IR5 interview and passport expiring soon after

[djx98]

Hi, My parents passport is expiring one month after their consulate interview (Sept 29, scheduled by NVC). Do we need to get a new passport? For VAC interview, the instructions on step 7 says that passport needs to be valid 6 months or more (https://ustraveldocs.com/in/en/immig...a#how-to-apply).

If we do need new passport, should I hold off scheduling VAC appointment (fingerprinting) until the new passport number comes? The scheduling website says that passport info should match the profile. Is it hard to schedule VAC appointment?

[ruchi1482]

Hello, The passport must be valid for 6 months at the time of interview. If the passport expiring soon, get it renewed in emergency situation before interview. You will take both passports during interview. Otherwise you can reschedule your interview later after you get the new passport. Also schedule your VAC after you get new passport.

[GeoMac]

Hi, My parents passport is expiring one month after their consulate interview (Sept 29, scheduled by NVC). Do we need to get a new passport? For VAC interview, the instructions on step 7 says that passport needs to be valid 6 months or more (https://ustraveldocs.com/in/en/immig...a#how-to-apply).

If we do need new passport, should I hold off scheduling VAC appointment (fingerprinting) until the new passport number comes? The scheduling website says that passport info should match the profile. Is it hard to schedule VAC appointment?

Dear djx98
Sept 29 is more than 2 months away. Getting new passport needs 15-20 days in normal course, still I would advice you to apply in TATKAAL so that you will have enough time for Medical, Biometrics and Police Clearance Certificate. Do not take risk of re-schedulling visa interview.

[djx98]

Thanks for the responses! We are going to try to get new passport asap. Looks like tatkal also needs an appointment these days and the earliest one is September 7! this is in Chandigarh. They do seem to allow walk-ins if we can provide proof of urgency.

if anyone has experience with providing proof of urgency please let me know.