Passport Renewal From te US Tips

[CdnRN 40]

Hey everyone,

I'm a Canadian living in the US. My Cdn passport expires in October. I am in the middle of Adjusting my Status. I've been sitting in the seemingly endless "waiting for an interview" state.

I originally had planned to get my greencard and then send in my renewal application (including name change to my married name). But the wait is dragging on, I'm not sure if I should wait until after the interview.

Questions:

1. Should I wait until I go back to Canada and apply in person (and pay substantially extra to have the passport done in 24hrs), or risk sending it in now? In theory 20 business days would be enough time to get my old passport back since I haven't received any interview notice. Maybe. I'd prefer not to spend an extra $110 for the urgent passport.

2. Is there any issue to letting my passport be expired for a few weeks if I wait until I have my GC to renew? I'd like to go home for a visit once I can travel again (I will have AP with my EAD but don't really plan on using it unless there is an emergency).

Any other tips for applying for a passport with a name change while in the US?

[CdnRN 40]

*excuse the typo in the subject. Typing on my phone can be a pain. Te=the

[jxn 86]

I can't speak with firsthand knowledge but it looks like the renewal process for Canadians abroad is still easy if the passport has been expired for less than one year. Source here. However I doubt you could travel internationally on an expired passport.

[nigel78 1]

Hello, I booked a flight back to canada whilst I was working in my TN visa in Florida.....they charge more to send to USA and you chance it getting lost despite sending via courier. I paid for 24 hour turn around and actually got it same day at passport office. Just my advice I would not send it to Canada

Cheers Shannon

[CdnRN 40]

Hello, I booked a flight back to canada whilst I was working in my TN visa in Florida.....they charge more to send to USA and you chance it getting lost despite sending via courier. I paid for 24 hour turn around and actually got it same day at passport office. Just my advice I would not send it to Canada

Cheers Shannon

So if I understand you correctly, I should just go to Canada and try and get it done - $110 extra is worth it I imagine. Any hassle with them agreeing to doing it that fast (at the office)? I will be driving, so my 'proof' of needing it quickly will be to go home in time for work.

I can't speak with firsthand knowledge but it looks like the renewal process for Canadians abroad is still easy if the passport has been expired for less than one year. Source here. However I doubt you could travel internationally on an expired passport.

Name change makes it more complex, as does the time delay in receiving the passport (I need it for my AOS interview).

[nigel78 1]

I believe name change is not a problem, simply provide them with marriage certificate. I did not have return flight info with me, so I signed an afidavit just hand written why it was urgent......if you have flight details bring a copy. I was told to come next day, but it was ready that day. Hope this helps

[jxn 86]

Name change makes it more complex, as does the time delay in receiving the passport (I need it for my AOS interview).

I don't have much to add, but I would recommend ordering extra copies of your marriage certificate so you can have one on you when you travel while you have documents that contain both names.

[Lemonslice 4,852]

Name change = you cannot use the simplified renewal, you have to do a complete application with guarantor, proof of citizenship (your birth certificate if you were born in Canada, etc.) - still processed in 20 days though (if your application is complete).

The price is basically the same if you do it from the US ($260 I think) or urgently from Canada - with the big plus that if you go in person and they have questions, or need further documents, they tell you right away.

As for proof, paystub or letter from employer that you need to return to the US usually suffice - formal declaration too; give them a call if you want to validate you have everything before you go...

Edited August 8, 2014 by Boston~Montreal

[CdnRN 40]

If I understand the process for the complete application, I can do it in person urgently correct? If it's the same cost as from the US, I'd do that...

[Lemonslice 4,852]

Best thing is to call Passport Canada as they are the ones deciding - but, usually, what I said: you bring proof of your emergency (employer letter, etc.), your form, your proof of citizenship, all your supporting documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, valid ID in your married name, previous passport, signature from your guarantor on the form and picture...) and explain why it should be done in 24 hours (note that there is another 3 or 5 days service that is cheaper, if you plan to be in Canada for a few extra days) [source: I used to deal with them daily]

Form is going to be the long one - if you mail it from the USA, you can use PPTC 140 or PPTC 153 - www.ppt.gc.ca/info/form.aspx?lang=eng&region=USA // from Canada, it will have to be PPTC 153

[CdnRN 40]

Thanks!