About Us FAQs

What passport services does the Consulate offer?

Consulate accepts applications for Fresh issue (for newborns) as well as Re-issue of passports.

 

Who can apply for passport renewal?

Any applicant holding Indian passport and a status in Canada (Visitor/Study/Work permit or PR) and living in Consulate's consular jurisdiction can apply for passport renewal.

 

How do I submit the application?

Step 1: Fill and submit the form online 

Step 2: Take a print out of the form submitted online and submit the hard copy of form with photo, supporting documents and fee at the nearest BLS center.

Please note: DO NOT USE ANY SPECIAL CHARACTERS WHILE ENTERING ADDRESS DETAILS. THIS WILL LEAD TO A PRINT ERROR ON THE PASSPORT BOOKLET AND THE CONSULATE WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS.

 

I have made an error in online application/I need to modify something in my online application but I have already submitted it online. What do I do?

You will need to fill a new application and submit it online. Make sure that you send the hard copy of the correct form when submitting it at BLS center.

 

When can I renew my passport?

You can apply for renewal of passport up till an year before its expiry.

However, a passport may be renewed irrespective of the date of expiry in case of one of the following reasons:

  1. Change in personal particulars (name, address, change in spelling etc.)
  2. Change in appearance
  3. Change in signature
  4. Loss/damage of passport booklet

 

Where do I submit the application?

The Consulate grants no walk-in appointments. Applications are accepted only through BLS. Applicant has to submit hard copy of application with all relevant documents at the nearest BLS center.  You can also send the application by post to BLS (please check BLS website for eligibilty).

Walk in service (only through online appointment at BLS website):  i) Toronto

1448 Lawrence Avenue East, Unit 6A,
Toronto, ON M4A 2V6, Canada

ii) Brampton

40 Gillingham Drive, Unit 403,
Brampton, ON, L6X 4X7, Canada

Postal service Brampton

40 Gillingham Drive, Unit 403,
Brampton, ON, L6X 4X7, Canada

Please see BLS website for information regarding BLS centers, timings and FEE rates & modes of payment

 

What are the documents required for a normal passport renewal application?

  • Duly filled in online application form.
  • A recent photograph pasted on the application form of size (2inch x 2inch). Please refer to Photo specifications here.
  • Original passport of the applicant
  • One copy of first and last page of the current passport
  • One copy of valid legal status in Canada (PR card / study permit / work permit / visitor record)
  • One copy of landing paper (Mandatorily required if applicant is a Permanent resident); or CoPR which should have immigration status
  • One copy of proof of Canadian address
  • One copy of Indian address proof
  • Annexure E form.
  • Personal Particulars Form with photo pasted.

Documentary requirements of specific cases are listed in the subsequent FAQs.

 

Can I submit application at the Consulate in person?

No. Applications are accepted only through BLS. The Consulate grants no in person appointments.

 

Can I collect passport directly from Consulate?

No. Issued passports can be collected from BLS center. The applicants can also pay BLS for postal delivery to their home address.

 

I am a resident of a place outside Toronto. Can I submit my passport application at CGI, Toronto?

CGI, Toronto accepts applications only of people living in its Consular Jurisdiction.

 

What is the processing time for issuance of passports?

Normal category 36 page passport booklet: 8 weeks

Normal category 60 page passport booklet: 8 weeks

TATKAL category (only 36 page booklet): 1 week

Note this time does not include postage/shipping delays. The time period starts from the date the application is received at the Consulate, not from the date of submission at BLS center.

 

What is the Normal validity of a passport being renewed?

Case 1- Any applicant holding visitor permit (Adult or Minor): 2 years (or till age of 18 years for minor, whichever is earlier)

Case 2- Applicants holding a study/work permit or PR:

Adults: 10 years

Minors: 5 years

 

I am a minor between the age 15-18 years. Can I get a passport with 10 year validity?

Yes. Minors between 15-18 years of age can obtain passport of 10 years only under NORMAL category if they pay fee as applicable for adult applicants. If fee for a MINOR is paid the passport will be renewed for 5 years or till the date on which the applicant becomes an adult (whichever is earlier). Such applications can not be accepted under TATKAL (TATKAL passports of minors will be restricted till the date on which applicant attains 18 years of age).

What is the size of a passport booklet?

