Indian Passport Renewal

Renewing an Indian passport in Canada involves several steps and can be done through the BLS International website, which handles Indian passport services on behalf of the Indian government in Canada. Here’s a detailed guide on how to renew your Indian passport while residing in Canada.

1. Eligibility for Passport Renewal

You can apply for passport renewal if:

• Your current Indian passport is about to expire or has expired.
• Your passport pages are fully used.
• There is a change in personal details (name, address, etc.).
• You want to upgrade to a passport with a longer validity period.
• The passport is lost or damaged.

2. Types of Passport Renewal Services

• Normal Service: Standard processing time for non-urgent cases.
• Tatkaal Service: Expedited service for urgent passport renewals. It comes with higher fees and shorter processing time.

3. Documents Required for Passport Renewal

The required documents depend on the type of renewal and your personal situation. Generally, the following documents are required:

1. General Renewal

1. Current Passport:
   • Original passport (for physical verification).
   • Copies of the first two pages, last two pages, and any visa/stamp pages of the passport.
2. Proof of Status in Canada:
   • Permanent Resident (PR) card, work permit, study permit, or visitor visa.
   • Photocopies of your Canadian immigration document (front and back) or visa.
3. Proof of Address:
   • Recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement showing your Canadian address (dated within the last six months).
4. Photographs:
   • Two recent, passport-sized color photos (2″ x 2″), meeting the specifications required by BLS International.
5. Application Form:
   • The filled-out and signed passport renewal application form (Form No. 2). This can be downloaded from the BLS International website.
6. Self-Declaration Form:
   • A signed self-declaration (found on the BLS website) stating that the information provided is correct.

1. Additional Documents (if applicable)

• Tatkaal Service: Proof of urgency, such as travel tickets or emergency documents.
• Change of Name: If you’re changing your name, you’ll need a notarized affidavit or a published newspaper announcement of the name change.
• Address Change: Proof of the new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
• Minor Applicants: In addition to the above, you’ll need the minor’s birth certificate and parents’ passports.
• Damaged or Lost Passport: A police report of the loss or damage, along with an affidavit stating the circumstances.

4. Steps to Renew Your Indian Passport in Canada

Step 1: Fill Out the Online Application

1. Visit the Passport Seva at Indian Embassies and Consulates website.
2. Register and create a profile on the portal.
3. Complete the passport renewal application form online (Form No. 2). You will need to:
   • Provide your personal details (name, date of birth, etc.).
   • Upload a passport-sized photograph (if required).
4. Download and print the filled-out form after submission.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

Gather all the required documents, including the current passport, address proof, status in Canada, photographs, and any additional documents as per your case.

Step 3: Submit Application to BLS International

1. Visit the BLS International Canada website.
2. Select the nearest BLS center (they have offices in cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Calgary).
3. You can choose to:
   • Walk-in Submission: Visit the nearest BLS office to submit your application in person. Be sure to carry your original documents for verification and photocopies.
   • Courier Submission: If you prefer not to visit in person, you can mail your documents to the BLS office. BLS provides detailed instructions on how to send documents by courier.

Step 4: Pay Fees

The fees vary depending on the type of service (Normal or Tatkaal). As of 2024, the typical passport renewal fee for a 10-year validity passport is around CAD 92 for normal service and CAD 279 for Tatkaal service.

• Normal Passport: 36 or 60 pages, 10-year validity.
• Tatkaal Passport: Expedited processing with higher fees.

You can pay the fees online via debit/credit card, demand draft, or in person at the BLS center using cash or debit card.

Step 5: Biometrics and Verification (if required)

In some cases, BLS may ask for biometrics (fingerprints) or additional verification if there’s a change in personal details or if the passport is lost/damaged.

Step 6: Track Application

Once the application is submitted, you can track the progress of your passport renewal:

1. Go to the BLS International website and select the Track Application section.
2. Enter the reference number provided at the time of submission to see the status.

5. Processing Time

• Normal Service: Typically takes around 3 to 5 weeks from the date of application.
• Tatkaal Service: Expedited service takes around 7 to 10 days.

6. Collecting or Receiving Your New Passport

Once your passport is ready:

• In-Person Submission: You will receive a notification to collect it from the BLS office.
• Courier Submission: Your renewed passport will be mailed to the address you provided during the application.

7. Important Tips

• Make sure all documents are valid and up to date.
• Photographs must meet the strict specifications; otherwise, the application may be rejected.
• If your Canadian immigration status (PR card, work permit, etc.) is expired or about to expire, renew that first before applying for a passport renewal.
• Always keep a photocopy of your current passport for your records.

8. BLS Centers in Canada

You can visit any of the BLS centers in major cities like:

• Toronto: 20 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 1200, Toronto, ON M4P 1A9.
• Vancouver: 2010-777 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1S4.
• Ottawa: 100 Queen Street, Suite 1060, Ottawa, ON K1P 1J9.
• Calgary: 736 6th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3T7.

9. Fees Summary

• Normal Service (36 or 60 pages, 10-year validity): CAD 92.
• Tatkaal Service (expedited): CAD 279.

Fees may vary slightly depending on the consulate and service charges. Always confirm the latest fee structure on the BLS website.