Canadian Passport Dilemma...

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

Hmmm...I was wondering the same thing too...Do I need to know the notary public person here in the USA for 2 years?

As well, I was wondering, has anyone who is living in the USA gone back to Canada to apply for their Canadian passport in-person at a Canadian passport office and subimtted a "in lieu of a guarantor" form and their application there too? (Just wondering if ever I'm on my way to visit Canada again...)

Ant

I was just going to mention that......

my passport expires at the end of this year and I was wondering if I use a Notary Public, does that person have to have known me for 2 years??

[Neja 0]

Hi Neja and Everyone Else,

Good luck on your immigration journey. Thanks for your reply. How was your experience in having the form signed by the US notary? Did they give you or your notary any problems? Did they contact the notary to verify the information? Did they ask you or the notary any other questions? Did the notary charge a fee for notarizing your application? Did your notary have to sign the back of the passport picture or any other documents besides the application and "in lieu of guarantor" forms?

Glad you got your Canadian passport though (and very quickly too).

Ant

I'm not sure if they contacted the notary I used but I know Passport Canada contacted my references that I put down. This notary knew me for as long as it took for her to sign all the documents, which was probably about 10 mins. So in answer to MarilynP, the notary definitely does not need to know you for 2 years.

I had no issues whatsoever with using a notary. I was lucky I didn't have to pay a fee but if I did it probably wouldn't have cost very much. She signed and stamped the backs of all the pictures and on all the lines in the form that ask for a signature from the notary. And that was it. I showed her the originals to the photocopies of ID that she had to sign and stamp. I sent in photocopies of my US driver's license and Social security card because the application required two pieces of ID that show your signature. I also had to send them my ORIGINAL birth certificate. Scary. I'm glad I have both long form and the little card one, so I sent them the card one. Figured that was easier to replace if it got lost in the mail. But Passport Canada was very good. Nothing got lost and they even sent back the photocopies of my ID along with the passport. I was surprised at how fast it was.

Just to let you know, I wasn't able to find the "in lieu of guarantor" form online so went to the Canadian Consulate in NYC and picked it up.

[Neja 0]

Hi Everyone,

Hmmm...I was wondering the same thing too...Do I need to know the notary public person here in the USA for 2 years?

As well, I was wondering, has anyone who is living in the USA gone back to Canada to apply for their Canadian passport in-person at a Canadian passport office and subimtted a "in lieu of a guarantor" form and their application there too? (Just wondering if ever I'm on my way to visit Canada again...)

Ant

I was just going to mention that......

my passport expires at the end of this year and I was wondering if I use a Notary Public, does that person have to have known me for 2 years??

Definitely don't need to know the notary for 2 years.

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to use the "in lieu of guarantor" form for an in-person application in Canada. The form is for anyone who has not known someone for two years who is on the list of professions that qualifies them as a guarantor.

Edited to add: The passport Canada website is great. It's very helpful. http://www.ppt.gc.ca/

Edited March 15, 2007 by Neja

[antda 13]

Hi Neja and Everyone Else,

Good luck on your immigration journey. Thanks for your further reply about the notary and further Canadian passport information. About the references, what qualifications do they have to be? Do they have to be like a guarrantor? Lol..it's bad enough trying to find one guarrantor, let alone trying to find two more guarrantor-like people! I should be ok finding a notary here in the USA, but don't know if they need to sign the "lieu of guarrantor" form, as I have not known them for two years. I can photocopy my US license and social security card too, so that should be ok.

Now the other problem I have is sending my original Canadian Citizenship Card (as I was not born in Canada), so I'm not as lucky, like many other Canadians who have a Canadian Birth Certificate. If my Canadian Citizenship Card is lost, I cannot obtain another one! So in that sense, I thought it would be prefered to apply in person (yes, even though that would be a waste of travelling 6 hrs both ways and gas money to go back to Toronto for a visit when I don't really need to), as I would prefer not to take the risk of that Citizenship Card being lost in the mail. Uggh! As for picking up a "in lieu of guarrantor form", the closest place I can pick that up is at the Canadian Embassy in Buffalo, which is 3 hours both ways from where I am. Uggh!

