Renew Your Indian Passport Without the Hassle
- Less paperwork
- Quick turnaround
- End-to-end assistance
- 100% online process
How To Renew Indian Passport in Canada
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.
Requirements for Indian Passport Renewal in Canada
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:
- A valid status in Canada (PR/Work Permit/Study Permit/Visitor Visa)
- An Indian passport within BLS International's consular jurisdiction
- Proof of residence within the consular jurisdiction
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:
- Processing time: 8 weeks
- Validity for PR/Work permit holders: 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors
- Validity for Visitor permit holders: 2 years only
Special Cases:
- Minors between 15-18 years can choose between 5 or 10-year validity under the normal category
- Short validity renewals (1-2 years) for specific circumstances
- Passport renewal after one year of expiry needs extra documents including a self-declaration that explains the delay
- Renewals after three years of expiry require a search letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada with a notarized affidavit
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.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
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
- Choose "Apply for Ordinary Passport" and select "Reissue of Passport"
- Select your reason for reissue (expiry, address change, or personal details update)
- Pick normal processing and 36-page booklet option to speed up the process
- Complete all mandatory fields in the application form:
- Personal details as per current passport
- Family information
- Address details (both Canadian and Indian)
- Emergency contact information
- Previous passport details
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:
- Print and sign the completed form
- Affix your passport photo in the designated space
- Book an appointment through the BLS website
- Select your nearest BLS center based on jurisdiction
- Choose between walk-in or postal application options
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.
Essential Documents for Passport Renewal
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:
- Original passport with photocopies of first, last, and observation pages
- Completed online application form with your signature
- Two recent passport-size photographs that meet specifications
- Proof of your current Canadian address (utility bills, driver's license, or government-issued ID)
- Valid status proof in Canada (PR card, work permit, or study permit)
- Specimen declaration (Annexure 'E')
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:
- Marriage certificate or joint photo declaration with both spouses' signatures
- Divorce decree to delete spouse's name
- First spouse's death certificate (for remarriage cases)
Lost or Damaged Passport:
- Police report that includes the lost passport number
- A letter that explains how you lost or damaged the passport
- Notarized Affidavit (Annexure 'F')
For Minors (under 18):
- Both parents' passport copies
- Annexure 'D' with both parents' signatures
- Single parents need a divorce certificate or death certificate
- Indian court's custody order (for divorce cases)
Status-specific Requirements:
- Students should provide their educational institution's details and program duration
- Visitor visa holders need their sponsor's passport copies and Canadian status proof
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.
Complete Guide to Passport Photos
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:
- Size: 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm)
- Digital file size: 20KB to 100KB
- Resolution: 350x350 pixels minimum, 1000x1000 pixels maximum
- Image quality: 24-bit depth, 200-300 DPI
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Face position: Centered, taking 70-80% of photo height
- Expression: Natural, mouth closed, eyes open
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:
- Hard copies: USD 14.99 + tax
- Digital copy: USD 14.99 + tax
- Combined package (2 prints + digital): USD 24.99 + tax
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:
- Technical issues:
- Incorrect size or format
- Poor image quality or resolution
- Improper background color
- Appearance-related:
- Hair covering facial features
- Strong shadows on face
- Unnatural facial expression
- Visible head or hair accessories
- Attire concerns:
- Wearing uniforms
- Dark or tinted glasses
- Clothing blending with background
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.
Track and Receive Your Passport
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:
- BLS International website tracking service
- Indian Passport Seva Portal's live tracking system
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:
- Normal processing: 8 weeks
- Tatkaal service: 1 week
- Postal applications need 3-4 extra working days
Processing stages you'll see:
- Application received at BLS
- Under process at Consulate General
- Print initiated
- Passport printed
- Ready for dispatch
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:
- Check your application status on both tracking portals
- Look if police verification is pending
- Contact BLS customer service with your file number
Common delay factors:
- Incomplete documentation
- Police verification requirements
- Peak season processing volumes
- Address verification issues
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.
Conclusion
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!
Frequently Asked Questions - Renew Indian Passport in Canada
Q1. How long does it take to renew an Indian passport in Canada?
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.
Q2. What documents are required for Indian passport renewal in Canada?
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').
Q3. Can I renew my Indian passport if it has already expired?
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.
Q4. Where can I get passport photos taken in Canada?
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.
Q5. How can I track the status of my Indian passport renewal application?
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.
