Hearing the words "Your visa is approved" is a massive relief, but the anxiety doesn't always end there. Waiting for your passport to be returned can be stressful, especially if days turn into weeks.If your U.S. visa was approved but your passport hasn't arrived yet, here is a step-by-step guide on what to do and how to track it.
1. Understand Normal Processing Time
First take a breath. The passport processing time is totally normal. It takes some time to get your passport printed and sent to you. Usually it takes around 3 to 5 business days not counting weekends and holidays for your passport to be processed, stamped and given to the courier service. When a lot of people are traveling, like, during peak travel seasons the passport processing time can take a little longer.
2. Check The Status Of Your Passport Online
You should not have to wonder where your passport is. You can find out where it is by using the website where you made your appointment. This is the website for scheduling visas. You can look for updates on the status of your passport. These updates will tell you things like:
- Origination Scan: This means your passport has left the embassy.
- Ready for Pickup: This means your passport is waiting for you at the place where you said you would pick it up.
- In Transit: This means the delivery person is, on their way to bring your passport to your home. You can check the status of your passport. See what is happening with it. This way you will know when you can get your passport. You can check the status of your passport online.
3. Confirm Delivery or Pickup Details
You need to check the delivery options you picked on your Form DS-160 or your visa appointment profile.
- Look at what you chose. Was it Premium Home Delivery or Hold for Pickup at a courier location.
- If you chose pickup make sure you know the address of that place. What time it is open.
- You should know the address and the hours of that center for your Form DS-160 and visa appointment profile.
4. Wait For A While Before Taking It Further
When something is taking too long it is very tempting to send emails right away.. You should really give the system at least 5 to 7 business days before you make an official complaint. If you contact them soon they will probably just send you a computer generated message that says you have to wait. You should only take it further when the delay is really longer than it normally should be. The system needs a time to do its thing. So wait for the Email Support System to do its job.
5. Contact Support If the Delay Seems Unusual
If, than a week has passed and your online status still hasn't updated you should take action.
Contact the Visa Application Center helpdesk using their support email or phone numbers.
When you contact them provide your:
- * Name* Passport Number* UID or Appointment Confirmation Number
6. Watch for Administrative Processing Updates
Sometimes an application that was approved will go through Administrative Processing for a while. This is for some final checks or to make sure all the information matches up. You can look at the status of your case on the CEAC website. If it says your application was Refused or is, in Administrative Processing do not worry. This usually just means that your actual visa is still being made, even if you were already told it was approved. You can check the status of your Administrative Processing on the CEAC website to see what is going on with your Administrative Processing.
7. Do Not Book Travel Plans Right Away
This is the important rule for traveling abroad: Do not book flights or hotels that you cannot get a refund for until you actually have your passport and visa. Problems with printing or delays, with the courier can. The embassy will not help you with financial losses.
- Summary: Be patient check the portal every day and make sure your contact information is right. In cases your passport is just being delivered through normal courier services.
Related Source
Visa News
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