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Canadian Passport in person timeline

Saba718

Newbie
Mar 24, 2023
2
1
After submitting my application, I was told that the passport will be mailed to me. I can't remember what would happen if the delivery came but I were not home. I remember they briefly mentioned it, but I can't remember what exact consequence is. Do I need to pick it up at a post office, or do I need to call them or something? Can someone explain?
They sent mine with certified Xpresspost. I wasn't home so they left a notice and i had to show ID and sign to receive it at the post office. It is kept at the post office for 15 days then sent back to sender.
 
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summerxx

Hero Member
Jun 12, 2016
439
131
Just submitted my application at 74 Victoria Street, Toronto. Arrived around 7:40 with about 15 people ahead of me including renewals and pick ups. We were given tickets and waited inside in the overflow area. Moved to the 3rd floor around 8:35am (we were called up in batches of 5). Went to pre-screening and was given a number. Moved to the processing agent and was advised they are mailing out applications on the 22nd; opted to pay the 20 dollar fee to pick up as I have a trip scheduled at the end of the month. Finished at 8:54am. Less than 30 mins total time from opening.
so pick ups need to line up too? just to confirm
I saw some skipped the line and assumed they were picking up only
 

armoured

VIP Member
Feb 1, 2015
17,242
8,861
so pick ups need to line up too? just to confirm
I saw some skipped the line and assumed they were picking up only
I think this is the same at all offices but not certain: those picking up go direct to a separate line, which is much shorter and moves faster (basically the time for them to find your passport, check a few things and for the person picking up to sign). Obviously will vary but from what I saw, 15-30 minutes total.
 

summerxx

Hero Member
Jun 12, 2016
439
131
I think this is the same at all offices but not certain: those picking up go direct to a separate line, which is much shorter and moves faster (basically the time for them to find your passport, check a few things and for the person picking up to sign). Obviously will vary but from what I saw, 15-30 minutes total.
Gotcha. Thanks for the information.
 

hallelujahbaby

Full Member
Nov 14, 2022
37
27
Toronto
This is kinda sad, but I don't have anyone in Ontario who can be my guarantor and sign the back of my photo. So I have to do the in lieu form - I got the form from the office, but they're asking for two more references (4 in total) on that form which I don't have :(. Has anyone had any experience with this? Can I just submit it with two references and a notary as a guarantor?
 
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island755

Hero Member
Dec 24, 2014
302
107
Toronto ON
This is kinda sad, but I don't have anyone in Ontario who can be my guarantor and sign the back of my photo. So I have to do the in lieu form - I got the form from the office, but they're asking for two more references (4 in total) on that form which I don't have :(. Has anyone had any experience with this? Can I just submit it with two references and a notary as a guarantor?
OMG! I am also in the same boat. I just got myself scheduled for the oath and was thinking what to do once I have my certificate.. Please le me know as you proceed.
 
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RickyT

Star Member
Sep 13, 2015
142
111
This is kinda sad, but I don't have anyone in Ontario who can be my guarantor and sign the back of my photo. So I have to do the in lieu form - I got the form from the office, but they're asking for two more references (4 in total) on that form which I don't have :(. Has anyone had any experience with this? Can I just submit it with two references and a notary as a guarantor?
References can be outside of the country, as long as you have known them for more than 2 years.
 

motocrosstar

Star Member
Nov 1, 2020
56
30
Got my passport in the mail today. It got sent yesterday on Mar 29 so a day after the reported mail date.

I saw that it was issued on May 23 when they called my guarantor. They asked my guarantor about where I lived, where I'm from, my height, weight, build, where I work, and my birthday.

FYI - the online passport status checker still shows under process. I had to call them this morning to get the tracking number so I think it's best to rely on phone to get information.
The guarantor is supposed to have read and checked the passport application. So I guess asking these questions to them is Passport Canada’s way to ensure that. Good to know. Thanks!
 

eparker42

Star Member
Apr 3, 2018
140
98
Vancouver
Category........
Other
I will be going for a walk-in sometime this week.(Vancouver Lower Mainland)
Does it matter if I go to Sinclair Center, Richmond or Surrey Center, or its all the same it terms of waiting times, and how they go with the process of issuing tokens and all that ? Anyone has any suggestions/ thoughts?
Thank you
 

eparker42

Star Member
Apr 3, 2018
140
98
Vancouver
Category........
Other
FWIW, I ended up going to Richmond Center. I reached at 8 am, the walk-in already had 40 people ahead of me, but the process was smooth and steady, document verification on the 2nd floor and then pre-screen & application submission on the 3rd floor, was out by 10:15 am.
 
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motocrosstar

Star Member
Nov 1, 2020
56
30
I applied for my passport today in-person. I walked into the Passport Office in Downtown Toronto. Reached there by 8:30 am, waited for less than 30 mins downstairs before being sent upstairs. Got my documents verified and got another number and waited for another 35-40 mins. I was out by 10:15 am. Opted for pickup since I live close by. Asked to pick up passport on 05/01. Hoping to do so assuming everything goes smoothly (no strike / no issues with contacting guarantor/references) .
 

sahibo

Star Member
Jun 7, 2022
72
50
Seems like there will be a strike starting Wednesday. Does that mean that the passport office is going to be closed? I have an appointment on Friday…
 

davidfore

Star Member
Nov 9, 2018
70
62
One of the guys who work there said- even if they go on strike, they will still work but there will be less employees. It's not gonna be completely shut down
 
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