Canadians: how quickly can a person get a Canadian Passport?

Question

I know someone in Toronto who wants to travel to the US on Friday and needs to get a passport really quick - is it possible to do that?

Answer 1

According to the Government of Canada website: "Passport Canada is experiencing a sharp volume increase in passport applications in all of its offices, by mail and through its receiving agents. Due to this increase in volume, it may take up to 45 business days (9 weeks) before you receive your new passport." Of course, it might take less time than that, but tell your friend not to get their hopes up.

Answer 2

I mailed my passport in. This is the 8th week, and no sign of it.

The website says 9 weeks since the delay but is only suppose to take 4 weeks. The stand in line all day wait was normally 2 weeks, but the same delays are taking place there - so it is 6 or 7 weeks. The $10 extra is only a pick up fee. You PAY for the right to go back to their office and pick it up instead of getting it in the mail. It only shaves off the time of registered mail, which helps especially if you don't hang around the house waiting to sign for your package.

My recommendation, if he is going this Friday is he booking some last minute flight??? You only need a birth certificate and driver's license to drive across the border. Or from Toronto easy to drive to the border and fly from Buffalo or Detroit.

Answer 3

I went 3 weeks ago in person to the Scarborough Town Centre office. It arrived last friday. There is also a 24hr option on their website. I only stood in line for 30 minutes. The lady at the counter seemed quite annoyed with the media portraying it as mayhem when in fact it really isn't. Also, many families travelling over march break jammed the offices prior to the March break. It's not too bad now. Check the 24 hour option. $80 on top of the regular fee if I can remember correctly.

Answer 4

that sounds like very short notice- he should phone his local passport office. usually you could do that, but with new US passport requirements for Canadians, there has been a huge demand at passport offices in the past few months. i've heard of people waiting for hours just to get their information submitted, but i'm not sure if this has affected the 1-week turn around time. your friend should check as soon as possible!

Answer 5

I am from Canada and I went to the passport office and stood in line for 2 hours before the office even opened, but I got in at about 12:30. I hadn't yet booked my ticket cause they scared me the day before when I tried to get in. The lady told me to go get my ticket booked and fax her the itinerary. I did that and was able to pick it up in 2 weeks. It only cost me $10 extra. You would have to talk to a passport agent to see if they could get it done in a week, but I am guessing they probably would be able to.

Answer 6

that is really quick... I have heard of getting passports within seven days... but less than five... if the person you know is flying a passport is required.. if the person is crossing the border, via vehicle, only documentation is necessary....