Update on my transfer request (see
my earlier post for more details).
My guarantor was able to confirm the missing information. Unclear still what the missing information was (possibly querying a signature?), but ostensibly resolved.
The agent at the main call centre told me to expect a call from my local office (Kitchener) at the end of next week (about 1 week before travel). I got a call from the local office within an hour, which I missed because I wasn't expecting it. Called them back, left a message, and was called back about an hour later.
They said they needed:
(a) My credit card number to charge me the $20 pickup fee. (They waived the transfer fee because the passport was past usual processing times.)
(b) Me to fax(!) my proof of travel. They insist on fax because they're not allowed to receive external emails. I don't have a fax machine but there are online apps for it (google is your friend). I might go to a print shop as well just to be sure.
They said that my passport will be ready to pick up next Friday (17th). One week prior to my travel date. Told me to come to the building after 10am, to go to the front of the line and say I was there to pick up. All remarkably smooth sailing but I'm not going to count my chickens until it's in my hand.
I'll say that while the system as a whole is obviously a complete and utter mess right now, when I have talked with people directly they have been extremely helpful, friendly, and efficient.