Normal passport booklet has 36 pages. Jumbo booklet with 60 pages can be obtained by paying extra applicable fee.

 

Can I apply for fresh passport under TATKAL category?

No. You can only apply for renewal of passport under TATKAL category.

 

Can I apply for Jumbo booklet (60 page booklet) under TATKAL category?

No. You can only apply for 36 page booklet under TATKAL category. 

 

Who can/cannot apply under TATKAL category for renewal of passport?

The following cases are not eligible to apply for TATKAL passports:

1. Lost/Damaged passports

2. Implied status cases and cases where status has expired (PR/Work Permit/Study Permit/Visitor Permit)

3. For changes in personal particulars (including addition/deletion of spouse's name or parents' name)

4. Change in Name/Signature/appearance/sex/date of birth/place of birth

5. Renewal of short validity passport

6. If the applicant is adopted

7. Minors whose parents are separated/divorced.

 

My passport has expired more than one year ago. Is there any extra document required from my side?

Yes. A self attested declaration on plain paper explaining the reason for late renewal.

 

Where I would get Personal Particulars form/affidavit form?

It is available under FORMS on home page.

 

What documents do I need to add my spouse's name on my passport?

To add spouse's name you only need to add the name on the online application. No supporting document is required.

 

Are custody judgements from Canadian courts acceptable?

If child is born out of a marriage was solemnized in India then a Canadian custody judgment will not be accepted as a valid document for any passport service except in cases where both parents give their consent on Annexure D along with their passport copies.

 

What additional documents are required in case the applicant is a minor?

1. Annexure D signed by both parents (Or court appointed guardian along with court order or adoption deed)

2. Copy of passports of both the parents or guardian along with their CoPR/Landing paper which displays their immigration category. 

3. Address ID proof of either of the parents or guardian.

 

What additional documents are required in case the applicant is a minor with single parent?

Following documents are mandatorily required:

1. Annexure C signed by custodial parent/guardian.

2. Proof of the custody. Eg. Court order etc. 

3. Copy of passport of the custodial parent or guardian.

4. Address ID proof of the custodial parent or guardian.

 

IMPORTANT: In the cases of reissuance of passport of minors, if the marriage of parents was solemnized in India, any divorce decree or custody papers issued by Canadian courts will not be recognized. In such cases consent of both parents is mandatorily required unless a custody order by an Indian court has been issued.

 

What additional documents are required in case the applicant’s previous passport has been lost?

Annexure F along with a Police Report clearly mentioning the lost passport details, are mandatorily required.

 

How do I get a police report if I have lost my passport?

You will first need to file a lost item incident with the local police following which will be given an occurence ID and contact/badge details of the officer recording the request. After this the police issues a Lost item report. You might be charged for this report.

Once you have this report you can apply for passport renewal. However, sometimes the police will not hand the report to the applicant. In such cases, please ask them to forward the report to the Consulate at passport.toronto@mea.gov.in. To get the report from the Consulate please send an email at passport.toronto@mea.gov.in with your name and passport number. (Note: This email is only to request for police report. No queries will be entertained)

 

I had filed a police report when I lost my passport. However, I recently found my lost passport. What should I do?

If the police has issued a lost item report of the passport, you are requested to not use the old passport and apply for a new passport.

 

What additional documents are required in case the applicant’s previous passport is damaged?

Duly filled and signed Annexure F.

 

Can I use 'Late' in front of my parent's name/spouse's name if they have expired?

No. Usage of prefix 'Late' is not allowed. Submit the name as it is.

 

There is a change in the spelling of my parent's name. What supporting documents do I need?

You need to submit copy of their Indian passport with correct name. If not available, they will need to first change it on their passports, or have the name change published in Gazette of India.

 

When applying for passport renewal, what to do if name has ALIAS/AKA in the current passport?

As per extant rules, ALIAS/AKA can not be a part of name on passport. Applicant will need to use either of the aliases as follows:

OLD PASSPORT

Allowed name variation 1

Allowed name variation 2

Anthony Kuttu Alias Thomas Xavier

Anthony Kuttu

Thomas Xavier

  • For any other variation, the applicant will need to under go the procedure for name change.

 

Who is eligible to apply for a name change in Passport?

