suggest trying to confirm PP #..visa copy should be easy to d/l from original application..and actually have both your visa # and pp#..and effective dates. Also bring any communication docs you may have had with your embassy..

try larger exchange offices, which have scanners in addition to "counters"..I was refused an exchange last year (yankee $20) from the very exchange that gave it to me only a week before..crossed the street to a larger exchange and presto!

given the recent inflated prices on domestic travel to Phuket , and if you have not already purchased your Thailand arrival ticket..fly into Phuket directly if you can (given you have but 6 days) . My choice would be one or the other entirely different experiences..

@Brandon ***********

good to hear...and am in the process of planning for next year..seeing first if I can use Vancouver office..(process may be routed through provinces..can't remember)

@Brandon ***********

depends on Embassy perhaps..but Canadian Ottawa Embassy will most certainly refuse ME visa if, in submission of further details requested, you make mention of already being "in country"..visa will be refused. 2 years back received visa by email after arriving through visa exempt, then exited and initiated actual visa..this year when disclosed already "in Country"...visa (then well over 2 months post application) was swiftly denied. ( I realise you are aware of associated problems with that source, but officially received notice for that very reason. ) . All records from both years kept, btw. Folks have to be aware that one's history in not necessarily an advantage , quite possibly the opposite though never stated..in attempts to be as rigorous and forthright with documentation it (seems) since the evisa system was adopted the "tourist" status has changed in their judgement , at least. Prior to that, one simply mailed in passport, payment and things were quite efficient . Has to be a policy change that is very difficult to sort..and I refuse to speculate.

@Dennis **********

ottawa consulate, I'm thinking!!

first point..was denied this year for MULTI for that very reason

second ..good to know..I did not recall auto referral re location in Canada. Had always used Ottawa.

@Brandon ***********

without question, it is the Ottawa consulate which is the slower..and word of advice, should you leave on an already booked flight with intent to use visa exempt, do NOT make mention of this in back and forth "request for documents" or your long awaited Multientry will, of course be rejected on the spot..there is no way of telling when their requests for more documentation (sometimes objective , easier to produce stuff, and sometimes totally subjective questions about your reasons for applying for multi entry) ..in any case "processing" can take a long time and one's history in obtaining one (either pre COVID , no e-system or the current e system) is of no help and frustrating repetitions of documents already submitted happens often. There is always a possibility of success in application after you arrive in under visa exempt ..but NOT if you notify them you have arrived, the application will be immediately terminated.

Again, I have no "whys" as to the hold ups there..and really not my place to speculate..but admonish all to perhaps try Vancouver consulate .

Remember as always to have a flight booked for departure within the 30 day allowance period to satisfy airline out of Canada..they are not interested in seeing any applications pending..

In addition, at the airport..have a copy of the previously purchased "going" ticket and supply that and a departure ticket within the 30 day allowance a visa exempt would give you..no need, and perhaps would only complicate things ..to include a return flight already booked for months down the road.

try Vancouver Embassy Office.

reports are all too common with Ottawa office re slow processing..the system was quite responsive prior to evisa system for either 60 day or multi entry, irrespective of history . I cannot speculate on reasons why.

maybe obvious..but ensure you have copy of visa you received by email..to reactivate upon reentry ..think of it as first time..every time..