Canada, known for its beautiful natural landscapes and outstanding standard of living, is a country that rewards those who are willing to work hard. It consistently ranks as one of the top countries with a large Filipino expatriate population.
While you’re building your life in Canada, it’s still crucial to stay connected to your Filipino roots. This connection allows you to enjoy the benefits of being a Filipino citizen. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide on how to renew your Philippine passport while in Canada.
What You Need to Renew Your Philippine Passport in Canada
If you’re planning to renew your Philippine passport while in Canada, here are the things you need to prepare:
- Passport Application Form: First, you need to fill out a passport application form. You can download the form that corresponds to your location:
- If you’re in Ottawa, click here to download.
- If you’re in Calgary, click here to download.
- If you’re in Toronto, click here to download.
- If you’re in Vancouver, click here to download.
- Your Current Passport: Bring your most recent Philippine passport.
- Copy of Your Passport’s Data Page: Make a photocopy of the page in your passport that has your photo and personal information.
- Proof that You’re a Filipino Citizen: Show the original and a photocopy of any of the following: a Permanent Resident Card, a Work Permit, or a Canadian Visit Visa. If you’re a dual citizen, you don’t need to do this.
- For Those Applying in Calgary and Toronto PCG: Don’t forget to bring a self-addressed prepaid Xpresspost return envelope that has a signature sticker and a tracking number.
Where in Canada Do You Need to Renew Your Philippine Passport?
If you’re a Filipino living in Canada and need to renew your passport, here are the key locations and information you need to know:
| Location | Address | Contact Information | Office Hours | Consular Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philippine Embassy in Ottawa | 30 Murray St., Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5M4 | 613-233-1121 / ottawape.consular@dfa.gov.ph | Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Bermuda, Ottawa, Nunavut, areas east of Kingston, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Islands, Quebec |
| Philippine Consulate in Calgary | Suite #100, 1001 – 1st St. SE, Calgary, AB, T2G, 5G3 | (403) 455-9457 / (403) 455-9346 / calgarypcg@gmail.com / calgarypcg.passports@gmail.com | Mondays to Fridays, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (plus one Saturday per month) | Alberta, Saskatchewan |
| Philippine Consulate in Toronto | 7/F 160 Eglinton Ave. East, Toronto, Ontario M4P 3B5 | (416) 922-7181 / consularmatters@philcongen-toronto.com | Mondays to Fridays, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM | Greater Toronto Area, Western Ontario, Manitoba |
| Philippine Consulate in Vancouver | World Trade Center Office Complex, 999 Canada Place, Suite 660, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3E1 | (604) 685-7645 / (604) 685-1619 / vancouverpcg@telus.net | Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Yukon |
Please note that due to the ongoing global situation, it’s always best to contact the embassy or consulate to confirm their current operating hours and any necessary appointment procedures before visiting.
Consular Outreach Mission
If you can’t reach any of the embassies or consulates, you can check for a consular outreach program in your area. These are announced on the website of the embassy or consulate that serves your province.
Each announcement includes the schedule, exact location, and a link to the appointment form for that specific outreach.
Please note that an appointment is required for passport renewals due to limited slots. Walk-in applicants are generally not accepted, except for senior citizens, children aged seven and below, pregnant women, and PWDs.
Update: As of October 09, 2021, the consulates and the embassy of the Philippines in Canada have resumed their consular outreach missions. For more information on upcoming consular outreach programs, check the respective Facebook posts and official websites of the consulates and the embassy in Canada.
How to Renew Your Philippine Passport in Canada?
1. Book an Appointment Online
To renew your Philippine passport in Canada, you first need to schedule an appointment online. This is a requirement for the Embassy in Ottawa and the Consulates in Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver. Use the following links to book your appointment:
- Philippine Embassy in Ottawa Appointment System
- Philippine Consulates in Calgary and Toronto Global Online Appointment System
- Vancouver PCG Appointment System
Remember, walk-ins are not accepted. However, if you’re a senior citizen, a person with disabilities, pregnant, or have children under 7, you’ll be given priority in Calgary between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
After booking, you’ll receive an email with your appointment details and instructions. Print this email as it’s your proof of appointment for your passport renewal day. You’ll also get an email confirming your passport renewal has been pre-processed, along with an entry pass for the Consulate.