This facility is available only for applicants residing in Canada continuously for over 3 years and having Permanent Resident, Work Permit or Study Permit. Applicants on Visitor permit can not apply for name change in passport.

 

What documents are required in case the applicant wishes to change his/her name on Passport?

Clippings of two (02) prominent INDIAN newspapers and at least two ID proof with the new name of the applicant [The clipping should include the Title of the Newspaper, date and place of publication];

             OR,

Publication of the change of name in the Gazette Notification of India.

 

What are the regulations regarding change of name due to marriage/remarriage/divorce?

For change of surname due to Marriage / Remarriage only self-declaration on plain paper is required. In case of divorce, an applicant may revert to maiden name provided there is an old passport with her maiden name. In all other cases the applicant has to undergo the name change procedure as detailed above.

 

I wish to split my name into First and Surname. Do I need any documents to support this change?

For splitting name into first and surname, no additional proof is required.

eg. The following is permitted:

 

OLD PASSPORT

NEW PASSPORT

Surname

 

Rastogi

First and Middle name

Rameshbhai Rajubhai Rastogi

Rameshbhai Rajubhai

The following is not permitted:

 

OLD PASSPORT

NEW PASSPORT

Surname

 

Bhai

First and Middle name

Rameshbhai

Ramesh

 

My permit/PR has expired. What documents do I need for Passport renewal?

  1. You will need to apply for extension of permit/PR with CIC/IRCC. Once CIC accepts your application for extension you will receive a letter/email from CIC telling you that the application is under process. Applicant is required to submit this letter/email along with passport application and the expired permit or PR. NOTE: In case of PR extension, applicant needs to submit landing paper too.
  2. If you have received a COPR, then submit COPR with the landing paper. If the CoPR has the immigration category mentioned on it then landing paper is not required.

Please note that a payment slip is not considered to be a proof of submission of application for fresh/renewal of permit.

 

Can I apply for permit extension with CIC without a valid passport?

Yes CIC accepts permit extension application without valid passport. Please contact CIC regarding this. (Once the application has been accepted by CIC, they will demand for a valid passport to continue the process).

 

I have a PR card. DO I also need to submit landing paper with passport application?

Yes. If you are a PR in Canada, landing paper wherein immigartion category is defined is required mandatorily with the application.

 

I have a valid CoPR, do I need to submit landing paper as well?

Yes. Landing paper is required unless the immigration category is mentioned on the COPR document.

 

I have don't have a landing paper, what should I do?

If you have a work visa issued in India or IM-1 stamp on passport which have been stamped in India you may submit a copy of the same. If you do not possess these proofs, you need to apply for reissuance of landing paper first with Canadian authorities and submit a new landing paper. You can also submit copy of old PR card where an immigration category is mentioned.

In case none of the above works for you, you will need to get a letter from CIC confirming that you have not applied for a refugee status in Canada. Alternatively, you will need to wait for landing papers to arrive from IRCC.

 

My status/permit is expired but I have applied for permit on spousal grounds. What documents do I need to submit as proof of my status along with passport renewal application?

You need:

  1. Communication from CIC that you have qualified for/application has been accepted for residency/permit under spousal grounds (names of your spouse and yourself should be mentioned).
  2.  (a) if spouse is Indian National: Copy of spouse's passport and Copy of spouse's permit (PR with landing paper/visa); OR, (b) if the spouse is Canadian National: Copy of Canadian passport and old Indian passport.

 

I am a US Green card holder and presently in Canada as a visitor. Can I apply for passport renewal in Canada?

Normally such applications will not be accepted without proof of a medical exigency which prevents the applicant to travel to USA and apply for renewal there. However, if due to any medical condition the applicant can not travel to USA, a short validity passport of 6 months can be issued. Such a passport will not be extended in furture without a valid Canadian permit and the applicant will have to either travel back to USA or an emergency certificate will be issued to allow the applicant to travel to India only.

 

The application form/Personal particulars form requires 2 addresses. Which addresses do I need to submit?

You need to submit one Canadian and one Indian address in the form with relevant proof as per follows:

 

Passport printable address

Other address on form

Applicant has a work permit/PR

Canadian address

Indian address

Applicant has a visitor permit/study permit

Canadian/Indian address

Canadian/Indian address

 

What documents can I submit as proof of Canadian address?

