Passport Renewal Question

[Lights 56]

I just picked up my passport from Loomis with my approved K1 Visa in it (WHOA!). I realize that my passport still has a few years on it (expires end of 2016). I'm just prepping myself for the next phase of our immigration journey... what do I need to do when it comes to renewing my passport? I know we would want to renew it in 2015 (when traveling we need at least 6 months validity). Do I have to travel back to Canada to renew?

[Hypnos 6,578]

You do not require six months of additional passport validity beyond your expected travel dates: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/619/

You can renew your Canadian passport by mail from the US.

[Lemonslice 4,959]

Easiest and cheapest way to renew your passport is during one of your visits in Canada. Even if you go in person and ask for the expedited service, it will be the same price or cheaper than doing it the long way, by mail, from the US. When does it expire? You can even renew it now if you want; you would simply present both passports when you enter - Passport Canada will leave the visa intact if you ask them. This is not rare at all.

Travelling to the US and Canada does not require extra months of validity; check travel.gc.ca for other countries.

[Rob & Monika 87]

You can renew from the US but it costs more. You could also do it on a trip up there and have it expedited...also costs more. Once you adjust status, you will be using your green card to enter the US, so your passport is only needed for travel outside the US. There is no rush to renew it now.

[Weston3220 4]

yeah I had 18months I went and renewed it last month they didnt like it but hey I wanted 10year one so now im good for now but in future ill just have to do i tfrom the USA and pay the extra

[pro_star 52]

It's $100 extra to do it from the states...could be worse, I guess.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I've renewed at least once since moving to the US (also renewed my daughter's). I did it while I was on a visit back home since my hometown has a Passport office I(but by mail is fine too). At the time I was a GC holder. They gave me my cancelled Canadian passport back right away just with the corner cutoff. No big deal and as noted you most often are asked for just your GC when entering back into the US.

[MissSarah 22]

If you decide to do it from the US, you might have a difficult time finding a place that will do Canadian passport photos. I lost my passport only two days after entering on my K-1 Visa, so I had to apply for a new passport from the US - it does cost more ($100), and I spent 3 days trying to find a place that would do Canadian photos. Walmart and Walgreens were no help, even AAA couldn't tell me where to get them done in my area. Also payment for the passport fee was a headache, also had to call around to find a place that would do a money order or bank draft in Canadian funds (found out later that you can order them online, but we were in a bit of a time crunch and couldn't wait for something like that to come in the mail). It's probably best to renew during a visit if possible, less headaches.

[GermanCanadian89 7]

My old one was due May this year. I did the over night service since my interview was so short notice. I should've done the 10year passport but, I stuck with the 5year and, I think it cost 250 to do it like that. It was done over night, just make sure your references will answer their phones because they will call!