My experience of Tuesday, November 15, 2022 for Indian Passport Surrender at BLS Brampton location
Just wanted to put pen to paper before I forget about it.
Went to #60 first but the security guard told me the lineup at #40 will be shorter and quicker. Left and went to #60 at around 8:40, there must've been at least a hundred people in line in front of me. I was prepared with my parka on and coffee in hand. Line moved quicker than expected and I finally entered around 11:30, so 3ish hours and it was pretty chilly so my toes were quite cold.
Staff Gurpreet Kaur Lubana, counter #9 was quite helpful, accepted my (wife's) application and told me that the picture isn't upto spec. Told me that I could pay now get a hard copy of a new picture done beside her counter. Called my wife, asked her to take a selfie with both ears showing and send to me, fixed it up and sent it to their email for printing, 10 minutes later picture was printed. Gave Gurpreet the picture and was done with it around 12.
Hoping this would help someone. I believe today was the last day of walk-ins. Starting tomorrow, it is by appointment only. Yes, there are no appointments currently available but there will be, she said.
Fees paid were $181.10
Passport fee: 119.00
ICWF charge: 3.00
Total (A): 122.00
BLS Service Fee: 6.55
Courier Fee: 26.55 (there was no choice to pickup, courier was assumed and charged for)
Photograph: 13.27
GST Total: 6.03
Debit Card Fee: 0.70
Total (B): 53.10
Grand Total A+B: 175.10 (but I was charged $181.10, not sure why... oh well!)
I'm just glad it was done in one shot. People I was chatting in line with had to come back for one thing or another.
Wonder how long this would take. Waiting for this now and then will need to send OCI application.
