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Indian Passport Renewal in USA 2012 – Houston – Checklist, Steps
One of our readers, Benny, share his passport renewal experience in America. Thanks to Benny for taking time to share his experience with our readers. You can share your experience here
Indian Passport Renewal Experience in USA
I am writing my experience to help those who want to renew their passport in Houston Consulate. I know before you found this experience of mine, you have already read many of the horrible stories/experiences/reviews. I was myself very apprehensive of the passport renewal process especially at the Houston Consulate.
I found someone on one of the forums who helped me with his prior experience and I finally decided to go ahead to renew my passport at the Houston Consulate by mail (I am from Georgia).
I sent my application by Fedex ground shipping with signature receipt on April 5, 2012 and to my surprise received the renewed passport (along with the old one) on April 21, 2012. Please note that my application was not Tatkal but normal and even in normal I got my passport in less than 3 weeks.
I prepared a covering letter and followed the format available at www.path2usa.com/indian-passport-renewal-cover-letter
Indian Passport Renewal in America - Documents Checklist
Following were the documents I sent -
1. Original current passport (number ZXXXXXX)
2. Completed application Form with 3 photographs.
3. Money Order of 60$ (inclusive $20 for return mail service)
4. Copy of the first 5 pages and last 2 pages of the passport
5. Notarized copy of US Driving License and GNG Bill.
6. Notarized copy of work authorization H1B form I-797 approval.
7. Notarized copy of the visa stamp on the passport
8. Notarized copy of I-94 document.
9. Notarized copy of Degree Certificate ( for ECNR)
10. Notarized copy of Marriage certificate (for spouse name inclusion)
Please note that I had sent the notarized copy of everything except the passport pages. I believe that is very important.
Indian Passport Renewal in USA - Photos :
Also, there was a confusion regarding the passport photos. The consulate website says 3.5cmx3.5cm but in the application form it says 2x2in. I was very confused about it and finally could search few people who gave 2x2in. Here in US the passport picture is 2×2 in and its tough to get 3.5cmx3.5cm. I went to many places but could not get 3.5×3.5 hence I took the risk and sent 2x2in pictures taken at Costco and it worked for me.
Conclusion – Advice
I hope this experience will help you in some way. My suggestion to you is not to wait for the last moment. If you are within one year of passport expiry, please go ahead with application and send notarized copies. I will not be able to judge for you whether to do Tatkal or not. If you are willing to wait for 3 to 4 weeks then you can do normal. If you want earlier than that maybe you can go for tatkal. Again it is my suggestion, the final decision is yours.
Thank you,
Benny
You can also check out Official Houston India Consulate Passport Renewal webpage
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi,
Should we get notarization done for copies even if we are going in person and carrying all originals?
Thanks,
Diya
I have to apply for renewal of my passport. I don’t have a driver’s license. Is this needed?
Reena,
Today my cousin went to Passport Kendra, located in outer ring road Bangalore. he took an appointment a while ago and though he was early in that office, they mentioned that they will address the person only at the appointment time mentioned.
He was informed to carry only one address proof in which you are staying more than 2 years. Photographs and ten print will be taken at that centre only. His passport had a small damage, so they mentioned to get affidavit and sent him back…All the best
What is GNG Bill?
What is GNG bill?
Applying for passport renewal for minor over post was a cakewalk for us. We got the new passport within 5 working days ,despite the weekend being a Long Weekend. Appreciate the turnaround time at the Houston VFS. Keep it going guys, it helps a lot!
Just follow the checklist mentioned and it should be on its way to success.
Hi Folks,
I have come to US on L1 visa which is valid until 2014 but my passport is expiring in next 5 days. My I-94 is also valid until 2014.
Please let me know of the following:
1. Would I become an illegal immigrant if I do not renew my passport and stay in US with expired passport bu valid I94.
2. What happens if passport is not renewed on time and there is a gap between expiry of old passport and reissue of new passport.
I would highly appreciate if someone can respond to my query.
Regards
Devraj Singh
I personally suggest not to waste any time to go and renew the passport at the earliest – maybe tomorrow.
There might be zero implications, but there might also be very serious implications – why take chances?
Also – passport is your only valid Indian citizenship document in USA (AFAIK) and it should be kept current.
Devraj Singh,
I agree w/ Sid. Usually they issue I-94 only until passport expiration date. They did a mistake in your case but do not take passport expiration lightly. Get it renewed ASAP.
I had renewed my passport from NY consulate in 2008 – and got the new passport in 4 days via mail (they actually asked me to collect in person on the next day)!
I walked in with all the required docs on a Monday morning, submitted them and paid fee+$20 for USPS mail , and got back the new passport + old passport on Friday.
regarding passport photos, I had a good photo (dark shirt/light background) of mine taken on a DSLR/tripod combo, and used the site http://www.epassportphoto.com/ to get the exact 3.5 x 3.5 photosheet on a 6×4. Then just printed them in walgreens and cut them up in required pieces.
Hi Saurabh,
can anyone apply in Houston for Passport renewal. I live in Wisconsin, and can i apply here?
Regards,
Suhasini
Suhasini,
WI folks should approach Indian consulate in Chicago. The process should be similar to Houston consulate, but you can go through the details on the website for Chicago.
Hi,
I am planning to get my passport renewed here in Houston, USA.
Can some please guide me in filling the application form. I found it confusing.
Like what should I write for: permanent address to be printed in passport? Is it Indian address or US address?
and what address should I give for other address? What proof should I give here?
I want to add my husbands name in my renewed passport. I already have the notarized copy of my marriage certificate scanned. Can I submit this?
Please suggest
sandhya
Sandhya,
“Permanent address to be printed in passport” – This needs to be your permanent address in India
“Other address” – Enter your address in the USA
For address proof you can carry driver’s license showing US address, or bank statement or utility statement.
As for spouse name, you can refer this link.
Applying Passport renewal is so easy and stress less in Houston .. Just follow the instructions carefully in their site and send it by postal mail.
I applied mine and my wife , it took 2 week max. to get the renewed passport. They are very good. No need to go for TATKAL if you plan it before 1 month. Unless it is urgent for you.
This is the best approach rather than doing it in india. In India we know ….. all brokers, no one respond properly.. etc..
People think that , in india you can save money but end up with spending more.. If you are planning to visit india .. don’t even plan to do renew there.. do it here.. Here every thing is systematic and procedural ..