US passport is the zenith in the journey of a US citizen and
getting it is, definitely not an easy process. Despite the difficulties
that are strewn across the path towards getting a US passport, we can
find more and more applicants going for it. Why? Is it that much
important? Of course, Yes!
With this Passport, international
travels will be much easy and stress free. Is this not convenient for
businessmen, professionals and for any category of people who are
frequently flying in and out of the US?
Get a US Passport as soon as you have become a US citizen
Becoming
a citizen of the US is possible only with a green card status. So
applying for a US passport begins with the process of becoming a
permanent resident and then a citizen. From green card holder to US
citizen and to US passport holder.
USCIS instructs its applicants
to apply for a passport as soon as they have got their citizenship
certificates. This is because travels may be unplanned and may happen
all of a sudden. So having a passport ready in hand will not spoil any
of our travel plans.
Applying for a US passport
The
process of application varies for adult applicants and minors. One
thing that is common to both is that the application should be submitted
in person only as they are first time applicants.
Adult
applicants should complete Form DS-11 as per the specified
instructions. Documents for proof of their citizenship status,
identification documents (photocopy), passport sized photo (one number)
and the current fee should accompany the passport application.
Minor
applicants should also complete Form DS-11 as per the specified
instructions. Documents for evidence of their citizenship status,
existing relationship between child and parent(s), identification of
parents (photocopy), parental consent, current fee and passport sized
photo (one number) should be attached along with the passport
application. In case the child is under the care of a guardian, then it
is essential that proof of their citizenship status and identification
documents should be attached with the application.
Filling up the
application form will be easy if the applicants stick to the given
instructions. This can be done online or in hand but the entire
application package should be submitted in person only.
Contrary to
other applications, this one should not be signed until and unless, the
applicants are asked to do so in the presence of an Acceptance Agent.
SSN number is essential and should be provided on the application.
Where to submit it?
Once
the application has been completed without any errors and all the
needed documents have been attached, applicants should send it a local
Passport Application Acceptance Facility. In case the applicant is
applying outside the US for a US passport, then he/she should consult
the nearest Embassy or Consulate for instructions. Also if an applicant
wants to get a US passport at the earliest - to get a foreign visa
within 4 weeks or the international travel is planned in less than 2
weeks, then he/she can schedule an appointment at a Regional Passport
Agency.
How long to wait before getting a US passport?
Routine
applications are processed within 4-6 weeks (approximately only) of
filing in the application. For expedited services, it is about 2-3 weeks
from the date of submitting the passport application.
Keeping track of applications
Within
5 to 7 days of submitting the application, applicants can keep track of
the same online. This is only for routine processing as applications
that are under expedite processing can be tracked earlier.
"If you are interested in learning more on how to renew green
card, Green Card Application, Permanent Resident Card, Naturalization
Application, US Passport Renewal, Tourist Visa and other types of US Visas, visit Immigration Direct"