Why is this Canadian passport application process so complicated for me? So with no guarrantor here in the USA, having to travel extra to get a "in lieu of a guarrantor form" and with no way of getting another original Canadian Citizenship Card, I am utterly lost in the Canadian passport application process! Oh well, maybe it is better to just wait for the US passport? Grrr....

Any further suggestions, ideas, or thoughts appreciated. Thanks.

Let's just hope that the US passport application process is a lot easier!!!

Ant

I'm not sure if they contacted the notary I used but I know Passport Canada contacted my references that I put down. This notary knew me for as long as it took for her to sign all the documents, which was probably about 10 mins. So in answer to MarilynP, the notary definitely does not need to know you for 2 years.

I had no issues whatsoever with using a notary. I was lucky I didn't have to pay a fee but if I did it probably wouldn't have cost very much. She signed and stamped the backs of all the pictures and on all the lines in the form that ask for a signature from the notary. And that was it. I showed her the originals to the photocopies of ID that she had to sign and stamp. I sent in photocopies of my US driver's license and Social security card because the application required two pieces of ID that show your signature. I also had to send them my ORIGINAL birth certificate. Scary. I'm glad I have both long form and the little card one, so I sent them the card one. Figured that was easier to replace if it got lost in the mail. But Passport Canada was very good. Nothing got lost and they even sent back the photocopies of my ID along with the passport. I was surprised at how fast it was.

Just to let you know, I wasn't able to find the "in lieu of guarantor" form online so went to the Canadian Consulate in NYC and picked it up.

Definitely don't need to know the notary for 2 years.

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to use the "in lieu of guarantor" form for an in-person application in Canada. The form is for anyone who has not known someone for two years who is on the list of professions that qualifies them as a guarantor.

Edited to add: The passport Canada website is great. It's very helpful. http://www.ppt.gc.ca/

[misa 2]

Why don't you call the Canadian consulate in Buffalo to see if they will mail you a "in lieu of guarantor" form. Just tell them you don't drive and can't get out there and see what they say.

Secondly, if for whatever reason, they lose your Canadian citizenship card you can apply for a replacement. You don't need to live in Canada to apply for a replacement card.

Also, if you think that's complicated, you should look at the K1, K3 and CR-1 process and applications. That's FAR more complicated than getting a new Canadian Passport or Citizenship card! Compared to those, getting a new passport or citizenship card from outside Canada is a piece of cake.

Edited March 15, 2007 by misa

[antda 13]

Hi Misa,

Good luck on your immigration journey. Thanks for your reply. What a good idea, to ask them in Buffalo to mail me a "in lieu of a guarantor" form. Silly me, why didn't I think of that in the first place? Lol...yes, I do drive, but I just don't want to waste the trip (money and time) to Buffalo and/or Toronto if I don't need to go....

I do know one can replace the Citizenship Card (as I've read the instructions about this before). However, in my particular situation, I simply cannot do so, as I do not have the original "Landing in Canada Form" anymore (darn, what's the proper name for this form? And yes, it is needed to apply for an original Canadian Citizenship Card. Someone else has it, and I doubt that they will ever give it back to me, long story there). Besides, I got the Canadian Citizenship Card when I was a child and it has my childhood data and photo on it, which further complicates the issue...blah...At times like this, I really do wish I was born in Canada and had a Canadian Birth Certificate instead!

Not sure about the K1, K3, or CR-1 visa process and applications, as I did not go through that route to apply for immigration here in the USA. But I would agree with you that the US immigration process is hard enough as it is, regardless of what type of visa they applied for. So, good luck to everyone else on their immigration journeys too.

Nevertheless, I hope I can figure out the way out of this "piece of Canadian passport cake" soon...

