This article was last updated and fact checked on June 24, 2023 by Mani Karthik.
After a long wait, and an even longer line at the U. S. consulate, you may have finally received your visa to visit the United States.
But before you jet off to see the country you are going to work for (perhaps?), you should double-check a few details about your passport.
After you have completed the visa interview at the U. S. Embassy or consulate, you will be told whether your passport is ready to be picked up or if it will be mailed to you.
The embassy or consulate will provide you with a tracking number for your case. This number can be used to check the status of your passport after it has been sent on to the U.S. Department of State.
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How to track passport after visa is approved
The interviewing officer will keep your passport and documents once your visa is approved and send it for further processing.
You can pick up your visa and passport from a designated pickup location. Note that passports will not be delivered across the counter at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
You will see a list of 33 passport/visa collection locations when you schedule your interview.
You can choose a location that is convenient for you.
If your visa is approved, Blue dart will deliver your passport and visa to the specified location. The service charges are already included in your application fee, so there are no extra charges associated with this service.
When your passport is ready for pick-up, you will receive an email or SMS confirming that. If you paid for the courier service, your visa and passport will be delivered by Blue Dart to the address you specified.
If you opted to pick the passport up from one of the service centers, you have 14 days to do so; if you opted for the Blue Dart Courier service, you have 7 days to pick up your passport; otherwise, it will be sent back to the Embassy or Consulate.
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Two great plans are, Atlas America and Safe Travels USA.
However there are other choices like these, as well.
How soon will I get my passport returned after the visa interview?
There is no set time for how long it will take for a visa section to hand over a passport, as it depends on factors such as administrative workload and intervening holidays.
However, the passport and visa are typically delivered within 2-3 business days after the interview.
If you are collecting your passport in person, be sure to bring a government-issued photo ID and a copy of that ID.
You will also need to bring a printed copy of your appointment letter. If you are unable to pick up your passport in person, you can ask a family member or friend to pick it up for you. However, there are certain rules they must follow.
The person picking up your passport must have their own government-issued photo ID and a photocopy of the applicant’s government-issued photo ID.
You will need to provide a letter of authorization signed by you in order for your representative to pick up your passport.
The letter should include your name as well as your representative’s full name as it appears on their government-issued ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I check the status of my passport after my U.S. visa interview?
After your U.S. visa interview, you can check the status of your visa application on the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. You will need your application ID or case number to check your status.
2. How long does it usually take to get my passport back after the visa interview?
Typically, if your visa is approved, it takes about 3-5 business days to get your passport back. However, processing times can vary based on the consulate, and it can take longer during busy periods.
3. What does the status “Administrative Processing” mean on the CEAC website?
If your visa status shows “Administrative Processing” on the CEAC website, it means that your visa application is still under review and the U.S. consulate needs more time to make a decision.
4. What should I do if my passport hasn’t arrived in the expected timeframe?
If your passport hasn’t arrived in the expected timeframe, it’s best to contact the U.S. consulate or embassy where you had your interview. They can provide information about any delays or issues with your passport return.
5. Can I track the delivery of my passport?
In some cases, you might be able to track the delivery of your passport using the airway bill number provided by the courier service. The method of passport return can vary by consulate and country.
Always remember, these answers provide a general understanding and the rules can change. It’s always a good idea to check the current regulations or consult with an immigration expert for advice tailored to your situation.
