The Ultimate Guide to Renew Indian Passport in Canada

How to renew an Indian passport in Canada? Here is a step-by-step guide on how to book an appointment with BLS, an Indian passport renewal checklist, processing time, requirements for a minor, and everything else you need to know about renewing your passport in Canada.

Did you know that you cannot travel on a flight with a passport that expires in less than 6 months? You must renew your Indian passport at least 6 months from the date of expiry.

In Canada, Indian passport renewal is handled by the BLS International Centre. Until recently, the centre accepted walk-ins. However, there was a lot of grievance with huge lineups starting at 3-4 am!

BLS CENTRE NEW RULE

The good news is that BLS Centre is no longer accepting walk-in appointments. You must book an appointment online before visiting the centre. The bad news is that it can be months before you get an appointment, especially during the holiday season.

Tip: Don’t wait till the last minute to renew your passport. Apply for it much before 6 months of expiry.

Step-by-step Guide for Passport Renewal

Step 1: On the BLS website, select the jurisdiction you live in. From the top menu, under passport services, select new booklet or renewal.

Now select the documents required tab and under the checklist, press click here. This will open the checklist that will guide you in creating your required documents file. For passport renewal, you need all the documents from A to h. Note that you also need a copy of this very checklist as well. Links to All of the forms, including annexure E are available within the checklist itself.

Step 2: Fill out the online application that can be found here. Select the country in which you reside and create a login by registering. Filling out the online application form is fairly straightforward.

If you need your passport urgently, ie your passport is expiring within 6 months, choose the tatkal option. You will receive your passport within 8 to 10 days. Otherwise, it may take more than 8 weeks.

Step 3: Once your online application is complete, and you have the rest of your forms as per the checklist, you need to book an appointment. This can be done at the BLS website. On the main BLS, home page select submit your application and click Book an appointment. Select the center (we selected Brampton).

Under service type select passport and then choose your date. Note that you will not be allowed to submit your documents at BLS if you do not have an appointment.

Step 4: Go to the centre on your appointment date. Submit all the forms, an old passport, a photograph, and the fee. You can also opt to have the passport couriered to your home for an additional CAD 27.

Passport Renewal for a Minor

In the case of a minor, the child is not required to be present at the BLS center. Either parent can submit the form. However, to collect the passport, both parents are required. You can opt for it to be delivered at home.

List of Documents Required

(a) Checklist
(b) Online Application Form
(c) Indian Passport (Original and Copy)
(d) Annexure ‘E’
(e) Proof of present Canadian address
(f) Status in Canada
(g) Fees
(h) Photograph

Documents required for renewing a minor’s passport

Documents at Sl. No. (a) to (h)

(s) Passport copies of both the parents

(t) NOC of both the parents/ Annexure ‘D’

(u) Minor child having single parent – divorce/ death certificate In case of single parent due to divorce, custody order also required

(v) In case both the parents are outside Canada – notarized NOC

Useful Information for Passport Renewal

A 2-inch by 2-inch photo is required on a white background. We got ours done at Walmart for 15 CAD.
The fee for tatkal is around CAD 290. A normal processing passport fee is around CAD 74.
You can get printouts from your local public library. Toronto Public Library charges $0.15 per page