Re-issue of passport when stamped visa is expired

[shail5]

Hello,

I'm on H1B. My stamped visa is expired in Dec 2013. I have I-797A (Notice of action) valid till December 2014.

My passport is getting expired in Jan 2015 and I would like to get it re-issued. I'm under Chicago jurisdiction.

Could someone please let me know whether I can send documents required for re-issuing my passport to BLS office in Chicago OR I need to visit the Chicago consulate in person for an interview before applying at the passport application center?

Thanks in advance!

-SK

[draghuna]

Re-issue of passport when stamped visa is expired

If you have an approved I797, this would mean you have a valid status till Dec 2014. As far as I know, you will not be able to go directly to the Consulate for passport re-issuance. You will have to apply via BLS. You can start this process as early as 1 year before your passport expires, meaning you could have started this in January 2014.

If you submit your re-issue application with all the required documents notarized to BLS, you should be able to get your renewed passport sooner. I would suggest to not wait any longer as your I797 will expire in December 2014.

Hello,

I'm on H1B. My stamped visa is expired in Dec 2013. I have I-797A (Notice of action) valid till December 2014.

My passport is getting expired in Jan 2015 and I would like to get it re-issued. I'm under Chicago jurisdiction.

Could someone please let me know whether I can send documents required for re-issuing my passport to BLS office in Chicago OR I need to visit the Chicago consulate in person for an interview before applying at the passport application center?

Thanks in advance!

-SK

[shail5]

Visit to consulate and BLS office required?

Thanks draghuna! I'm aware that I need to apply via BLS.

Following is mentioned on BLS website:

"If your visa has expired and/or or you have the receipt notice for extension of your visa then - WAS/ATL/HOU/CHI Jurisdiction Applicants - must visit the consulate in person for an interview before applying at the passport application center."

I just want to confirm if I need to visit Chicago consulate in person OR I can send required documents to BLS by post.

[draghuna]

Re-issue of passport when stamped visa is expired

Since you have your approved I797, you can apply via postal. The case mentioned below is only if your visa has expired and you only have the receipt of your H1B extension request. Hope this clarifies it.

Thanks draghuna! I'm aware that I need to apply via BLS.

Following is mentioned on BLS website:

"If your visa has expired and/or or you have the receipt notice for extension of your visa then - WAS/ATL/HOU/CHI Jurisdiction Applicants - must visit the consulate in person for an interview before applying at the passport application center."

I just want to confirm if I need to visit Chicago consulate in person OR I can send required documents to BLS by post.