  • Licence
  • Government Photo ID
  • Tax statement
  • Rental agreement
  • Home internet/fibre net bill
  • Hydro/water bills 
  • Letter from University on its letter head (Only in case of students staying on )
  • Copy of permit or SIN carrying address

The following documents are not allowed as address proofs:

  • Phone bills
  • Bank statements

 

What documents can I submit as proof of Indian address?

  • Passport
  • Voter ID
  • Electricity bill
  • Water bill
  • Govt bank/PSU bank passbook
  • Govt landline phone bill

The following documents are not allowed as address proofs:

  • Private bank passbooks
  • Ration card
  • rent agreements

 

I have not stayed in India for a long time and do not have an address in India in my name. What do I do?

You can give the address of a relative or a known person in India as long as they can verify your antecedents during police verification procedure.

 

Can I use the address of my parents/in-laws/siblings as my Indian address?

Yes. But you will need documentary proof to establish relationship with the person whose address proof ID is being submitted.

eg. Father in-laws address proof would require: copy of address ID of father in-law, Indian passport copy of your spouse (where father's name is mentioned) and proof of your marriage with your spouse.

 

What are the specifications of the photograph?

Photo specifications

 

Can Indian nationals who had been issued Passports with 20 (twenty) years validity also apply for a new Passport?

Yes. It is in the interest of the applicant to get a new 10 year Passport as the Government of India has dispensed with the issue of 20 years Passport as per the extant rules.

 

Do photocopies of original documents need to be attested?

Yes. All original documents must be accompanied by self-attested photocopies. These documents should be presented for scrutiny at the time of submission of application.

 

Can I submit an affidavit attested by Canadian/Indian government as a documentary proof?

No. Affidavits will not be accepted as a valid proof for any thing. 

 

Can I send my Passport application through a travel agent?

No. Consulate has not authorized any agent. Application is to be submitted at the BLS Passport Service Counter or the Consulate by the applicant personally or through a close family member bearing an authorization letter from the applicant. Travel Agents/Agents/Solicitors are not permitted to submit applications on behalf of applicants. Please report to the Consulate if anyone claims to provide such services.

 

What is the procedure for issue of fresh passport to a child born in Canada to parents holding Indian passports?

In such cases, the child can acquire Canadian citizenship due to his place of birth being Canada. In case parents wish to obtain Indian passport for the child, birth registration with the Indian Mission is required before applying for passport for the newborn. Both the parents should sign a declaration of non-acquisition of Canadian nationality by the child and consent to issue of Indian passport to the child. It may be noted that Indian rules do not allow dual citizenship and therefore, the Canadian citizenship is required to be renounced before acquiring Indian Citizenship.

You will need to fill online passport application on this link and countersigned by both parents. Copy of the record of landing or immigration document/PR card of the child and the parents would be needed. Also submit a copy of the birth certificate of the child showing the names of the parents. Personal appearance of the child may be required in some cases. Please also see the requirement for a normal Passport Re-issue case given above.

 

What happens to the visas stamped on the old passport after I get a renewed passport?

On renewal the old passport is cancelled but all the visa stamped on it remain valid till their expiry. 

 

The lamination on my passport is peeling off. What should I do?

Please bring the passport to the nearest Embassy/Consulate of India.

 

There is a mistake in name/address on my passport. What should I do?

The Consulate can not make any changes in passport details as filled by the applicant in their form. As such applciants are advised to fill the foem carefully. If you require to correct a mistake, you will have to apply for a fresh renewal while using the option 'change in personal particulars'.

 

Is there a requirement of any minimum validity of passport to travel to India?

No. As long as the passport has not expired, you can travel to India.

 

Is there a requirement of any minimum validity of passport to travel out of India?

Yes, other countries usually require some minimum validity of passport before allowing you to travel to them. Please confirm this requirement from the airline you are travelling with.

 

Where can I find more information about passport issuance and application procedure?

Please our website (Consulate General of India, Toronto, Canada : General Information (cgitoronto.gov.in)) or,

BLS website (Indian VISA Requirements | Online Tourist Visa for India from Canada (blsindia-canada.com)) or,

BLS helpline: +1-416 307 2237

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Visitors: 20854585  |  Page last updated on: 13-03-2024