How To Renew Indian Passport in Canada

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Regular processing of Indian passport renewal in Canada requires 8 weeks, but Tatkaal service completes the renewal within a week. BLS International Services handles all Indian passport applications in Canada and provides multiple service options based on individual requirements.

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Students, workers, and permanent residents can renew their Indian passports with valid status in Canada. The renewal process needs specific documents and comes with varying fees. Standard adult passport fees start at CAD$106, while Tatkaal service costs CAD$308.

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This piece explains the renewal steps, required documentation, and helps you track your application throughout the whole process.

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Requirements for Indian Passport Renewal in Canada

Indian passport holders with valid status in Canada can apply to renew their passports through BLS International, which serves as the authorized provider for Indian consular services.

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Who can renew their passport in Canada

You qualify for passport renewal if you have:

A valid status in Canada (PR/Work Permit/Study Permit/Visitor Visa)
An Indian passport within BLS International's consular jurisdiction
Proof of residence within the consular jurisdiction

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All the same, US Green Card holders staying temporarily in Canada can only apply under special medical circumstances. These cases might qualify for a 6-month validity passport.

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Best time to renew your passport

You should start your passport renewal process up to one year before it expires. The Consulate recommends you apply at least 6 months before the expiry date. This approach will give a smooth experience, especially when you have processing times of 4-6 weeks or longer if police verification becomes necessary.

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Types of passport renewal services

Your status and requirements determine the type of renewal service:

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Regular Passport Renewal:

Processing time: 8 weeks
Validity for PR/Work permit holders: 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors
Validity for Visitor permit holders: 2 years only

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Special Cases:

Minors between 15-18 years can choose between 5 or 10-year validity under the normal category
Short validity renewals (1-2 years) for specific circumstances
Passport renewal after one year of expiry needs extra documents including a self-declaration that explains the delay
Renewals after three years of expiry require a search letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada with a notarized affidavit

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The consular fees vary based on service type, and BLS charges separate service fees. Your application's processing time might take longer based on police verification needs and other specific factors.

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Step-by-Step Online Application Process

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Your Indian passport renewal application needs attention to detail. This guide will help you direct through the process without any hassle.

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Creating your passport account The first step takes you to the Passport Seva website where you'll select Canada as your region. You need to register a new account with your details and jurisdiction (Indian Embassy/Consulate). The system will send you a confirmation email to activate your account. Your credentials will give you access to all available services after activation.

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Fill the online form correctly

Choose "Apply for Ordinary Passport" and select "Reissue of Passport"
Select your reason for reissue (expiry, address change, or personal details update)
Pick normal processing and 36-page booklet option to speed up the process
Complete all mandatory fields in the application form:
- Personal details as per current passport
- Family information
- Address details (both Canadian and Indian)
- Emergency contact information
- Previous passport details

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Important: The Indian address section needs your local police station's details for verification. You should also add a valid Indian phone number of relatives who live at the mentioned Indian address.

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Schedule BLS appointment Once you complete your online application:

Print and sign the completed form
Affix your passport photo in the designated space
Book an appointment through the BLS website
Select your nearest BLS center based on jurisdiction
Choose between walk-in or postal application options

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Postal applications need courier service purchased through BLS's online portal. You'll get a shipping label in your email. Pack your application in a Purolator envelope that comes free of cost.

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Processing Timeline: The standard processing takes about 8 weeks. Plan ahead based on your travel needs. BLS centers under Ottawa's jurisdiction don't offer Tatkaal (expedited) services right now.

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Essential Documents for Passport Renewal

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Getting your Indian passport renewed in Canada needs proper organization of documents. Here's everything you need to know about the paperwork that makes your application process smooth.

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Simple document checklist

These documents form your starting point:

Original passport with photocopies of first, last, and observation pages
Completed online application form with your signature
Two recent passport-size photographs that meet specifications
Proof of your current Canadian address (utility bills, driver's license, or government-issued ID)
Valid status proof in Canada (PR card, work permit, or study permit)
Specimen declaration (Annexure 'E')

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PR card holders must submit copies of both sides of their card. Your landing paper and PR card renewal receipt become necessary if your PR card has expired.

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Additional papers for special cases

Your situation might require extra documents:

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Name Changes After Marriage/Divorce:

Marriage certificate or joint photo declaration with both spouses' signatures
Divorce decree to delete spouse's name
First spouse's death certificate (for remarriage cases)

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Lost or Damaged Passport:

Police report that includes the lost passport number
A letter that explains how you lost or damaged the passport
Notarized Affidavit (Annexure 'F')

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For Minors (under 18):

Both parents' passport copies
Annexure 'D' with both parents' signatures
Single parents need a divorce certificate or death certificate
Indian court's custody order (for divorce cases)

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Status-specific Requirements:

Students should provide their educational institution's details and program duration
Visitor visa holders need their sponsor's passport copies and Canadian status proof

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Important: You must self-attest all photocopies and arrange documents as BLS International specifies. Passports expired beyond three years require a notarized affidavit explaining the delay.

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Complete Guide to Passport Photos

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A successful Indian passport renewal in Canada depends significantly on getting your passport photos right. Here's a detailed guide about photo specifications and reliable places to get them taken.

