This guide will show you how to get a passport in New Brunswick, which is the first step towards your dream of visiting another country.
New Brunswick is the second-largest city in Canada. It is often referred to as “The Gateway to Eastern Canada”. The capital city of New Brunswick, Fredericton, was also originally founded by Loyalists fleeing the United States and Europe after the American Revolution. With its distance from the rest of Canada’s population centres and geographical location on the US border, New Brunswicker are well known for their diverse accent and unique hospitality.
What do you need to apply for a passport?
To get a passport, you need two identical passport photos, proof of Canadian citizenship (a birth certificate or a citizenship card), proof that you live in New Brunswick (a utility bill is usually accepted), and the application form. To complete the form, fill it out and make sure to sign it. The easiest way to do this is by typing your name into the signature line. This will save time since otherwise the person who approves your application for a passport will have to sign his or her own name on it. If you live with someone else and need both of your names on your passport, have one of them sign as well so there are no problems with approval.
How long does it take to get a passport?
Most New Brunswickers apply for a passport by mail. The postal option is usually the easiest, though the fastest one will be if you come into our office in person. The turnaround time for the postal application is 4 to 6 weeks. If you come into our office, we can usually get an application approved within 5 minutes, but it takes 2 or 3 weeks to get your new passport from Ottawa. Your new passport will then be sent via courier to your home address. New Brunswick also has a third option which is often used by Canadians who are already travelling, are about to travel and need a passport immediately. This is a fast and easy option for those who want to apply for the passport in just one day.
How much does it cost to get a New Brunswick passport?
The cost of getting a passport is typically $100-$120 (including taxes). This includes the application fee, two photos, and the new passport. If you are applying by mail, make sure to include $10 extra (for delivery). You will also need to pay additional taxes if your application becomes final. This is for example the same thing as paying a customs fee on entry: it ranges from $45-$50 per person depending on how many people are travelling with you.
Where do you get a passport application form?
A passport application form can be found at most government offices and at the post office. It is also available online. You can order a passport application form online here: New Brunswick Passport Application Form (Canada) or here: New Brunswick Passport Application Form (USA).
How do I make an appointment for an application?
If you want to schedule an appointment, contact us and we will set up your appointment with our supervisor. When you are in our office, your name may be on a list of those planning to get a new passport. If not, we will get your name on the list as soon as possible. The normal appointment length is 1 hour.
How much extra time do I need to wait if I am applying by mail?
You will need to wait an additional 2 weeks if you choose to apply by mail instead of coming in person. (In most cases, this is due to postal delays.) If you are in our office, you can generally get your passport within 5 minutes. However, it takes two weeks for a new passport to be sent via courier from Ottawa to your home address.
How long does it take to get a passport in person?
If you choose to visit our office and apply for your passport in person, you will generally walk out with a new passport within 5 minutes. We do this by having a third party such as The Prime Minister of Canada or Stephen Harper sign it. This is usually done before the time you arrive at our office. This is why we tell you that average processing time is about 5 minutes. In addition, if one of us has your passport application, we can often approve it with no wait time at all, or within just 2 minutes from when you walk into our office.
Do I have to meet the requirements of Canada’s Passport Program?
Canada has a passport requirement program. You do not have to meet all of the requirements, but you do need to turn in your application when all other requirements are met. However, if you qualify for a diplomatic passport, you can apply for that instead of a regular one. In this case, the consulate can determine whether or not it will be issued based on your personal and family information (name change, etc). It does not mean that you are denied a regular one! Find out more about obtaining a diplomatic passport here: Diplomatic Passports in Canada .
Do I need to bring anything with me when I come to apply for a new passport?
Bring all of the information that is required from you: application form, 2 passport photos, proof of Canadian citizenship (birth certificate, citizenship card), and proof of address (utility bill). You will also need your payment (cash or cheque). If you are transferring a passport that has been in your possession before, bring it with you. It needs to be the same size as the new one and simply needs to be validated by the consulate office. It must also be signed by someone whose signature is on record at the consulate office. Your old passport will then be cancelled and destroyed once we approve your new one.
Can I apply for a New Brunswick passport without the need to provide proof of Canadian citizenship?
You can apply for a regular Canadian Passport (older versions) which does not require you to prove Canadian citizenship. However, if you are applying for a non-regular passport (so called “Diplomatic”), you will not be able to obtain it without providing proof of Canadian citizenship. It is also possible to apply for an emergency passport, but this requires proof of at least 2 months waiting time after applying for your new passport. The waiting time requirements are at most 30 days depending on how long it takes the consulate office to process your application.