Ant

Why don't you call the Canadian consulate in Buffalo to see if they will mail you a "in lieu of guarantor" form. Just tell them you don't drive and can't get out there and see what they say.

Secondly, if for whatever reason, they lose your Canadian citizenship card you can apply for a replacement. You don't need to live in Canada to apply for a replacement card.

Also, if you think that's complicated, you should look at the K1, K3 and CR-1 process and applications. That's FAR more complicated than getting a new Canadian Passport or Citizenship card! Compared to those, getting a new passport or citizenship card from outside Canada is a piece of cake.

[misa 2]

Good luck with the lieu of guarantee form. I would try calling and following up by email if they do agree to mail it to you (just email them to "confirm" they have your correct address). I don't see any reason why they wouldn't mail you one. Remember, don't tell them you drive and stress that you have absolutely no way of getting out there.

I honestly think you'll be fine couriering your documents to Canada using a good courier service.

Are you sure you need your record of landing? Because you're not a PR anymore, you are a naturalised citizen. The guide for application for a citizenship card (http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/applications/certif2.html) states the following (and I would ignore the "originals" part since it says specifically that you can send photocopies if your are replacing):

If this application is for a replacement of your citizenship certificate, clear and legible photocopies of your documents are acceptable.

If you have a certificate of registration of birth abroad (RBA), a citizenship certificate, or you are applying to replace your certificate, you must send:

• all original citizenship/naturalization certificate(s) and any pink transmission copies

• two (2) pieces of personal identification, such as a driver’s licence, and a health insurance card

• other documents, such as a marriage certificate and/ or legal name change certificate, divorce decree, birth

certificate (if applicable)

Edited March 15, 2007 by misa

[antda 13]

Hi Misa,

Thanks again for your helpful reply. And yes, if need be I will follow up my mail and/or e-mail regaring the "in lieu of a guarrantor form". Ahh..now I understand about "not being able to get there" thing too, which makes sense. And if need be too, will also look around for the courier thing too, and trust that they won't lose my documents, if I'm considering sending the passport application via courier.

As for the record of landing, I thought I needed it if I needed to apply for a replacement Canadian Citizenship Card. I guess not then? Either way, I don't have that record of landing paper (the original, nor a photocopy, but I know one exists, I just don't have it or a copy of it). I'll have to read the form again if I lose that card though and figure out what is needed if the situation arises. And yes, I am a naturalized Canadian Citizen (and soon to be naturalized American Citizen). For now, I'll just worry about applying for/renewing my Canadian passport first, and hopefully will not come to the situation that I lose my Canadian Citizenship card and have to apply for it again so that I can get a Canadian passport. Lol...

Ant

Good luck with the lieu of guarantee form. I would try calling and following up by email if they do agree to mail it to you (just email them to "confirm" they have your correct address). I don't see any reason why they wouldn't mail you one. Remember, don't tell them you drive and stress that you have absolutely no way of getting out there.

I honestly think you'll be fine couriering your documents to Canada using a good courier service.

Are you sure you need your record of landing? Because you're not a PR anymore, you are a naturalised citizen. The guide for application for a citizenship card (http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/applications/certif2.html) states the following (and I would ignore the "originals" part since it says specifically that you can send photocopies if your are replacing):

If this application is for a replacement of your citizenship certificate, clear and legible photocopies of your documents are acceptable.

If you have a certificate of registration of birth abroad (RBA), a citizenship certificate, or you are applying to replace your certificate, you must send:

• all original citizenship/naturalization certificate(s) and any pink transmission copies

• two (2) pieces of personal identification, such as a driver’s licence, and a health insurance card

• other documents, such as a marriage certificate and/ or legal name change certificate, divorce decree, birth

certificate (if applicable)

[Lance27 19]

Statutory declaration in lieu of guarantor is not available online for some reason nor is it on the passport canada website. I do not know why they make it so hard to get this form online.

