For several reasons, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) may have Indian Passport Renewal in USA rather than in India.

Convenience: An NRI living in the USA may decide to renew their passport locally in the US if they think it would be more convenient to do so than to go to India.

Urgency: Depending on the itinerary or the date of expiration, there may be an urgent need to renew a passport. In some circumstances, renewing a passport in the United States may be quicker than completing the procedure in India, particularly if the Indian consulate or embassy has lengthy processing times or delays.

Visa Requirements: Certain nations mandate that a passport must be valid for a particular amount of time after the intended stay to be granted a visa. An NRI may need to renew their passport locally to satisfy the visa requirements if they need to apply for a visa while they are in the USA and their passport does not fit the validity requirements.

Residency Status: For administrative convenience and consistency with their residency status, non-resident immigrants (NRIs) who have established long-term residency in the United States and plan to stay there for a very longer period may choose to have their passport renewed in the US.

Travel Restrictions or Logistics: It may be impossible for an NRI to travel to India for a passport renewal due to external causes like travel restrictions, health issues, or logistical difficulties. In these cases, it is more sensible to manage the process locally.

In these circumstances, NRIs may find it advantageous to renew their passport in the USA, since this will guarantee easy travel and compliance with visa rules while living elsewhere. Through this article, NRI Money Plus guides you on how you can renew your Indian Passport from the US, without having to travel to India.

 

Indian Passport Renewal Process in the US

You might need to apply for a passport reissue or renewal if you are an NRI with an Indian passport that is about to expire or if all of the pages are filled. You will need a new passport or a valid extension in such circumstances.

You need to submit a fresh passport application if you want to renew your passport.

Validity of Passports

• For Adults – 10 years.
• For minors (those under the age of eighteen) – 5 years

Note that you will receive your old passport back. Any valid visas that are stamped on your previous passport will remain valid and you will still need to use the old passport to maintain the validity of your valid visas. As a result, you might need to travel with both passports to demonstrate that you are travelling with valid visas and valid passport.

 

Also Read: Should NRI Invest in India? Why Is Investment in India a Good Option For NRIs?

Passport Renewal vs Passport Re-issue

The procedures for renewing and reissuing a passport are the same, except for some special requirements. For example, in the case of a lost passport, a First Information Report (FIR) must be filed. If the passport is damaged, whether expired or yet valid, renewal is relevant and an application has to be made for re-issuance. Renewal can also be used to handle changes to personal information, such as name or address. Since each passport has a special document number, in both scenarios i.e. renewal or reissue the new passport with a new number is issued.

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Also Read: How NRIs Can Update Their Bank KYC Details (Re-KYC)

 

Vital Information Regarding Indian Passport Renewal in US

• VFS Global handles all of the services related to Indian passports in the US.
• Direct acceptance of passport-related services will no longer be accepted by individual Indian consulates. To renew an Indian passport from the US, all correspondence and applications must go through VFS Global.
• Whether applying in person or by mail, all applicants for passport-related activities must complete an online purchase form. A copy of the completed form must be attached to the application. This will make sure that VFS can track the passport renewal application in real-time.

 

How to Apply for Indian Passport Renewal in USA

Step 1

• Consular Jurisdiction

Step 2

Documents Required for Re-issue or Renewal of Indian Passport in USA:

• Fill out the required forms provided by VFS Global for the renewal process.
• Copy of the VFS Application/Order Form
• A filled and signed checklist. Print the checklist, tick it, and arrange the application in that order before submitting the form in person or by mail.
• 3 copies of a filled-out Nationality Verification Form/Personal Particulars Form and 3 photographs for a personal particular form.
• 3 recent 2″ x 2″ (coloured, front-facing against a white background) colour photographs. 8 photographs are required in case the passport is expired for more than 3 years. Glue one photo on the first page of the online application form in the space provided. The second one has to be glued on the Nationality Verification Form, and the rest have to be stapled to the last page of the application form. See photo requirements.
• Attach a notarized colour copy of a Green Card or Employment Authorization Card or a copy of legal status in the US, such as H1B/B1/B2 Visa, whichever is applicable.
• Attach your original passport. If the passport is less than 5 years old, attach the previous passport too.
• Attach photocopies of the first 5 pages and last 2 pages of the current passport.
• Verify if any documents require notarization for renewing your Indian passport from the USA.

Step 3

Passport Renewal Fee

 

TATKAL
APPLICANT TYPE	PASSPORT VALIDITY	PASSPORT FEE	TATKAL FEE	ICWF	VFS FEE	TOTAL
Adult – 18 years and above	10 years	$  75.00	$  150.00	$  2.00	$   15.90	$  242.90
	10 years -Jumbo Booklet	$  100.00	$  150.00	$   2.00	$   15.90	$   267.90
Minor – Less than 15 Years	5 years	$  50.00	$   150.00	$  2.00	$  15.90	$  217.90
Minor between 15 – 18 Years	10 Years	$ 75.00	$  150.00	$ 2.00	$ 15.90	$  242.90
	10 years -Jumbo Booklet	$  100.00	$  150.00	$  2.00	$  5.90	$  267.90

Attend your scheduled appointment at the VFS centre, submit your documents, pay the renewal fee, and await processing.

Processing Time for Passport Renewal

According to VFS, it is 3 weeks once the application reaches the Consulate/Embassy. Processing time for Tatkal is much lesser.

Final Words

If you have the proper information, renewing your passport as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) can be a simple process. It can facilitate the procedure if you are aware of the distinctions between renewing and reissuing a passport, the paperwork needed, and the steps involved. No matter where you are—in India or abroad—following the steps listed below guarantees a smooth experience. In the end, NRIs may find the passport renewal procedure easier to handle and more effective if they maintain organisation and preparedness.