Original passport request (eApplication) | Need help

[sbs010]

Hi,

I received a note from CIC regarding original passport request for visitor visa. I am utterly confused on two things and need your help -
(1) Should I be sending the passport to LA or NY office? Pls note I am currently residing in Texas.
(2) Should I courier the entire e-application set printouts, two photographs and fees receipt (Visa + VAC), along with the passport, OR just the passport with the passport request letter, passport transmission fees of $31.19, VAC consent form and one prepaid return envelope?

Could you kindly advice?

Thanks & regards
SBS

 

[Jalex23]

Hi,

I received a note from CIC regarding original passport request for visitor visa. I am utterly confused on two things and need your help -
(1) Should I be sending the passport to LA or NY office? Pls note I am currently residing in Texas.
(2) Should I courier the entire e-application set printouts, two photographs and fees receipt (Visa + VAC), along with the passport, OR just the passport with the passport request letter, passport transmission fees of $31.19, VAC consent form and one prepaid return envelope?

Could you kindly advice?

Thanks & regards
SBS

You used a VAC? Then I think it is better to ask the VAC.

 

[sbs010]

No, I did not use the VAC. I directly applied online for the visitor visa.
So what do you suggest I do?

Thanks & regards
SBS

 

[cryptic0]

I just went through this.

You can't send passport directly to the consulate anymore. Also, CIC does not assign jurisdiction for the two consulates. Thus, technically you can send passport to either NY or LA. However, being on the west side of Mississippi river, you should use LA consulate.

Check VAC website for details. But briefly:

Envelope # 1
Copy of your CIC passport request letter
VAC fee (it's usually $31.19 in money order or cashier's check)
Mail it to: Salt Lake City Utah lockbox (address on VAC website)

Envelope # 2
copy of your CIC passport request letter
2 signed consent forms (on vac website)
copy of the money order / cashier's check you sent
Original passport
and enclose a prepaid preaddressed envelop for return of passport
Mail this to: VAC Segundo, CA

Note: You can't use FEDEX prepaid labels/envelopes. VAC has an arrangement with FEDEX, so they do not accept customer provided Fedex labels. I used USPS Express Priority padded envelop. Envelop is available for free at post office. Create an account on usps.com, then pay for the label (from: VAC NYC) and print it. Affix the label on the express priority envelop, and enclose the envelop in #2 above.

That should do it. VAC is fast and efficient but they are bad with email. I never got any confirmation emails/texts from them. But I am getting my passport delivered back to me within 4 business days.

Good luck!

 

[sbs010]

Thanks a ton cryptic0! Your response is extremely helpful. It is very kind of you to take time to help me.

Best rgds
sbs

 

[Jalex23]

No, I did not use the VAC. I directly applied online for the visitor visa.
So what do you suggest I do?

Thanks & regards
SBS

If this is true, what cryptic0 posted is not good for you. Those instructions are for VAC users only.

Be sure to get all the info right.

 

[cryptic0]

Jalex:

Whether one submits original application directly through CIC.GC.CA or through VAC has no bearing on the process for visa stamping.

Every applicant who has received a passport request from CIC has to send it to the VAC. My instructions apply 100% to OP's question.

Check: cic.gc.ca/submit

 

[Jalex23]

Jalex:

Whether one submits original application directly through CIC.GC.CA or through VAC has no bearing on the process for visa stamping.

Every applicant who has received a passport request from CIC has to send it to the VAC. My instructions apply 100% to OP's question.

Check: cic.gc.ca/submit

A VAC is a service that CIC hired as a middle man for applications. So sending the passport to VAC is sending it to the middle man, they will send it to the corresponding Visa Office and that is why they charge you. That is where the VAC fee comes from. You can skip the VAC and do it personally through the online process, if so then no VAC fee applies and passports are sent directly to the Visa Office.

Some countries have no other way of submitting documents but through a VAC, others have no VACs and have to submit it directly, others (like the USA) have both options.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/vac.asp

Hope this clears your confusion.

 

[cryptic0]

In the United States, VAC is an optional service (i.e. middlemen) only for the purposes of initial application.

Once passport request is received, you MUST go through VAC for stamping.

Once again, check: cic.gc.ca/submit

 

[Brunswick]

Please I have a question as regards visitor visa.....I did an upfront medical exams before submitting application online but after a month of submission , am told to do Medicals .....is that a mix up or something. I have contacted the Panel physician where the Medicals was conducted and am told they had posted the results to the cic portal about 3 weeks ago. Kindly advise...

 

[sbs010]

I followed cryptic0 suggestion and sent the passport through USPS. Hopefully everything works out fine.

Regards
SBS

 

[ButterflyChemist]

Please I have a question as regards visitor visa.....I did an upfront medical exams before submitting application online but after a month of submission , am told to do Medicals .....is that a mix up or something. I have contacted the Panel physician where the Medicals was conducted and am told they had posted the results to the cic portal about 3 weeks ago. Kindly advise...

You have to upload the medical receipt you received. Did you?