passport office

[mattymids]

im guessing its still crazy as ever, any suggestions on which office to go to? when to go? or anything that could help me out.

I had a friend who went to the office at sinclair centre got there around 615 am and was one of the first 25 people in line, i guess that office opens at 730whereas richmond opens at 8

The further east you go in the lower mainland, the longer the lines. Apparently downtown is the fastest.

[mattymids]

ya thats what i heard too thanks, anyone else have any experience

[B-rizzo]

I filled mine out a few years ago and got there like 30 minutes before the place opened only to still wait for an hour before being served, It's really hit or miss. Good luck

[baby-phat]

I've been trying to find out the same thing lately (but for the Vic office).
I think a good idea would be to print off the application and have it filled out before you head down there, and make sure you have everything else you need with you. (that's what I'm gonna do) :)

[Silverwinged]

Originally Posted by baby-phat

I've been trying to find out the same thing lately (but for the Vic office).
I think a good idea would be to print off the application and have it filled out before you head down there, and make sure you have everything else you need with you. (that's what I'm gonna do) :)

if you show up without it filled out, they ARENT going to help you.
unless you meant doing it online and getting it printed up with all your info already on it.

[baby-phat]

^ Yes, that is what I meant :)

[mattymids]

ya i did mine online by signing up for an e pass plus u have to get a guarantor to sign it once its filled out, i was told by a friend if you have it done online its quicker once your there

[ash1ee]

bret went last monday at 5am and was the 22nd person in line. the line quadrupled in the next hour and a half. he was done by 8.

we tried the friday before at 8 and the lineup was rediculous. didn't even bother waiting.

my mum went to the richmond office a few weeks ago and was the an hour before opening and about 45 people were ahead of her. i think it took a total of 2.5 hours.

[mattymids]

almost sounds like richmond is better. Is it true that richmond opens at 8 and the vancouver location opes at 730? Im not looking forward to waiting in line at sinclair at 5 in the morning. if i get there at 6 will I be screwed?

[ash1ee]

i think the majority of people started showing up dt around 6.

[mattymids]

thanks for the info

[*SunShyne*]

Originally Posted by mattymids

ya thats what i heard too thanks, anyone else have any experience

I work on the other side of the building there... I can assure you, it is not fast at all.

[mattymids]

i went this morning got their at 525 and i was done at 815, not bad im glad its over with, definately go early if you have to, i was 22nd person

[firestar]

I did all this last week.. went to the Vancouver office, so, here's what I can tell you.

First off, get the e-pass, fill out the forms online and print them, that gets you a better spot once you've made it up to the acutal office. Get everything notorized before hand (and do not get it done at the law firm in Sinclair centre - they charge you way too much because they're right there)

The line ups are fucking huge, like 300 people long, so, get there as early as you can. I got there at like 12, and was one of the last 25 to make it in - they do not let anyone know their not going to make it in, at the end, they just say -'okay that's it, everyone from -here- on will have to come back tommorrow' which would suck if you were sitting there for 4 hours. Also when you finally make it up to the passport office, they make you wait again to submit your application - they said at 4:30, they would cut everyone off and just stop everything.

Also make sure if your current passport is damaged or washed or anything that you get a declaration of passport damage and fill it out (and get it notorized) ahead of time - I found out that the hard way and had to literally run back downstairs and pay the law firm AGAIN to have another thing notorized. Also, if you have not known your guarantor for 2 years (like me, I got my stuff notorized at the law firm) - you'll have to fill out ANOTHER declaration form stating so. Make sure you ask for this form as soon as you get there, because you'll have to fill it out manually.

Also make sure you become pals with the people in front of you and behind you - that way, you can leave the line and they'll keep your spot (so you can go for lunch or whatever)

All in all it's a shitty, horibly organzied system, I had to wait for over 4 hours, so make sure you bring something to do.

Hope that helps.