Job Discussion Forums

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

Has anybody done this recently? Mine expires in April. I found a thread on the search function but it was quite old and I'm hoping for some more recent input. Can I just walk up to the embassy with my passport and my gaijin card (and I think I even have my birth certificate) or am I going to need to get more things?

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

Gee I don't know there's this new fangled teknologee call the intanet

/[url]canadaonline.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=canadaonline&cdn=newsissues&tm=20&f=20&tt=2&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//geo.international.gc.ca/asia/main/japan/tokyo-en.asp[/url]

Why on earth would you need your gaijin card? Do they have gaijin cards in Canada?

seanmcginty · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 203

I renewed mine in 2004 in Japan, I didn't have any problems...just check the website or contact the embassy for details. One thing that sucks is they closed the consulate in Osaka last year, so you've got to do it in Tokyo (not a problem if you live in Tokyo, of course!)

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

You should call up the embassy. They send you some papers to fill out, and you need to have the official Guarantor, but because most foreigners in Japan have huge problems getting this, they allow you to use just other people, and then an embassy person will sign. You need to get photos taken at a photo shop down the street from the embassy, because they can take the right size photo there.

mimimimi · Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 53

Here's the link to the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo with specific information about renewing your passport. http://geo.international.gc.ca/asia/main/japan/passports-en.asp

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

Thanks mimimimi that link was very useful. And through it I came up on this link which basically details step by step what needs to be done:

http://www.ppt.gc.ca/cdn/form.aspx?lang=eng&region=international

mimimimi · Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 53

I'm in a similar boat with one problem. I do not have a qualified guarantor that I've known for two years. How about you? If not, I'd appreciate you letting me know how you went about getting the "Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor" (Form PPT 132) all sorted out. The website doesn't provide a copy of the document nor does it explain the procedures for completing and submitting it. It just mentions an extra fee of $50. Do they have some notary public stashed away, ready to pop out and sign these documents as demanded?

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

I'm in the same boat I think. I know someone who is a Radiation Technologist but I don't think that is the same thing as a Doctor. I also know someone who is a professor but I don't see professor listed as a profession. I thought that was one of the options when you were in Canada.

mimimimi · Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 53

craven · Joined: 17 Dec 2004 Posts: 130

Hey guys

I guess the fees have gone up, but yes, at the Canadian Embassy (now that the consulate is gone in Osaka), you can get your documents notarized. You have to show up in person unfortunately, which will likely add to your expenses, but that's how it works. Make sure to call ahead and make an appointment to do it just in case.
I don't know if any of the old staff from the Osaka consulate are in Tokyo now, but they were INCREDIBLY helpful to me when I had to go through this a few years back...and I had a whole bunch of strange stuff with my birth certificate that had to be worked out. Called them up and they were fantastic.

craven · Joined: 17 Dec 2004 Posts: 130

One more quick note...

If it is at ALL possible to renew your passport while home in Canada, DO IT! It's not a huge deal, but all passports issued here are not machine readable, which means you won't be able to use any fancy-schmancy fast check in lines etc.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

mimimimi · Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 53

gt37 · Joined: 14 Oct 2004 Posts: 39 Location: Osaka

We have to go there in person to apply for the new passport? What a stupid system...The canuck passport system is totally FUBAR.

How about after it's returned to Japan? Do we have to pick it up in person too or can they mail it C.O.D to my place?

Also, I will be going back to Canada for a short holiday a few months before my passport expires. Can I renew it there even though I have non-residency status?