Canadian Passport - Mail-In Application Timelines

[SandhuHarry]

So we went to service canada first week of March and applied in person (normal processing), still nothing. I would have thought it will be faster since we applied at service canada and paid there. Anyone knows time estimates? I am starting to get worried and I can not reach them via phone. When shall I escalate to my MP? We now have to go to UK in June due to medical emergency ( we did not know that at the time when we applied, this is something happened recently), although we have not booked yet. So I am not sure how to fast track, do I need to book the tickets then go to service canada again? What will they do since my application has already been sent?

I also applied at service Canada march first week, nothing yet. Expected mail out on receipt is April 14. I submitted request for status update yesterday, which takes 3 days to process. You too try that, it’s mentioned on the receipt they give along with the file number on it.

 

[PumpkinJack]

I called them today many times but I got a message that no officer is available to pick up your call due to high volume of calls. I am unable to get in touch with them. My application was sent to Gatineau, Qc office in January 2022.

Yeah, I think they closed the help desk. It used to take you to the waiting list or just the line will be busy but now one you select language, a recorded voice will be played on how to apply for passport and disconnect the call.

 

[creamsalad]

Yeah, I think they closed the help desk. It used to take you to the waiting list or just the line will be busy but now one you select language, a recorded voice will be played on how to apply for passport and disconnect the call.

And who do we call to have our passport transferred to a local office now?

 

[PumpkinJack]

And who do we call to have our passport transferred to a local office now?

We have no other option than calling their help desk which is literally closed now.

 

[yikelin]

We sent our application and it was received on the 3rd of March at the Ottawa mail room. The CC was charged on the 25th of March and still have not received either passport or certificate back . Decided to call them today to get an update . Called them 7.30 and was caller 82 . Finally got through after an hour on the line and was told that our applications were still in examination . Almost forgot spent almost an hour with the agent because apparently who ever did the input in the system made a mistake and spelt my last name wrong . Was able to get the file number not the tracking number since it had not been printed or sent .

 

[Corgi]

Sorry to ask again, what's the earliest before your travel date that you can call to request a file transfer? They told me 10 business days when I called them last Wednesday but just wanted to see if anyone had managed to get this done any earlier. I have to travel to the US for a Nexus interview in one month today.
Finally got a response on an online status request I sent weeks ago, and still at 'file under examination', so now I am pretty over it.

 

[PumpkinJack]

We sent our application and it was received on the 3rd of March at the Ottawa mail room. The CC was charged on the 25th of March and still have not received either passport or certificate back . Decided to call them today to get an update . Called them 7.30 and was caller 82 . Finally got through after an hour on the line and was told that our applications were still in examination . Almost forgot spent almost an hour with the agent because apparently who ever did the input in the system made a mistake and spelt my last name wrong . Was able to get the file number not the tracking number since it had not been printed or sent .

My application is the exact same timeline and same typo which I was able to keep bothering them now and then to get it fixed. I also had to ask questions every time I call to ensure they have no reasons to delay throwing the ball on my court. In-mail application is tricky especially when everyone rush to get their travel documents for vacation.

 

[Corgi]

You should file a complaint to get your file moving.

I just filed one. Fed up after receiving a 'file under examination' status update this morning

 

[delray55]

assuming London did you try this?

Urgent travel
Email ldn.passport@international.gc.ca. Write “Passport application” in the subject line and include your travel date. Include your full name, date of birth, travel date and Royal Mail tracking number (if applicable) as well as a daytime telephone number and we will get back to you.


https://www.canadainternational.gc....ureaux/contact_consul_contactez.aspx?lang=eng

 

[india_user25]

Sorry for noob question : Is it mandatory to specify address on page 4 of actual passport and how do we manage the address as it changes?

 

[PumpkinJack]

Sorry for noob question : Is it mandatory to specify address on page 4 of actual passport and how do we manage the address as it changes?

I don’t think you have to specify your address in your passport. Canadian passport doesn’t contain your address unlike other passports.

 

[PumpkinJack]

Yeah, I think they closed the help desk. It used to take you to the waiting list or just the line will be busy but now one you select language, a recorded voice will be played on how to apply for passport and disconnect the call.

Expect a minute long nonstop lecture on how to apply for passport just to tell all lines are occupied and call later at the end.

 

[CaBeaver]

Sorry for noob question : Is it mandatory to specify address on page 4 of actual passport and how do we manage the address as it changes?

All you need to do is sign the passport to be valid. For the address, it's optional I believe. Here what it says on the website

To change your address on your passport:

• cross out the old address on page 4
• write the new address in the space above the old one
  • if there isn’t enough room on the page, write the new address on a separate piece of paper and insert it into your passport
• don’t use correction fluid (whiteout)

A change of address doesn’t make a passport invalid.

 

[cyberkodi]

I just filed one. Fed up after receiving a 'file under examination' status update this morning

How does one go about filing a complaint?

 

[cyberkodi]

Hi everyone, my passport and certificate of citizenship arrived today in the same envelope. I received a notification in my mailbox yesterday and picked up today.
Guarantor was never contacted.
Hoping you will get yours soon.

Congrats, when did you file yours?