What to do with passport application?

[Looger]

Originally Posted by SpitFire40

What's the deal with Guarantors? Jeez... You have to know someone personally for 2 years?

doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc. pillars of community or, people that would be essential to rebuild it.

they changed the rules a few years ago, used to be tradesmen like plumbers and lower level legal people like paralegals could sign a passport.

EDIT: also a school principal, i'm sure everyone knows one or two of those.

[Igottago]

Just did mine today (in downtown Vancouver). Went with form filled out, ID etc in hand. Pretty significant lineup, I was near the end, but the guy came around and asked when our travel dates were. To save time, he allowed some of us to go photocopy our ID's, and leave our applications as drop-offs (skip the line). I am travelling March 16th, he was certain I would have it mailed to me by then.

So I went with a book and mp3 player, expecting to be there all afternoon. Was only there for about 35-40 minutes. Not bad at all. The drop off-mail back method does take longer, so anyone travelling sooner than I was had to stick it out and brave the lineups.

[jar_e]

Originally Posted by Ace

When I did e-pass a few years ago, you had to wait for your initial password to arrive by mail. Hopefully for those that need it quick it is no longer that way

Funny this popped up...I just finished registering an "epass" so I could figure out a way to change my address (and hopefully do all my income tax online)..anyways, they mail you an authentication code and it says that you should recieve it within five buisness days. Not bad for the government mailing you something.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

I found the Commissionaire running the line at Harry Hays to be quite understanding. He's got some secret ways of working the 'take a #' system to get you in ahead of people for valid reasons (ie missed your #, need a new photo as yours was rejected).

Quite commendable and pleasant, wasn't expecting that.

[Igottago]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

I found the Commissionaire running the line at Harry Hays to be quite understanding. He's got some secret ways of working the 'take a #' system to get you in ahead of people for valid reasons (ie missed your #, need a new photo as yours was rejected).

Quite commendable and pleasant, wasn't expecting that.

I used to work for the Feds at Harry Hays..the Commissionaires were awesome folks..really friendly. People expect them to be crusty bitter old people, but they are really friendly and helpful.

[oxygen]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

I found the Commissionaire running the line at Harry Hays to be quite understanding. He's got some secret ways of working the 'take a #' system to get you in ahead of people for valid reasons (ie missed your #, need a new photo as yours was rejected).

Quite commendable and pleasant, wasn't expecting that.

I agree, the Commissionaire kept the mood pretty light and had the line up laughing a few times. Very accomodating and understanding.

[SaskaBushFire]

Originally Posted by Looger

it was $30 on top of the usual $85 a few years ago, not sure what it is now.

in the current crunch it may be worth it even though i suspect most times it doesn't speed it any.

That was my question, what is the standard fee for a first time Passport applicant? $85? It doesn't vary from province to province does it?

[oxygen]

Originally Posted by SaskaBushFire

That was my question, what is the standard fee for a first time Passport applicant? $85? It doesn't vary from province to province does it?

I paid $87 today, I would assume it's uniform across the country.

[Igottago]

Originally Posted by oxygen

I paid $87 today, I would assume it's uniform across the country.

Yup, $87 here in Vancouver too.

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by Looger

i hope they have extra staff to handle this backlog...

This is the government for pete's sake. They'll hire a committee study it for a year, than determine that they were backlogged and have to add staff. They'll increase fees and bring on more staff 18 months from now. 12 months later they'll realize it was unneccessary because there WAS a backlog, and ISN'T one now. So they'll have to offer severance packages and lay off everyone they hired.

[Looger]

True, Sylvanfan...

so where do i sign up???

[flamesfever]

Many thanks for your input.

I think its obvious the government are struggling to keep up with the demand for passports, and one should not rely on getting their passport back after being in their hands for 20 working days, which is the government's stated goal for people applying by mail. In my estimation, if you assume the government works 5 days per week, and it takes one week going and one week coming back in the mail, then one could anticipate receiving the passport back in about 6 weeks at best.

At your suggestion, I'm going to go down to the passport office very early in the morning, take my i-pod and a book, and perhaps look for that helpful Commissionaire.

[cSpooge]

Originally Posted by jar_e

Funny this popped up...I just finished registering an "epass" so I could figure out a way to change my address (and hopefully do all my income tax online)..anyways, they mail you an authentication code and it says that you should recieve it within five buisness days. Not bad for the government mailing you something.

You don't need an epass to do your taxes online. With your tax package that comes in the main you get a code that you need. If you didn't get it there is a number on the cra website(e-service helpdesk) that you can call for the code (you'll need line 150 of your last years taxes + some more info to get it). You'll be lucky if you get the pass in 5 business days.

I've been bitching at them to fix it (I work for the CRA) but they say apparently there is no other way to do it, which I think is complete BS.

[Mango]

I got my passport in the mail today. I filled out my application by printing it online and going to the South office during the last week of December. According to my print off slip, it was to be mailed out to me on January 15. On my passport, it states that it was printed on January 17 and I received it today. It certainly came in a decent amount of time and I have no complaints. The lineup was definitely long, but the staff inside the office were cordial, prompt and polite.

[Superflyer]

Sorry to resurect this thread from the bowels of CP, but I am going to go get my passport next week and I was wondering if the lines or wait has gotten better over the last little bit?
Has anyone gone to do this lately? Also I heard that there is another passport office down south, is that one better then Harry Hays? I am asking cause I am bringing my kids with me to get thiers as well and the shorter in line the better.

[itcrossedtheline]

Lines have gotten a little better (i went last week) Still have to be there around opening, but it doesn't seem to be that bad.

On a side note, if I have a Canadian Passport already, why do i still need a guarantor to sign the form and picture?

[brownie]

Originally Posted by Superflyer

Sorry to resurect this thread from the bowels of CP, but I am going to go get my passport next week and I was wondering if the lines or wait has gotten better over the last little bit?
Has anyone gone to do this lately? Also I heard that there is another passport office down south, is that one better then Harry Hays? I am asking cause I am bringing my kids with me to get thiers as well and the shorter in line the better.

It was in the paper today that kids under 16 will not need a passport.May wanna look into it before ya go.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by brownie

It was in the paper today that kids under 16 will not need a passport.May wanna look into it before ya go.

That's if you are traveling by car. Still need one if you are flying.

[Iggy Iggy Iggy!]

Got my passport last Friday at the South office. Waited 90 minutes outside in line and then only 5 minutes once in the building (only if you do it online otherwise it can take up to another hour or so untill your number is called) The wait time to receive your passport is currently 5 weeks, they give you a receipt saying when it will be mailed out. I drive by the office every day and the line seems short between 3:30 and 4:00. You have to be in by 4:30. They told me first thing in the morning is the worst and that earlier in the week is better (they said avoid Fridays which is why my line was around the building) my suggestion is to go down there and check the line, 3 sides of the building like me was 90 minutes so adjust accordingly. Hope this helpful.