How to renew a Vietnamese passport in Canada

Canada has a flourishing Vietnamese community with a history stretching back to the end of the Vietnam War and the consequent flow of refugees escaping prosecution or in search of new opportunities. The community made up a majority of refugees entering Canada during the 1980s and 90s. However, the numbers have dwindled with stability in Vietnam and a shift in Canadian immigration policies towards economic immigration.

The 2001 Census of Canada placed the number of Canadian residents reporting Vietnamese origins at 150,000, or 0.5% of the old population figures. In recent years, Vietnamese immigration has been largely overshadowed by larger ethnic groups from India, the Philippines and China, accounting for 18.6%, 11.4% and 8.9% of new arrivals between 2016 and 2021, respectively.

According to data from the 2021 census, immigrants and permanent residents made up almost a quarter (8.3 million) of Canada’s total population today- the largest share of any G7 country, with the number projected to rise to 29.1% or 34% of the total population by 2041.

The Vietnamese passport and its place in the world

The Henley Passport Index ranks the passports of 199 different countries based on their visa-free access to over 227 travel destinations globally. The index placed the Vietnamese passport 92nd in the world with 55 visa-free destinations.

Renewing a Vietnamese passport in Canada

You can apply for a renewal of your passport if you meet any of the following conditions:

• Your passport has been lost or damaged, is nearing expiration or has already expired

• There is a need to issue a separate passport for a child and remove their name from a parent’s passport.

• You need to replace your existing passport.

A Vietnamese passport can be renewed at the Vietnamese Embassy in Canada at 55 Mackay Street, Ottawa, ON, K1M2B2. The Embassy can also receive your applications by mail and ship back the documents using courier services.

What documents are required to renew a Vietnamese passport

The following documents are required as per the Embassy’s portal:

• An Application Form

• Your original Vietnamese passport (unless it’s lost)

• 2 New passport-sized photos

• A legal document proving your presence in Canada at the time of the renewal application

• A notarized copy of your Vietnamese birth certificate

In cases of loss or damage to your passport, you will also be required to provide:

• A Police report of the loss and

• An Embassy Report

Processing times

The processing times can vary depending on your unique set of circumstances. For instance, the Embassy can handle renewal and new passport applications for children within 5-7 business days upon receipt of the complete documents.

In cases of lost or damaged passport application, it takes 5 – 7 business days if your original Vietnamese ID is provided) or at least 30 business days if your original Vietnamese ID is unavailable.

Conclusion

Renewing a Vietnamese passport in Canada is a fairly straightforward process with the steps already outlined by the Embassy. You can also reach out proactively in case of unique problems that are not covered by their guidelines. Ensure proper and valid documentation and stay informed on any updates or changes in the renewal procedure for a hassle-free renewal process.