How long for Canadian Passport?

Question

Hey guys, here is my question:

I am getting married Feb.9/09 in Punta Cana. I do not have my passport. My mom keeps telling me that I might not get it in time if I don't go now...it's SIX months away!!

I plan on going in person, when can I expect it back by??

Answer 1

they have three levels of service and you pay different on each one.  You can even get a rush 24 hour turn around but wouldnt advise risking waiting until then.

The quickest and cheapest route is to go to passport office with your two passport quality photos, fill in the form and with your 2x id stand in line to have them inspect,  stamp it and enter it to the system.  It takes about 3 weeks to have it back and you can either pick it up from the office or have it couriered to you.    

If you are far away from an office you'll have to mail in your id. (yuck!) and that process is longer

check out http://www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx?lang=eng

Moms right... dont procrastinate!!  

Answer 2

The return time for a Canadian Passport depends on two things: ensuring you have all the correct documents and how you apply for your passport.

You mentioned you are going in person, is that to a "receiving agent" or to an actual passport office?  Going to an actual office is always quicker....and if you pay extra you can speed things up by going back to pick it up. (it was only $10 more for us) If you go to a Service Canada receiving agent or office itself, they can also check through your documents and application to ensure everything is okay.  (you don't want things to be delayed because you missed signing in one spot!)

Also...if you are going down to a Passport office, if you do your application on Epass, it will help too.  (that is the one that has the barcodes on it)  When we went to get our passports at the office, there were two lines...one was for "regular" applications and the wait was over an hour.  One was for "E-pass" applications and we waited for only 5 mins.  (e-pass link is:

http://www.ppt.gc.ca/cdn/direct.aspx?lan... )  Even if you send the E-pass application in by mail, it reduces any chances of error.

In terms of how fast the actual passport will come back, Passport Canada is pretty good at updating their website to reflect any changes to service times.  Here is the link to check:

http://www.ppt.gc.ca/cdn/service.aspx?la...

Always better to apply now and have your passport in your hand and not worry.  Even the best wedding planning has a few "glitches" at the last minute...this one you could put a giant check mark next to DONE and not worry if you apply now.  :)

Congratulations on your wedding!