The U.S. consul general will be visiting Prince Rupert March 23 to take part in region’s first-ever pop-up consulate forAmerican citizens.
The purpose of the one-day visit to Northwest is to assist Americans living in the Northwest with an assortment of servicerequests, such as passport renewal and birth registration.
“We’ve done pop-ups before but this will be our first time reaching this area,” said vice consul Ingrid Specht. “We’ve had a fewfamilies call us up with stories from hell in trying to get the whole family down to Vancouver, the money involved, taking timeoff work, off school.
“We pay attention to where these requests are coming from, and if we get enough calls we’ll plan a trip to go out there.”
Specht isn’t sure how many Americans live in the area but says when combined with Canadians holding dual citizenship, thereis a large pocket in the north.
This pop-up consulate will be different than any previous in B.C. as Consul General Ketherine Dhanani will be there in personfor a meet and greet prior to the start of appointments.
“She’ll be doing some meetings in the area and wanted to come out and meet some of the Americans up there, have a face toface and hear what’s on their mind,” Specht said.
Residents holding U.S. citizenship are encouraged to set up an appointment before March 22, but walk-ins will be welcome.The pop-up consulate will run from noon to 5 p.m., March 23 at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre. To book an appointment call604-685-4311, email vancouverACS@state.gov or visit their website.