How to Renew Indian Passport in Canada

For an Indian living in Canada, this could be concerning, especially if your passport is nearing expiration.

Today, we are going to cover the process of renewing your Indian passport from Canada so that you can avoid risking your immigration status or breaking any rules.

5 Steps to Renew Your Indian Passport from Canada

If you are unable to return to India to renew your passport because of the coronavirus, do not fret. The General Consulate of India in Canada makes it possible to file the proper documentation so that you do not violate any visa or immigration rules.

We’ve put together some detailed instructions to help you renew your passport with ease.

Please note that these steps are in accordance with the procedures outlined by the General Consulate of India in Toronto, Canada.

1. Fill Out the Online Application

The online passport application makes it easy to renew your passport from the comfort of your residence. First, navigate to the online application portal.

You will be asked where you are applying from. Choose “The Americas” then click “Canada.” From there, you’ll be redirected to a page that breaks down the application process.

Review the steps and click “Register.” You will take the information from your registration and log in to your new account. At this point, you can complete the application process.

Please remember to print the confirmation of your application for future reference or proof. ## 2. Take Official Photos

Once you’ve submitted your application, there are a few materials that you must collect, the first being photos.

You will need to take two photos that meet the following requirements: - Must be in color (not black and white) - Dimensions should be 51 mm by 51 mm (2 inches by 2 inches) - Front-facing with eyes open and no dramatic facial expressions - Background must be solid white or nearly white - Full face must be showing, including hair and down to your chin - No shadows can be cast over facial features - Head coverings only permitted for religious reasons

We encourage you to check out the photo guidelines document from the embassy for examples and additional rules. ## 3. Prepare Documents and Materials In addition to your photos, there are a few other documents you need to collect.

You will need copies of the following materials:

• First and last pages of your current passport
• Proof of legal status in Canada
• PR card
• Study visa
• Work visa
• Visitor record
• Your landing paper
• Proof of residence
• Driver’s license
• Other government ID with address

Bear in mind that you simply need a copy, not the original documents. ## 4. Fill Out an Annexure E Form The final document you need is an Annexure E form. You must print this form on a plain piece of paper and fill it out to submit with your documents.

You can download that form here: ANNEXURE E FORM. ## 5. Submit Your Documents There are several places to submit these documents to finalize your Indian passport renewal process.

Normally, you can submit them in person to locations in Winnipeg, Brampton and Toronto. However, the rules for submission are ever-changing due to coronavirus-related closures.

Here is the contact information for each location. ### Winnipeg BLS Center Address: 1770 King Edward Street, Winnipeg, MB, R2R 0M5, Canada Phone Number: +1 (204) 285-3985 ### Brampton BLS Center Address: 20 Gillingham Drive, Unit 701, Brampton, ON L6X 5A5, Canada Phone Number: +1 (416) 307-2237 ### Toronto BLS Center Address: 1448 Lawrence Avenue East, Unit 6A, Toronto, ON M4A 2V6, Canada Phone Number: +1 (416) 307-2237

Please visit BLS website and call ahead before making the trip to any of these locations as hours and restrictions may vary because of the coronavirus. ## Waiting for Your Passport After you’ve submitted all of your materials, all you can do is sit back and wait. Because of the coronavirus, the standard wait time is hard to establish.

As we mentioned, we are sharing information from the Consulate of General India in Canada. Any further questions or concerns should be directed towards their representatives by phone at (416) 307-2237 or by email at [email protected].

We wish you luck on your passport renewal.