Should I renew passport before interview?

[letsgetthisdone 0]

I have an IR-1 interview at Montreal scheduled for February 20. My passport expires November 20, 9 months later - so as I understand it, there is no problem on the consulate side as it is still valid for >6 months. 

 

However, I'm wondering if there is an advantage to renewing my passport ahead of time so that way the visa stamp is in my new passport and remains with me when I travel for the next 10 years? Or does it not matter, because what really matters is the physical green card?

Edited December 21, 2023 by letsgetthisdone

[Crazy Cat 41,599]

I see no reason to renew your passport unless you just want to.  There is no need for the immigrant visa to remain in your possession after receiving a plastic Green card. 

[Dashinka 24,372]

If the time to get a passport renewal in Canada is fairly quick, why not do it now.

[JeanneAdil 6,413]

u can renew 6 months to a year before it expires BUT  check the Canadian processing times as u need the new passport back before February 20th

 

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/processing-times.html#service

 

When should you renew your passport? When applying for an adult Canadian passport, you can select whether you'd like it to be valid for 5 or 10 years. Once this time is up or near up (within six months – 1 year of expiring), it's time to renew your passport.

[Lemonslice 4,796]

Much easier (and a little cheaper) to do in Canada than by mail from the US.  If it were me, I would renew it now. Ideally, you drop your application at a Passport Canada center (not Service Canada). 

[Ontarkie 14,191]

Do it while you're in Canada. It is s royal pain in the butt to do it stateside. 

[IWander 589]

7 hours ago, letsgetthisdone said:

I have an IR-1 interview at Montreal scheduled for February 20. My passport expires November 20, 9 months later - so as I understand it, there is no problem on the consulate side as it is still valid for >6 months. 

 

However, I'm wondering if there is an advantage to renewing my passport ahead of time so that way the visa stamp is in my new passport and remains with me when I travel for the next 10 years? Or does it not matter, because what really matters is the physical green card?

Visa I551 stamp is only valid for 1 year anyway 

Edited December 21, 2023 by IWander

[letsgetthisdone 0]

Thanks all for the diverse perspectives! Leaning towards renewing it ahead of time (bit tricky with some upcoming travel planned, but will try to swing it).

[Cathi 5,740]

Much easier to renew it while you're still in Canada.

[Ontarkie 14,191]

I was talking to my sisters about this. My one sister and father got their passports back in less than 10 days.