Anyways I found this link when I was applying for a passport, someone was nice enough to scan it and place it online. Just make sure to print it out on Legal size paper and not Letter.

http://geo.international.gc.ca/asia/austra...df/ppt132_e.pdf

Lance

Hi Misa,

Thanks again for your helpful reply. And yes, if need be I will follow up my mail and/or e-mail regaring the "in lieu of a guarrantor form". Ahh..now I understand about "not being able to get there" thing too, which makes sense. And if need be too, will also look around for the courier thing too, and trust that they won't lose my documents, if I'm considering sending the passport application via courier.

As for the record of landing, I thought I needed it if I needed to apply for a replacement Canadian Citizenship Card. I guess not then? Either way, I don't have that record of landing paper (the original, nor a photocopy, but I know one exists, I just don't have it or a copy of it). I'll have to read the form again if I lose that card though and figure out what is needed if the situation arises. And yes, I am a naturalized Canadian Citizen (and soon to be naturalized American Citizen). For now, I'll just worry about applying for/renewing my Canadian passport first, and hopefully will not come to the situation that I lose my Canadian Citizenship card and have to apply for it again so that I can get a Canadian passport. Lol...

Ant

Good luck with the lieu of guarantee form. I would try calling and following up by email if they do agree to mail it to you (just email them to "confirm" they have your correct address). I don't see any reason why they wouldn't mail you one. Remember, don't tell them you drive and stress that you have absolutely no way of getting out there.

I honestly think you'll be fine couriering your documents to Canada using a good courier service.

Are you sure you need your record of landing? Because you're not a PR anymore, you are a naturalised citizen. The guide for application for a citizenship card (http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/applications/certif2.html) states the following (and I would ignore the "originals" part since it says specifically that you can send photocopies if your are replacing):

If this application is for a replacement of your citizenship certificate, clear and legible photocopies of your documents are acceptable.

If you have a certificate of registration of birth abroad (RBA), a citizenship certificate, or you are applying to replace your certificate, you must send:

• all original citizenship/naturalization certificate(s) and any pink transmission copies

• two (2) pieces of personal identification, such as a driver’s licence, and a health insurance card

• other documents, such as a marriage certificate and/ or legal name change certificate, divorce decree, birth

certificate (if applicable)

[Marilyn. 340]

and they will accept this form??

Statutory declaration in lieu of guarantor is not available online for some reason nor is it on the passport canada website. I do not know why they make it so hard to get this form online.

Anyways I found this link when I was applying for a passport, someone was nice enough to scan it and place it online. Just make sure to print it out on Legal size paper and not Letter.

http://geo.international.gc.ca/asia/austra...df/ppt132_e.pdf

Lance

Hi Misa,

Thanks again for your helpful reply. And yes, if need be I will follow up my mail and/or e-mail regaring the "in lieu of a guarrantor form". Ahh..now I understand about "not being able to get there" thing too, which makes sense. And if need be too, will also look around for the courier thing too, and trust that they won't lose my documents, if I'm considering sending the passport application via courier.

As for the record of landing, I thought I needed it if I needed to apply for a replacement Canadian Citizenship Card. I guess not then? Either way, I don't have that record of landing paper (the original, nor a photocopy, but I know one exists, I just don't have it or a copy of it). I'll have to read the form again if I lose that card though and figure out what is needed if the situation arises. And yes, I am a naturalized Canadian Citizen (and soon to be naturalized American Citizen). For now, I'll just worry about applying for/renewing my Canadian passport first, and hopefully will not come to the situation that I lose my Canadian Citizenship card and have to apply for it again so that I can get a Canadian passport. Lol...

Ant

Good luck with the lieu of guarantee form. I would try calling and following up by email if they do agree to mail it to you (just email them to "confirm" they have your correct address). I don't see any reason why they wouldn't mail you one. Remember, don't tell them you drive and stress that you have absolutely no way of getting out there.