2. Arrive at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate
Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment. Show your printed confirmation email at the Embassy/Consulate. If you’re in Toronto or Vancouver, you might need to fill out a health declaration form, which you can download, print, and complete beforehand:
In Toronto, if you’re a senior citizen, a person with disabilities, pregnant, or a parent with infants, let the reception desk know so you can use the courtesy lane.
3. Hand in Your Documents
Next, go to the Consular Section and submit your required documents at the appropriate window.
4. Pay the Passport Fee
Then, you’ll need to pay the processing fee of CAD 87 at the cashier. They accept cash, postal/bank money orders, or bank-certified checks made out to the Philippine Embassy or Philippine Consulate General.
5. Provide Your Biometrics
After that, head to the passport encoding area for your biometrics capture, data encoding, and verification.
6. Wait for Your New Philippine Passport
Your new passport should arrive eight to 12 weeks from your application date. The availability date will be stamped on your official receipt.
If you’re in Ottawa or Vancouver, you’ll need to pick up your new passport in person. Bring your old passport and official receipt to the Embassy or Consulate. Check your passport details and sign on the third page of the booklet before you leave.
If you can’t pick up your passport yourself, an immediate family member can do it for you. They’ll need your authorization letter, old passport, official receipt, and their valid ID. If you’re sending your old passport to the Consulate, include a self-addressed return envelope. You can track your envelope using your courier’s online service.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Renew My Expired Philippine Passport?
Yes, you can renew your Philippine passport anytime after its expiration date. If you’re an OFW or a frequent traveler, it’s recommended to renew your passport at least a year before its expiration date. It’s crucial to have a passport with at least 7-8 months of validity before making or finalizing any travel plans.
When renewing, the DFA accepts an expired or expiring Philippine passport as a valid ID, so additional proof of identification isn’t necessary. However, some DFA offices may not accept expired passports. If your passport is expired, it’s advisable to bring an additional valid ID for your passport renewal.
2. Can I Travel Back to the Philippines with an Expired Passport?
No, you can’t travel back to the Philippines with an expired passport. You need to renew your passport before making travel arrangements. If you urgently need to renew your passport and can’t secure an appointment, you can contact the consular section’s emergency hotline.
Philippine embassies and consulates provide dedicated contact numbers and/or email addresses for overseas Filipinos needing urgent assistance. This information can be found on the embassy’s or consulate’s official website or Facebook page.
In case of emergency travel to the Philippines due to hospitalization, death in the family, or any medical/legal emergency, a travel document may be issued instead of passport renewal. This document allows you to return to the Philippines without a valid passport.
3. How Can I Apply for a Travel Document?
The requirements for a travel document may include:
- Original copy of your Philippine passport and photocopy of its data page
- Photocopy of your immigration documents like visa, work permit, PR card, etc.
- Photocopy of your travel itinerary
- 2 x 2 colored ID pictures
- Self-addressed/stamped mailing envelope (if applying through the mail)
- Payment in the form of cash, certified cheque, or money order
The Philippine Consulate will process your application and issue the travel document approximately 3 business days after receiving the documentary requirements.
4. What If There Are No Available Appointment Slots for Philippine Passport Renewal?
If all appointment slots are full, it means the consular section is prioritizing its backlogs. Thus, new appointments can’t be accommodated at the moment. In this case, the only thing you can do is wait for appointment slots to open. Keep checking the online appointment system from time to time.
5. Can I Do a Walk-In Application To Renew My Philippine Passport?
No, Philippine embassies and consulates don’t accommodate walk-ins. These offices accept applicants strictly by appointment to limit the number of people on their premises daily. Without a confirmed appointment, your passport renewal will not be processed. You should get an appointment scheduled (usually done online) before you go to the embassy or consulate for your Philippine passport renewal.
6. Is There a Philippine Consulate in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan?
No Philippine Consulate exists in Saskatchewan. If you live in Saskatoon and need to renew your passport, you should apply at the Consulate in Calgary, which has jurisdiction over Saskatchewan.
7. Where Can I Renew My Passport in Edmonton?
The Consulate in Edmonton has been closed since October 2017 and will not be reopened. Filipinos in Edmonton may renew their passport in the Consulate in Calgary.
8. Can I Renew My Philippine Passport Even If My Work Permit Is Expired?
Yes, you can renew your Philippine passport even if your work permit is expired. If it’s expired, just show any proof that you’ve applied for renewal of your work permit. You’ll also have to fill out an Affidavit of Filipino Citizenship during passport processing.