]

When you send query to hci ottawa from bls ,do they reply and whats the response time

 

[Jas07]

My status on BLS shows "Ready for collection" for my renewed passport ...can I just take my Id proof to center where i submitted ..Is there any other document i need to carry??

 

[bond7890]

My status on BLS shows "Ready for collection" for my renewed passport ...can I just take my Id proof to center where i submitted ..Is there any other document i need to carry??

take the id (DL or PR card). Normally they do not ask for receipt, but just in case do carry that as well (the one that you received when application was submitted). Collection time is between 3 and 4.30 PM.

 

[Kathy Botlar]

I recently went through the Indian passport renewal process at BLS Toronto, so here’s a quick update for anyone facing delays or confusion.
The best approach is to:

1. Book an appointment online — walk-ins are often full, especially during peak periods.
2. Double-check your photo and signature requirements — small mistakes can delay processing.
3. Track your application through the BLS website; status updates usually appear within 3–5 business days after submission.
4. If your file shows “under process at the consulate” for more than two weeks, you can email the Indian Consulate directly (Toronto) with your file number.

Processing has generally improved lately, but it still depends on your specific case (address changes, minor renewals, etc.).
Hope this helps anyone renewing their passport soon — and feel free to share your experience if your timeline was different!