I honestly think you'll be fine couriering your documents to Canada using a good courier service.

Are you sure you need your record of landing? Because you're not a PR anymore, you are a naturalised citizen. The guide for application for a citizenship card (http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/applications/certif2.html) states the following (and I would ignore the "originals" part since it says specifically that you can send photocopies if your are replacing):

If this application is for a replacement of your citizenship certificate, clear and legible photocopies of your documents are acceptable.

If you have a certificate of registration of birth abroad (RBA), a citizenship certificate, or you are applying to replace your certificate, you must send:

• all original citizenship/naturalization certificate(s) and any pink transmission copies

• two (2) pieces of personal identification, such as a driver’s licence, and a health insurance card

• other documents, such as a marriage certificate and/ or legal name change certificate, divorce decree, birth

certificate (if applicable)

[Lance27 19]

I got my passport done in Canada. Printed this form on legal size paper and got it signed by a notary and was told that my passport might be delayed because I am using the statuary declaration form since I cannot provide a guarantor. I got my passport in 10 business days.

Lance

and they will accept this form??

Statutory declaration in lieu of guarantor is not available online for some reason nor is it on the passport canada website. I do not know why they make it so hard to get this form online.

Anyways I found this link when I was applying for a passport, someone was nice enough to scan it and place it online. Just make sure to print it out on Legal size paper and not Letter.

http://geo.international.gc.ca/asia/austra...df/ppt132_e.pdf

Lance

Hi Misa,

Thanks again for your helpful reply. And yes, if need be I will follow up my mail and/or e-mail regaring the "in lieu of a guarrantor form". Ahh..now I understand about "not being able to get there" thing too, which makes sense. And if need be too, will also look around for the courier thing too, and trust that they won't lose my documents, if I'm considering sending the passport application via courier.

As for the record of landing, I thought I needed it if I needed to apply for a replacement Canadian Citizenship Card. I guess not then? Either way, I don't have that record of landing paper (the original, nor a photocopy, but I know one exists, I just don't have it or a copy of it). I'll have to read the form again if I lose that card though and figure out what is needed if the situation arises. And yes, I am a naturalized Canadian Citizen (and soon to be naturalized American Citizen). For now, I'll just worry about applying for/renewing my Canadian passport first, and hopefully will not come to the situation that I lose my Canadian Citizenship card and have to apply for it again so that I can get a Canadian passport. Lol...

Ant

Good luck with the lieu of guarantee form. I would try calling and following up by email if they do agree to mail it to you (just email them to "confirm" they have your correct address). I don't see any reason why they wouldn't mail you one. Remember, don't tell them you drive and stress that you have absolutely no way of getting out there.

I honestly think you'll be fine couriering your documents to Canada using a good courier service.

Are you sure you need your record of landing? Because you're not a PR anymore, you are a naturalised citizen. The guide for application for a citizenship card (http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/applications/certif2.html) states the following (and I would ignore the "originals" part since it says specifically that you can send photocopies if your are replacing):

If this application is for a replacement of your citizenship certificate, clear and legible photocopies of your documents are acceptable.

If you have a certificate of registration of birth abroad (RBA), a citizenship certificate, or you are applying to replace your certificate, you must send:

• all original citizenship/naturalization certificate(s) and any pink transmission copies

• two (2) pieces of personal identification, such as a driver’s licence, and a health insurance card

• other documents, such as a marriage certificate and/ or legal name change certificate, divorce decree, birth

certificate (if applicable)

[Marilyn. 340]

As far as the lieu of guarantor, I don't think that it will delay the actual processing, just that you need to get the form from a Canada government office in the U.S. and sworn in front of someone there (if I'm reading it correctly):

http://www.pptc.gc.ca/usa/guarantor.aspx?lang=e

Declaration in lieu of guarantor

If you have not known an eligible guarantor for at least two years, complete form PPTC 132 "Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor" available from any Passport Canada service location or Canadian Government office in the U.S.

