Passport renewal query

[chiragram]

Dear Immihelp team,

I need some clarification for my query below.

My H1b/I-94 has expired on Sep 30th, 2008. My new Employer has filed for Extension and I got the receipt from USCIS and my petition status is "Petition received, Pending"

My Passport will expire on January 5th, 2009. I live in California. For Passport renewal, will it be sufficient if I submit this H1 receipt filed by new employer, Passport, Photos, Fee, Lease Agreement? Please elaborate the process. How many days it would take to get the renewed Passport.

Can I send the Passport to Indian Consular Dept, even without receiving H1 extension?

I heard that there will be some Camp kind of thing in Los Angeles sometimes, wherein we can go personally and submit the documents for Passport renewal. Can you provide the contact information, address of this place in Los Angeles? I am residing in a City 130miles from Los Angels.

Earliest reply is highly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
Chirag

[writeme]

Apply with the available documents as early as possible. Have a look at the website of Indian consulate in san Francisco. You will get your passport renewed in 2 weeks time. If its given a short validity, you apply again for extension of validity once you get the H1b approved.

Send the documents to San Francisco Indian consulate through mail, needn't go in person. The consulate has not authorised any agencies to collect documents on their behalf. Better send the docs to consulate directly..