To apply for an Indian passport while living in Canada, you will need to apply through the Indian High Commission in Ottawa or one of the Indian Consulates in Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process:
1. Determine Your Jurisdiction
India has multiple missions in Canada:
- Indian High Commission, Ottawa: Jurisdiction for Ottawa and surrounding areas.
- Indian Consulate, Toronto: Jurisdiction for Ontario, and surrounding provinces.
- Indian Consulate, Vancouver: Jurisdiction for British Columbia, Yukon, and Northwest Territories.
- Indian Consulate, Calgary: Jurisdiction for Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Make sure to apply to the mission based on your location in Canada.
2. Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, make sure you have all the necessary documents. These typically include:
- Old Passport (if applying for renewal/reissue).
- Proof of Indian Citizenship (e.g., Birth Certificate, old passport, etc.).
- Address Proof in Canada (e.g., utility bills, bank statements, lease agreement, etc.).
- Visa or Residency Proof in Canada (e.g., valid Canadian visa, Permanent Residency card, or work/study permit).
- Passport-sized Photographs: Two recent passport-sized color photographs meeting the specifications.
- Annexure E (if applicable): For applicants with a name change, address change, or other special requests.
3. Complete the Passport Application Form
You will need to complete the passport application online via the Passport Seva Portal:
- Go to the Passport Seva Portal: Visit passportindia.gov.in.
- Create an Account: Register on the portal if you don’t have an account.
- Fill out the Application Form: Choose the correct category (fresh passport, renewal, reissue), and provide your personal details accurately.
- Submit the Form: Once completed, submit the form and note down the application reference number for tracking purposes.
4. Pay the Application Fee
Once you submit the application form, you will be prompted to make the payment. The passport fees vary based on the type of application (new passport, renewal, or reissue) and the processing speed.
- Normal Passport Fee: Around CAD 100 – 150 (for 36 pages).
- Tatkal Service (Urgent Processing): Fees for urgent processing are higher, typically around CAD 200 – 250.
- Payment is typically done online via credit card or by bank draft, depending on the consulate.
5. Book an Appointment
After making the payment, you will need to schedule an appointment at the appropriate mission (High Commission or Consulate):
- Visit the Official Website of the Mission:
- Indian High Commission (Ottawa): https://www.hciottawa.gov.in/
- Indian Consulate (Toronto): https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/
- Indian Consulate (Vancouver): https://www.cgivancouver.gov.in/
- Indian Consulate (Calgary): https://www.cgicalgary.gov.in/
- Choose the Appointment Slot: Book a time slot for submitting your documents. Be sure to choose a date and time that is available.
6. Attend the Appointment
On the day of your appointment, you must appear in person with the following documents:
- Printed Application Form (from the Passport Seva Portal).
- Proof of Payment (receipt of application fee payment).
- Passport-sized Photographs.
- Original Documents (Passport, Proof of Citizenship, Address Proof, Visa/PR Proof, etc.) along with photocopies.
- Annexure E (if applicable).
At the consulate, your biometric details (photograph and fingerprints) will be captured.
7. Police Verification (If Applicable)
For first-time applicants or those with a change of address, police verification will be required. This is done either in Canada or through the Indian authorities.
- Police Verification Process: The consulate will send the necessary documents to the police authorities in India or Canada to verify your information.
- This process may take a few weeks, so keep that in mind when applying.
8. Track Your Application
Once the documents are submitted, you can track the status of your application on the Passport Seva Portal or through the consulate’s website. You will be notified once your passport is ready.
9. Receive Your Passport
After processing, your passport will be mailed to your Canadian address. The delivery can take anywhere from 10 to 15 business days, depending on the type of application and the processing time. Tatkal applications are usually processed faster.
Important Points to Remember
- Tatkal Scheme: If you need your passport urgently, you can apply under the Tatkal scheme, which provides expedited processing for an additional fee.
- Address Proof: Ensure that your address proof in Canada is up to date, as it will be needed for the verification process.
- Police Verification: Keep in mind that the police verification process can take time, so apply well in advance.
- Jurisdiction: Be sure to apply through the correct consulate or high commission based on your residential address in Canada.
By following these steps, you can successfully apply for an Indian passport in Canada.