The "Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor" form must be sworn to or declared before, and signed by, a person authorized by law to administer an oath or a solemn declaration. If completed outside Canada, a qualified official includes a Canadian or British diplomatic or consular representative, or a qualified local official.

Okay another thing, you can have a U.S. guarantor as well:

Eligible guarantors

Your guarantor must:

1. Be a citizen of Canada or the United States and must be accessible to Passport Canada for verification.

2. Have known you personally for at least two years.

3. Be one of the following:

* Chiropractor

* Dentist

* Judge

* Lawyer

* Magistrate

* Medical doctor

* Notary public (notarial seal must appear on the application form)

* Pharmacist

* Police officer

* Signing officer of a bank or trust company, or of a financial institution that offers the full range of banking services (cash withdrawals, deposits and savings)

* Veterinarian

Hi Misa and Everyone Else,

Thanks for your reply about the "lieu of guarantor". Do you or anyone else know if I can download this "lieu of guarantor" form from the internet? So as long as I swear/gives an oath and signs this form "lieu of guarantor", in front of that official, then it doesn't matter how many years I've known them? Hmmm..in that case, I guess I could get it the application done here in the USA. Lol...the situation I was having was that I knew potential guarantors here in the USA, but I did not know them long enough. But I guess the "lieu of guarantor" form solves that issue, right?

And yes, I did know about the list of eligible guarantors (and they can include US Citizens too, so I've read) too. But thanks for posting that again as a reminder for me and for others too.

Ant

As far as the lieu of guarantor, I don't think that it will delay the actual processing, just that you need to get the form from a Canada government office in the U.S. and sworn in front of someone there (if I'm reading it correctly):

http://www.pptc.gc.ca/usa/guarantor.aspx?lang=e

Declaration in lieu of guarantor

If you have not known an eligible guarantor for at least two years, complete form PPTC 132 "Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor" available from any Passport Canada service location or Canadian Government office in the U.S.

The "Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor" form must be sworn to or declared before, and signed by, a person authorized by law to administer an oath or a solemn declaration. If completed outside Canada, a qualified official includes a Canadian or British diplomatic or consular representative, or a qualified local official.

Okay another thing, you can have a U.S. guarantor as well:

Eligible guarantors

Your guarantor must:

1. Be a citizen of Canada or the United States and must be accessible to Passport Canada for verification.

2. Have known you personally for at least two years.

3. Be one of the following:

* Chiropractor

* Dentist

* Judge

* Lawyer

* Magistrate

* Medical doctor

* Notary public (notarial seal must appear on the application form)

* Pharmacist

* Police officer

* Signing officer of a bank or trust company, or of a financial institution that offers the full range of banking services (cash withdrawals, deposits and savings)

* Veterinarian

today I decided to email the Canadian Consulate in LA to ask about the form form PPTC 132 "Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor" because my passport is going to expire in November and I just wanted to get a head start on things... , we were going to be in the area kind of and I was wondering how I went about picking it up.... I actually got an email response today the person said they could mail me a form or I could pick it up between M-F 10:30 to 12:30 and 1:30 to 3pm. That would kind of tricky to make it there during those times so I asked them to mail it to me, which I didn't know was an option...

Edited August 25, 2007 by MarilynP

[Marilyn. 340]

today I decided to email the Canadian Consulate in LA to ask about the form form PPTC 132 "Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor" because my passport is going to expire in November and I just wanted to get a head start on things... , we were going to be in the area kind of and I was wondering how I went about picking it up.... I actually got an email response today the person said they could mail me a form or I could pick it up between M-F 10:30 to 12:30 and 1:30 to 3pm. That would kind of tricky to make it there during those times so I asked them to mail it to me, which I didn't know was an option...

i got it in the mail yesterday

so I just wanted to tell you that if you need this form you should email your local Canadian consulate and maybe they can mail you the form so you don't have to go and pick it up ....

Canadian Governement Offices in the US