Lycosaurus
Well Known Member
Are you planning to apply for Canpass – Private Aircraft? Here is what I have learned and my recent experience for speeding up the process (as of May 20, 2022). (caveat... you mileage may vary)
For those who don't know about Canpass, here is an excerpt from their website:
All the information and application form can be found here:
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/canpass/privateair-eng.html
I have been hemming and hawing about renewing our Canpass this year and let it all slip away. We are not too keen on crossing the border yet, however we decided we should keep our options open, so we decided to apply now.
Canpass, like all government agencies, have a large backlog of applications and work to contend with. I managed to speak with someone in the Montreal office, and they graciously gave of their time and wisdom (many thanks kind stranger). I was informed that they are having issues with the credit card system, and any application with that form of payment will be delayed... with no foreseeable end in sight according to this person. I asked for the best way to expedite our applications, and this is what I learned:
- Fill out the application form(s), one per person, include any additional information (e.g. copy of your passport photo page) required per the above link. I would suggest including a cell phone number so you can be contacted promptly if there are any questions (that's how we were reached today for a clarification).
- Include a certified check or bank draft in Canadian Funds ONLY.
- Include a note requesting that approval document be sent back as a pdf by email. Will expedite your process by one to two weeks.
- Send your package to the British Columbia Canpass address found within the above web link:
Canpass Private Aircraft
28 176th Street
Surrey BC V3Z 9R9
- We decided to send our package via Canada Post registered mail.
- We had two applications, and we paid the $40 each fee with one $80 bank draft (Canadian funds).
We sent the package on Monday May 16th from Ottawa, Ontario, and we just received a phone call today (May 20th) for a clarification. The person working on our application said it would take about another week for the approval process. They can send the approval document via postal mail, which would take another one to two weeks, or if agree they can email a pdf to us, saving us the snail mail time. We requested they email it to us. I would recommend you add a note to your application saying you wish that they send the pdf approval document back to you by email.
So far the recommendation from the Montreal office is panning out. I expect we should hear back before the end of the month. I will post progress here.
For those who don't know about Canpass, here is an excerpt from their website:
The CANPASS – Private Aircraft program makes clearing the border easier for private aircraft carrying no more than 15 people (including the crew) and travelling to Canada from the United States. This program allows members to access more airports and provides expedited clearances for low-risk, pre-screened travellers.
All the information and application form can be found here:
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/canpass/privateair-eng.html
I have been hemming and hawing about renewing our Canpass this year and let it all slip away. We are not too keen on crossing the border yet, however we decided we should keep our options open, so we decided to apply now.
Canpass, like all government agencies, have a large backlog of applications and work to contend with. I managed to speak with someone in the Montreal office, and they graciously gave of their time and wisdom (many thanks kind stranger). I was informed that they are having issues with the credit card system, and any application with that form of payment will be delayed... with no foreseeable end in sight according to this person. I asked for the best way to expedite our applications, and this is what I learned:
- Fill out the application form(s), one per person, include any additional information (e.g. copy of your passport photo page) required per the above link. I would suggest including a cell phone number so you can be contacted promptly if there are any questions (that's how we were reached today for a clarification).
- Include a certified check or bank draft in Canadian Funds ONLY.
- Include a note requesting that approval document be sent back as a pdf by email. Will expedite your process by one to two weeks.
- Send your package to the British Columbia Canpass address found within the above web link:
Canpass Private Aircraft
28 176th Street
Surrey BC V3Z 9R9
- We decided to send our package via Canada Post registered mail.
- We had two applications, and we paid the $40 each fee with one $80 bank draft (Canadian funds).
We sent the package on Monday May 16th from Ottawa, Ontario, and we just received a phone call today (May 20th) for a clarification. The person working on our application said it would take about another week for the approval process. They can send the approval document via postal mail, which would take another one to two weeks, or if agree they can email a pdf to us, saving us the snail mail time. We requested they email it to us. I would recommend you add a note to your application saying you wish that they send the pdf approval document back to you by email.
So far the recommendation from the Montreal office is panning out. I expect we should hear back before the end of the month. I will post progress here.
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