My experience ------
Went for the surrender of indian passport for self and family today to the BLS center in Brampton.
First comments----there are 2 offices -----
1. 40 Gillingham Drive - where PPT services including renewa;al/ fresh ppt / surrender (only) / OCI / PCC are provided
2. 60 Gillingham Drive - where Visa services are provided (and surrender certificate if you are applying for both Visa and Suurender together)
Visa lines were pretty huge - there were around 100 to 150 people ahead of me (the line circled the entire building). Someone standing in the line told me that if it is just surrender we should go to 40 Gillingham Drive office.
The line at 40 Gillingham was relatively shorter (around 75 people ahead of me).
Queue started and moved relatively faster once the counters were opened. I went in around 950 and was out by 1015.
Few pointers to note.
1. Carry all original documents that they mention in the checklist - including Canadian Passport (if you have) / Citizenship Certificate etc. They will verify and give it back to you
2. Please ensure that the application form is properly and accurately filled
3. Ensure that the photograph is as per specifications, (else you can pay extra 15$ and take the photos there)
4. I did not have a Canadian Passport, but surrendered the Indian Passport with a letter indicating the reason why am unable to provide and they were OK with it.
5. Even though your application was walkin you have the option of receiving the docs to your home/ mailing address at an extra fee.....you could pick the docs up from the center directly once it is available....For certificate of the adults, the person has to come physically and collect (you cannot ask someone else to collect on your behalf). For Minors - both parents have to come, I believe
6. Collection is only at specific times on weekdays - Monday to Friday. No Collection on Saturdays.
7. While it is not mandatory for all the applicants to be physically present, it will be better if they hang around, in case of any last minute verification / photo issues.
Saturdays are relatively crowded. Weekdays as per a person standing in the line, are relatively shorter. All in all - expect around 4 hours either way.
People were courteous and helpful. Now I have to wait as the application moves from BLS to Consulate + the entire consular process (processing, printing etc.) and then the move from Cosnulate to BLS for me to go and pick up.
