What should you do if your passport or other documents have been lost?

Losing your passport or other important documents while in Calgary can be a serious problem that requires immediate and decisive action. Whether it is a Canadian passport, Ukrainian passport, work permit, study permit, permanent resident card, or other personal documents, a quick response is critical to minimizing risks and ensuring that you can continue your normal life in Canada. As a large international center with a significant immigrant population, Calgary has a well-developed support system for individuals who find themselves in this situation, including police services, consular offices, and specialized organizations.

Documents can be lost for a variety of reasons: theft, accidental loss during a move, leaving them on public transportation, losing them while traveling, or even damage due to unforeseen circumstances. Each situation requires a specific approach, but the general principles of action remain similar. It is important to understand that lost documents can be used for fraud or identity theft, so immediate action not only helps to recover documents but also protects against potential financial losses and legal problems.

Immediate actions when you discover that your documents are missing

The first few hours after discovering that your documents are missing are critical for minimizing potential consequences. Regardless of the type of documents lost, there is a standard algorithm of actions that should be taken as soon as possible. These steps will help protect your personal information, create an official record of the loss, and begin the process of recovering your documents.

  1. Carefully check all possible places where the documents could have been left: pockets, bags, car, work, last places visited.
  2. If the documents were in your wallet along with credit cards, immediately contact the banks and card issuers to block them.
  3. Contact the Calgary Police Service to report the loss or theft of your documents:
  • In person at a police station
  • Online through the Citizen Online Police Report System (for some types of documents)
  • Phone: 403-266-1234 (non-emergency number)
  1. File a report providing detailed information: time, place of loss, description of documents, numbers (if remembered), details of suspicious circumstances.
  2. Obtain a police report with a case number and keep a copy—you will need it to replace your documents.

Replacing a Canadian passport

A Canadian passport is one of the most important documents, so its loss must be reported immediately to Passport Canada:

  • Phone: 1-800-567-6868 (24 hours a day)
  • Provide information about the lost passport: number, date of issue, circumstances of loss.
  • The passport will be entered into the lost/stolen document database.

Apply for a new passport:

  • Complete the standard form and form PPTC 203 (Statutory Declaration).
  • Include two passport photos, the fee, proof of citizenship (certificate or birth certificate), and the police report.
  • Processing takes 2–4 weeks or longer in complex cases.

Emergency travel document

If you need to travel immediately:

  • Cost: $75 (adults) or $30 (children)
  • Valid for one trip (return to Canada or to the destination).
  • Proof of urgency is required (medical certificates, death certificates, etc.).
  • Issued within 1–3 business days (faster in urgent cases).

Renewal of Ukrainian passport

Ukrainian citizens should contact the Consulate General of Ukraine in Edmonton:

  • Address: Unit 327, 9707 110 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5K 2L9
  • Phone: consulate
  • Submit a loss report with detailed information.
  • Required: application, police report (with translation), two 35×45 mm photos, proof of identity.
  • Consular fee and shipping costs.
  • Duration: 2–4 weeks (faster in urgent cases).
  • Temporary certificate for return to Ukraine: valid for 30 days.

Restoration of immigration documents

For work permits, study permits, PR cards:

  1. Submit form IMM 5524 (Verification of Status or Replacement).
  2. Attach the police report and details of the lost document.
  3. PR card permits: 4–6 weeks for renewal.
  4. Work/study permits: faster processing, especially if the permit has not yet expired.
  5. In complex cases, consult a lawyer or advisor.

Renewal of Social Insurance Number (SIN)

The SIN is confirmed by a letter from Service Canada:

  • Physical cards are no longer issued.
  • If you know your SIN number, contact Service Canada Centre in person.
  • Calgary Head Office: Harry Hays Building, 220 4th Ave SE, Suite 150.
  • Free service, confirmation letter issued on the same day.
  • A new number is issued only if fraud is proven.
  • For fraud: Service Canada 1-800-206-7218, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501.

Renewing driver's licenses and provincial documents

Through registry agents:

  • Cost of a duplicate driver's license: $28.
  • Procedure: in person with government ID.
  • A temporary permit is issued immediately.
  • Required: government photo ID, additional signed document, original documents.
  • Police report recommended in case of theft.

Other provincial documents (medical cards, birth certificates) have similar requirements.

Protection against identity theft

  1. Credit agencies: set up fraud alerts with Equifax and TransUnion.
  2. Bank and cards: notify financial institutions and activate multi-factor authentication.
  3. Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501.
  4. Monitor your statements and reports.

Specialized support services

  • Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS): advice on document recovery.
  • Immigrant Services Calgary: assistance with translations and forms.
  • Alberta Law Information Centre (ALIC): free legal advice.
  • Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth: support for youth and newcomers.

Financial aspects

  • Passport: standard fee + expedited processing.
  • Emergency documents: reduced cost.
  • Consular services: vary by country.
  • Driver's license/medical cards: registration fees.
  • Translations/notarization: $30–100/page, $25–50 for notarization.
  • Apostille agency: $90–200.
  • WES/IQAS: $200–300 per evaluation.

Preventing future losses

  • Safe storage: safe, bank safe deposit box.
  • Backup copies: digital versions in the cloud.
  • Document registry: numbers, dates, contact details.
  • RFID blocking: wallets, bags.
  • Regular monitoring: credit and bank reports.

Losing your documents in Calgary is stressful, but the process of getting them back is well regulated. It is important to act quickly: contact the police, start the process of restoring your passport or immigration documents, obtain temporary ID, and protect your personal data. Calgary has all the necessary services to help you, from the police to the Ukrainian consulate, Service Canada, and notaries. Taking precautions and planning ahead will help you avoid future losses and ensure that everything goes smoothly.