Korean Job Discussion Forums

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

So, I'm going to Korea on June 7th. BUT I didn't realize that my Canadian passport was about to expire and didn't send it to Canada (from the U.S.) to be renewed until April 28th. Now, assuming it got there the following Monday, on May 2nd (I sent it priority) it has been 20 working days- that's how long they said it takes. I'm getting a bit panicky because if I don't have this passport in hand by Monday, I can't go to Korea (obviously). I filled out a form on the Passports Canada webpage, and of course, they haven't gotten back to me. What can I possibly do to speed this up? For those who have called them, is there any one (person, not machine) you can talk to? My credit card has already been charged the $78, so I'm assuming its been processed, but I just don't know.

Of course, it will probably come tomorrow and this will be a moot point. But if not....wah. What should I do?

sheba · Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: Here there and everywhere!

It takes 20 days on priority delivery??? WOW!! It takes about 3 days priority here, and one week standard delivery!

Sorry I cant help you... I was just surprised!

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

They said it takes 20 working days excluding mailing time to Canada. But my application and materials should have gotten there May 2. Once its processed, they say they mail if overnight to the U.S. (they had better, as we all know how efficient Canada Post is). But I'm still waiting.

What can I do to speed this up? I'm worried...

peppermint · Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 8:11 pm Post subject:

I can't give you any tips to speed things up, but I used to work at the central sorting plant for Canada post, and believe me there's an awful lot of trucks that go to the US full of mail every day. The only thing that really stops them is snow storms, and even Canada's weather isn't that bad.

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

That's too bad. Is there really no way to speed up the processing time for a Canadian passport?

The American government will run you off a new passport in under 24 hours if you give them a shit load of money.

Sometimes it's good to belong to an uber-capitalistic country like the U.S.

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

Yep, UK too. (Although it's not just uber-capitalist countries that do it. The French Embassy here will do it almost while you wait)

But I don't understand why it was dealt with by post from USA to Canada? Why not just go to the nearest Consulate and pick a new one up the next day?

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

You can't do that as a Canadian...if you live in the U.S. you have to mail it in to Quebec (which is dang far away from Seattle). If my phone call tomorrow reveals only bad news, I suppose I can go to the Canadian Consulate in Seattle and beg and plead...

I did find out recently that I am a U.S. citizen as well, by virtue of having a U.S. citizen parent (it's a long story)...I guess if all else fails, I can drop the big bucks and try to get a super fast U.S. passport. Sounds a bit hectic, though...

Stress...

Homer · Guest

If you show them your plane ticket and pay the fee you can get your new passeport in 48 hours.

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

Homer-

I faxed them a copy of my plane ticket today. What is the fee you speak of? I already paid them $90 Canadian (this included $25 for overnight delivery). Who should I contact to speed this up if I call them tomorrow afternoon (as they recommended I do) and it either still hasn't been sent, or for some reason they predict that it will arrive here later than Monday?

I'm freaking out here...I had steam coming out my ears as the calm govt. employee in Quebec said on the phone, "Oh, yes, it's ready...we'll be Fed Exing it in a couple of days."

Not good enough....I leave on TUESDAY at 7:00 am...and I gave them plenty of time to do this!

Homer · Guest

The total fee for an emergency passeport is about 150$ (including the basic 87$ they charge for the reg. passeport).

turtlepi1 · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

So? Keep us up to date...

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

Whoa, big hourglass...

Thanks for caring! I still don't know what's happening, but feel slightly more calm (for the moment). The Canadian consulate assured me that once the passport office mailed my passport off it would definitely get here overnight. The consulate here is prodding the people in Quebec to try to get them to hurry up a bit. I told everyone that I would pay extra if I needed to...we'll see if I have to. I am supposed to call Quebec again tomorrow afternoon to check to see whether they have sent it.

I'm in rather a crazed state generally in the preparations to get ready to go. I have a paper to write, final exam to take, packing to do, and to make things more difficult the people at Sogang seem to rarely check their e-mail and have yet to confirm that my wire transfer of tuition has gone through....because of this, I also haven't taken the class placement test, although I was supposed to do it two weeks before classes start (and they start in a week).

Must not panic...