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Photo specifications

Your Indian passport photos must meet these requirements:

Size: 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm)
Digital file size: 20KB to 100KB
Resolution: 350x350 pixels minimum, 1000x1000 pixels maximum
Image quality: 24-bit depth, 200-300 DPI
Background: Plain white or off-white
Face position: Centered, taking 70-80% of photo height
Expression: Natural, mouth closed, eyes open

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The photo should clearly show your face without any shadows. Your hair shouldn't hide any facial features. Religious head coverings are permitted as exceptions, but your facial features must remain visible from chin to forehead.

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Where to get passport photos

Canada offers several reliable options to get your passport photos:

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The UPS Store provides these options:

Hard copies: USD 14.99 + tax
Digital copy: USD 14.99 + tax
Combined package (2 prints + digital): USD 24.99 + tax

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Walmart Photo Center's passport photos start at USD 16.97. Both locations ensure compliance with government requirements and can deliver your photos in 5-10 minutes.

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Common photo rejection reasons

These common issues often lead to photo rejections:

Technical issues:
- Incorrect size or format
- Poor image quality or resolution
- Improper background color
Appearance-related:
- Hair covering facial features
- Strong shadows on face
- Unnatural facial expression
- Visible head or hair accessories
Attire concerns:
- Wearing uniforms
- Dark or tinted glasses
- Clothing blending with background

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Important: Your photos must be recent - taken within six months. Requirements are somewhat relaxed for children under ten regarding face height and eye position, though a clear frontal photo remains necessary.

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Track and Receive Your Passport

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Tracking your passport application status is a significant part of the renewal process. BLS International and the Indian Passport Seva Portal give you several ways to monitor your application's progress.

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How to track application status

You can track your application through two main channels:

BLS International website tracking service
Indian Passport Seva Portal's live tracking system

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The Passport Seva Portal's tracking feature gives you detailed status updates. You'll need your application reference number, date of birth, and the displayed characters to check your status information.

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Expected processing times

Your regular passport renewal should follow this timeline:

Normal processing: 8 weeks
Tatkaal service: 1 week
Postal applications need 3-4 extra working days

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Processing stages you'll see:

Application received at BLS
Under process at Consulate General
Print initiated
Passport printed
Ready for dispatch

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Recent applications show that most passports complete police verification and reach the "print initiated" stage in 4-5 weeks. BLS centers usually receive printed passports in 2-3 business days.

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What to do if there's a delay

When your application takes longer than standard processing times:

Check your application status on both tracking portals
Look if police verification is pending
Contact BLS customer service with your file number

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Common delay factors:

Incomplete documentation
Police verification requirements
Peak season processing volumes
Address verification issues

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Applications stuck at "print initiated" stage for more than two weeks need direct consulate contact. The processing time technically starts when BLS forwards your application to the Consulate, which may take a few days.

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Important: Choose courier service when submitting your application to get your passport at your address. This will give a secure delivery and live tracking of your renewed passport's return journey.

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Conclusion

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The process of renewing your Indian passport in Canada looks complicated at first glance. But once you know what you need, it becomes much simpler. You can choose between regular processing and Tatkaal service. Just pay close attention to your documents and photo requirements to avoid delays.

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The right timing makes a big difference. Start your renewal at least 6 months before your passport expires. This gives you extra time if any verification issues come up. On top of that, you can track your application's status through BLS International's portal at every stage.

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Standard processing takes about 8 weeks. Good preparation and submitting complete documentation will make everything run smoothly. Take time to review all requirements based on your situation. This becomes even more important if you need special processing for name changes, damaged passports, or specific status conditions.

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A valid passport proves your identity and lets you travel. Keep an eye on when it expires and plan ahead for renewals. This helps you maintain uninterrupted travel and identification abilities.

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Frequently Asked Questions - Renew Indian Passport in Canada

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Q1. How long does it take to renew an Indian passport in Canada?‍

The regular processing time for Indian passport renewal in Canada is approximately 8 weeks. However, if you opt for the Tatkaal (expedited) service, it can be processed in about 1 week.

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Q2. What documents are required for Indian passport renewal in Canada?‍

Essential documents include your original passport with photocopies, completed online application form, two recent passport-size photographs, proof of current Canadian address, valid status proof in Canada (such as PR card or work permit), and a specimen declaration (Annexure 'E').

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Q3. Can I renew my Indian passport if it has already expired?‍

Yes, you can renew an expired Indian passport in Canada. However, if it has been expired for more than one year, you'll need to provide additional documentation, including a self-declaration explaining the delay. For passports expired for over three years, a notarized affidavit is required.

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‍Q4. Where can I get passport photos taken in Canada?‍

You can get passport photos taken at various locations in Canada, including The UPS Store and Walmart Photo Center. These places offer services that comply with Indian passport photo requirements and usually provide photos within 5-10 minutes.

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Q5. How can I track the status of my Indian passport renewal application?‍

You can track your application status through two main channels: the BLS International website tracking service and the Indian Passport Seva Portal's real-time tracking system. Both platforms allow you to monitor your application's progress using your application reference number and other details.