US Immigration from Philippines

Should have I known that there s Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, B.C., I will never drive 18 hours to San Francisco, CA 2 years ago. I could save some time and money.

Last Friday 12-13-2019, I went to the Consulate to check the place and ask some questions. Btw I didn t drove there just to check the place but it just happen we went there to attend a Christmas party. I ask them why I need to make a separate appointment for 3 person, anyway I was told that they entertain Walk-in applicants. I thought wow that was awesome ! Little I know that there s a catch there . Here s our experience:

Yesterday 12-17-2019, I drove to Vancouver to help my friend and her 2 daughters to renew their passports. Since I was told last Friday it s okay to go there without an appointment. We left Everett, WA at 6am anticipating a 3 hrs drive. Luckily there was no traffic at the Canadian boarder. Once we reach the city around 8ish the traffic start to build up. We reach the destination at 9ish and went to the building parking at the basement. Since I never parked there before I just looked for the nearest building entrance. We went inside the building and found out that we were in Vancouver Convention Center. We walk around until we found the main entrance then went out to go to the next building World Trade Centre office complex. The Consulate is located at 6th floor, once your out of the elevator turn right and walk around until you find the door number 660. We were 3rd in-line, I said this is great! NOTE: you should get your number on the left side for Passport renewal and it s always nice to READ instructions right? When it s our turn to go and the officer checked all the forms and requirements then ask to proceed to another window to pay. Overall that it took 30 mins for that process. The next step is to wait for your turn for the picture to be taken so the waiting had begun (from 10am to 12:30pm!?!?!) Yes we waited that long because they prioritize applicants first until they finished them! I know it just fair enough to give attention to the applicants with appointment but I should be warned about waiting until they finished!

LESSON LEARNED: Just make an appointment! and make sure you have all the requirements photocopied

Passport Renewal fee paid $87 Canadian (Cash only)

Prepaid Express envelope if bought to any Canada post $27ish or if you buy it there in the same building at the grocery store $33 Canadian.

FORMS available at this link: http://www.vancouverpcg.org/forms.html

Requirements online:

for Adults: http://www.vancouverpcg.org/2018-renewal-adult-applicant.html

for Minors: http://www.vancouverpcg.org/q-a-ppt-q07-minor4ppt.html

I just thought of sharing this so you will not experience the same mistake we had.

cheers

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