Hi Guys,
I think I'm in a really tight spot. Would really appreciate if anyone can chip in with some advice.
I am traveling to Mumbai, India from Boston, USA on the 17th of November and have a transit via Montreal. Here is my timeline.
25 Oct 2017 - Passport Request
2 Nov 2017 - UPS confirmed package delivered to NY VAC
2 Nov 2017 - Missing document because I had not paid the VAC fees
3 Nov 2017 - Sent the money order via mail to the Boston lockbox.
6 Nov 2017 - The VAC received the money order.
7 Nov 2017 - Got the receipt from the visa application center.
9 Nov 2017 - Passport Received by the Visa Office - Under Consideration
13 Nov 2017 - No update.
I got in touch with VAC via phone and the guy was of no help. I asked him if I can get my passport back and he said I'll have to drop an email to the VAC to request a cancellation -- then the VAC will respond back in 24 - 48 hours with a cancelation form -- get the a cancellation form -- fill it -- submit it -- then the VAC will submit that cancelation form to the embassy -- then the embassy will return the passport to the VAC and the VAC will then ship it to me using the return label which I send. He said it will take 5 business days for this procedure. This level of bureaucracy was quite surprising.
Any slim chance of me getting my passport with the transit visa before the 17th, if not, any way I can get my passport back ASAP.
Any suggestions? Would really appreciate it. I am getting engaged so I HAVE to travel.
On hindsight, I booked this ticket thinking I'll save $150 in ticket fares lol. This might turn out to be the most expensive cheap flight deal I ever booked, provided I get my passport back on time.