Need new passport but can't surrender current one due to needing extension stamp

[Stuart and Thea 95]

I'm still waiting a year past filling out my removal of conditions to get a new card. I had to get my passport stamped at an infopass for this today, but they could only give me till July 12, as my Canadian passport is expiring. In order to get a new passport, I need to surrender the old one to them, but because I need to keep this stamp on my person at all times to be able to prove my residency, I can't surrender it. I will need a new extension stamp in a new passport as I was told that the backlog on interviews will likely be another 4-5 months because of N400 processing being put ahead of everything else (so 16-17 month total wait time for ROC approx) but now I'm stumped, as I don't know how to get a new passport for them to stamp.

Has anyone ever been able to get a new passport without surrendering the old one until after the new one is received and stamped? What exactly do I ask them? I do know I can have them send it back to me to have the stamp back, but I'm actually not legally allowed to not have it in my possession...

[VeeNDee 44]

That is quite confusing. I am not sure what to do in the meantime if you do apply for a new passport but you can request to have your old passport returned to you - when they first did that they hole punched it back in I think 2010 or so. I just got a new one this spring and they returned it with the corner cut off instead. I am not sure if this preserves the stamp accurately enough for you plus there is definitely a waiting period before you get it returned to you. The Passport Canada site has a current waiting period estimator. You might be able to try to expedite it but you'd still have to surrender the old one in the meantime. Ugh. Sorry I can't be more helpful

[Ontarkie 13,916]

Any chance you're near the border and can go get same day renewal?

Maybe call and ask if they can send another extension letter instead of the stamp, other then that just mail it off and ask for it to be returned.

You're in the system so if anything happens they will find proof you're extended if it really ever came down to it.

[ricnally 258]

I would just send the old passport and not worry about it. It would only be a couple weeks you'd be undocumented.

[Lemonslice 4,554]

Losing your passport does not mean you lose your status. That being said, there are a couple ways to keep your passport/limit the time you do not have it in hand. Local consulate can help you renew it (but that is an emergency passport more $$$, valid for a maximum of one year) - they can also offer you the retention service (less $$), you keep your passport while Passport Canada renews it. Or, if you plan to go to Canada, for about the same price, urgent service gets you a new passport

Personally, I would just make a copy of my current passport and send this one for renewal.

[Stuart and Thea 95]

Thanks for the suggestions, wish I was closer to the border, it would have been much easier. I didn't realize that if I don't have it with me, that I'm okay though, so that makes me worry a lot less, and I'll probably just send it in, asking them to return it. Thanks guys!

[VeeNDee 44]

I'm still waiting a year past filling out my removal of conditions to get a new card. I had to get my passport stamped at an infopass for this today, but they could only give me till July 12, as my Canadian passport is expiring. In order to get a new passport, I need to surrender the old one to them, but because I need to keep this stamp on my person at all times to be able to prove my residency, I can't surrender it. I will need a new extension stamp in a new passport as I was told that the backlog on interviews will likely be another 4-5 months because of N400 processing being put ahead of everything else (so 16-17 month total wait time for ROC approx) but now I'm stumped, as I don't know how to get a new passport for them to stamp.

Has anyone ever been able to get a new passport without surrendering the old one until after the new one is received and stamped? What exactly do I ask them? I do know I can have them send it back to me to have the stamp back, but I'm actually not legally allowed to not have it in my possession...

So I've been thinking about your post a little and wondering - are you really waiting past a year for your ROC new card?? That's crazy! I have been waiting since January and have the extension letter until next April but I can't even imagine it taking so long. VJ processing timelines at the top suggest they are working on September-October 2014 ROC applications now. Do you have any idea why your case is taking so long?

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Knowing where you're from....... if you have any plans to travel back home, you could renew and get your passport handed back to you at the local office. They'll cut off the corner but you'll have it in hand to travel back across the border (if asked for it) plus the receipt from the Cdn passport office with your renewal fee.

[Ms Hogan 295]

Thanks for the suggestions, wish I was closer to the border, it would have been much easier. I didn't realize that if I don't have it with me, that I'm okay though, so that makes me worry a lot less, and I'll probably just send it in, asking them to return it. Thanks guys!

I don't know that they'll send it back to you. And if they do still do that the corner will be cut off making it invalid. That's been my experience anyway. I would think that your stamp should still be considered valid whether the corner is cut off or not but it will depend who you are presenting it to I guess. I would suggest making another INFOPASS appointment as soon as you get the new one so you can get a new stamp but I'm sure you've already thought of that!

[Lemonslice 4,554]

First or second page, check where it says that you want your passport returned to you. Cover will be cut, other pages are usually left intact and you can certainly specify that the visa pages have to be left as is.

Also, don't forget Canadian passport picture requirements are different.