Renew Your Indian Passport Without the Hassle
- Less paperwork
- Quick turnaround
- End-to-end assistance
- 100% online process
Regular processing of Indian passport renewal in Canada requires 8 weeks, but Tatkaal service completes the renewal within a week. BLS International Services handles all Indian passport applications in Canada and provides multiple service options based on individual requirements.
Students, workers, and permanent residents can renew their Indian passports with valid status in Canada. The renewal process needs specific documents and comes with varying fees. Standard adult passport fees start at CAD$106, while Tatkaal service costs CAD$308.
This piece explains the renewal steps, required documentation, and helps you track your application throughout the whole process.
Indian passport holders with valid status in Canada can apply to renew their passports through BLS International, which serves as the authorized provider for Indian consular services.
Who can renew their passport in Canada
You qualify for passport renewal if you have:
All the same, US Green Card holders staying temporarily in Canada can only apply under special medical circumstances. These cases might qualify for a 6-month validity passport.
Best time to renew your passport
You should start your passport renewal process up to one year before it expires. The Consulate recommends you apply at least 6 months before the expiry date. This approach will give a smooth experience, especially when you have processing times of 4-6 weeks or longer if police verification becomes necessary.
Types of passport renewal services
Your status and requirements determine the type of renewal service:
Regular Passport Renewal:
Special Cases:
The consular fees vary based on service type, and BLS charges separate service fees. Your application's processing time might take longer based on police verification needs and other specific factors.
Your Indian passport renewal application needs attention to detail. This guide will help you direct through the process without any hassle.
Creating your passport account The first step takes you to the Passport Seva website where you'll select Canada as your region. You need to register a new account with your details and jurisdiction (Indian Embassy/Consulate). The system will send you a confirmation email to activate your account. Your credentials will give you access to all available services after activation.
Fill the online form correctly
Important: The Indian address section needs your local police station's details for verification. You should also add a valid Indian phone number of relatives who live at the mentioned Indian address.
Schedule BLS appointment Once you complete your online application:
Postal applications need courier service purchased through BLS's online portal. You'll get a shipping label in your email. Pack your application in a Purolator envelope that comes free of cost.
Processing Timeline: The standard processing takes about 8 weeks. Plan ahead based on your travel needs. BLS centers under Ottawa's jurisdiction don't offer Tatkaal (expedited) services right now.
Getting your Indian passport renewed in Canada needs proper organization of documents. Here's everything you need to know about the paperwork that makes your application process smooth.
Simple document checklist
These documents form your starting point:
PR card holders must submit copies of both sides of their card. Your landing paper and PR card renewal receipt become necessary if your PR card has expired.
Additional papers for special cases
Your situation might require extra documents:
Name Changes After Marriage/Divorce:
Lost or Damaged Passport:
For Minors (under 18):
Status-specific Requirements:
Important: You must self-attest all photocopies and arrange documents as BLS International specifies. Passports expired beyond three years require a notarized affidavit explaining the delay.
A successful Indian passport renewal in Canada depends significantly on getting your passport photos right. Here's a detailed guide about photo specifications and reliable places to get them taken.
Photo specifications
Your Indian passport photos must meet these requirements:
The photo should clearly show your face without any shadows. Your hair shouldn't hide any facial features. Religious head coverings are permitted as exceptions, but your facial features must remain visible from chin to forehead.
Where to get passport photos
Canada offers several reliable options to get your passport photos:
The UPS Store provides these options:
Walmart Photo Center's passport photos start at USD 16.97. Both locations ensure compliance with government requirements and can deliver your photos in 5-10 minutes.
Common photo rejection reasons
These common issues often lead to photo rejections:
Important: Your photos must be recent - taken within six months. Requirements are somewhat relaxed for children under ten regarding face height and eye position, though a clear frontal photo remains necessary.
Tracking your passport application status is a significant part of the renewal process. BLS International and the Indian Passport Seva Portal give you several ways to monitor your application's progress.
How to track application status
You can track your application through two main channels:
The Passport Seva Portal's tracking feature gives you detailed status updates. You'll need your application reference number, date of birth, and the displayed characters to check your status information.
Expected processing times
Your regular passport renewal should follow this timeline:
Processing stages you'll see:
Recent applications show that most passports complete police verification and reach the "print initiated" stage in 4-5 weeks. BLS centers usually receive printed passports in 2-3 business days.
What to do if there's a delay
When your application takes longer than standard processing times:
Common delay factors:
Applications stuck at "print initiated" stage for more than two weeks need direct consulate contact. The processing time technically starts when BLS forwards your application to the Consulate, which may take a few days.
Important: Choose courier service when submitting your application to get your passport at your address. This will give a secure delivery and live tracking of your renewed passport's return journey.
The process of renewing your Indian passport in Canada looks complicated at first glance. But once you know what you need, it becomes much simpler. You can choose between regular processing and Tatkaal service. Just pay close attention to your documents and photo requirements to avoid delays.
The right timing makes a big difference. Start your renewal at least 6 months before your passport expires. This gives you extra time if any verification issues come up. On top of that, you can track your application's status through BLS International's portal at every stage.
Standard processing takes about 8 weeks. Good preparation and submitting complete documentation will make everything run smoothly. Take time to review all requirements based on your situation. This becomes even more important if you need special processing for name changes, damaged passports, or specific status conditions.
A valid passport proves your identity and lets you travel. Keep an eye on when it expires and plan ahead for renewals. This helps you maintain uninterrupted travel and identification abilities.
Sign up on iNRI and apply for Indian passport renewal in cases of lost passport or for updating passport details. Don’t worry, we’ll help you at every step!
The regular processing time for Indian passport renewal in Canada is approximately 8 weeks. However, if you opt for the Tatkaal (expedited) service, it can be processed in about 1 week.
Essential documents include your original passport with photocopies, completed online application form, two recent passport-size photographs, proof of current Canadian address, valid status proof in Canada (such as PR card or work permit), and a specimen declaration (Annexure 'E').
Yes, you can renew an expired Indian passport in Canada. However, if it has been expired for more than one year, you'll need to provide additional documentation, including a self-declaration explaining the delay. For passports expired for over three years, a notarized affidavit is required.
You can get passport photos taken at various locations in Canada, including The UPS Store and Walmart Photo Center. These places offer services that comply with Indian passport photo requirements and usually provide photos within 5-10 minutes.
You can track your application status through two main channels: the BLS International website tracking service and the Indian Passport Seva Portal's real-time tracking system. Both platforms allow you to monitor your application's progress using your application reference number and other details.