Ugh Passport Woes

Getting a Canadian Passport is a pain in the neck. I have to be in Canada by May 6th to start my job and move into my new apartment up there and the ONLY thing holding me back is my passport. I've had it rejected once already because of shadow behind my ears (only JUST got back this rejection notice after submitting documents in February) and I honestly don't think i'm going to get it back in time.

I'm thinking of just flying to detroit or buffalo and taking a bus over.

anyone done this before? is it a pain in the neck at the border?

About how long did it take for them to send it back to you rejected?

sent it off first week of feb, got it back last week of march so about 2 months.

Yes, the Canadians can be a pain when getting a passport abroad. I have the hardest time because I cannot find a gaurentor due to the list of candidates being shorter here then in Canada.
I wonder though-could you go to the Canadian embassy and ask for an emergency passport or an emergency extension?

They've actually changed the guarantor rules and now it can be any Canadian citizen who has a valid passport who has known you at least 2 years.

Which is fantastic if you live in Canada but for people living abroad as you know its a complete and total pain.

I think what i'm going to do is fly into Buffalo and then take a Greyhound bus over. It actually works out to be a little be cheaper than flying directly to toronto it's just going to take longer. plus it'll be a heck of a lot easier for me since I know people in Canada that can be my guarantor.

Which is fantastic if you live in Canada but for people living abroad as you know its a complete and total pain.

Unless you know Canadians also living abroad near you

I take it that because you're waiting for a Canadian passport, that you're a Canadian citizen. From what I've read, the passport is more about US citizens and the fact that they'll be re-entering the US, so if it's a one way plane ticket, for you to fly to Canada and stay, do you really need the passport yet? There are so many rules and dates, but it sounds to me like it might be possible, and I would call an airline to ask specifically about your trip, stating that you are Canadian, and flying to Canada and staying there. I may have it all backwards, but it's worth checking out.

Which is fantastic if you live in Canada but for people living abroad as you know its a complete and total pain.

Unless you know Canadians also living abroad near you

Unfortunately the rules are not the same for us poor Canadians in out here but it a good thought