Adding in another data point for postal applications:
- Called the phone and was quoted $50 each way for one application (Waterloo) (Actual Purolator charges are ~$39 when I checked)
- Refused to accept both the applications in the same packet
- When asked why the rates on BLS website say $40 within province, was told all of the following: "1. They're being updated 2. What I see are automated rates 3. We recently changed policies"
- So basically, ~$200 for two applications
Out of curiosity I also asked if I could buy the shipping label myself and pay for return shipping only via BLS. Was told "
No that's not possible sir. It has to be done this way only." Not that I was going to actually going to do that because I don't want to deal with "
The shipping label you bought doesn't have same soul as ours so we're going to reject your application".
There is no site updating, this is term they use to say to every applicants and loot the people, you can visit any Purolator office and you can buy both pickup label and return courier label, you will save approximately 110$ in this case.
Moreover you have always have the option to buy one pickup label, and once the documetation has been ready, you can go and pick it up.
Thirdly, You can buy one envelope and send two applications. Family applications in one single envelope is always acceptable. Just make a video before sending the documents. 99 percent they wont reject it, if 1 percent regarding any discrepancy, email directly to the consulate.
Government is there to help the people here, here there are limited consulars and the Indian community in Canada is huge, that is why they made contract with the third party. And these third party introduces many value added services and force the people to utilize it. And people dont have any second choice, any they have to buy it.
There are options, but people are not aware of that.
I hope it helps. Thank You.