Are you ready to travel abroad for the holidays?
10.2018
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With the holiday season rapidly approaching, now is the best time for visa holders to review their travel documents and plan for renewals if necessary. Planning ahead can alleviate much of the stress of international travel and it can be as simple as asking a few questions:
Is my passport valid?
It is a simple question, but often the most obvious things are overlooked. Renewing a foreign passport in the U.S. can take several weeks. Additionally if a visa holder's passport has six (6) months validity or less, and they need to apply for a new visa, they may be required to renew the passport before applying for the visa.
Citizens of certain countries are required to have a passport valid for six months beyond their intended period of stay in the U.S. Applicants should also remember any family members will be subject to the same passport and visa requirements.
Is my visa valid?
Visa renewal almost always requires a visit to a U.S. Consulate abroad, which in turn requires an appointment. Consulate appointments are in high demand late November through early January and many Consulates have already opened up their appointment calendars for this peak season.
Additionally Consulates have holiday closings, leaving fewer days for visa processing. It is critical for applicants to confirm appointment availability and determine how long the visa process may take in advance of booking travel plans.
Visa processing also requires preparation of forms and gathering of necessary documents. Document requirements vary from Consulate to Consulate, and often requirements and procedures can change. It is important for applicants to confirm the most current procedures and requirements.
Do I have an Adjustment of Status (I-485) pending?
The Adjustment of Status (I-485) process for permanent residency can limit your ability to travel outside the U.S. If you and/or your family members have pending I-485 applications, you should confirm if this process will impact your travel planning.
Is my passport valid?
It is a simple question, but often the most obvious things are overlooked. Renewing a foreign passport in the U.S. can take several weeks. Additionally if a visa holder's passport has six (6) months validity or less, and they need to apply for a new visa, they may be required to renew the passport before applying for the visa.
Citizens of certain countries are required to have a passport valid for six months beyond their intended period of stay in the U.S. Applicants should also remember any family members will be subject to the same passport and visa requirements.
Is my visa valid?
Visa renewal almost always requires a visit to a U.S. Consulate abroad, which in turn requires an appointment. Consulate appointments are in high demand late November through early January and many Consulates have already opened up their appointment calendars for this peak season.
Additionally Consulates have holiday closings, leaving fewer days for visa processing. It is critical for applicants to confirm appointment availability and determine how long the visa process may take in advance of booking travel plans.
Visa processing also requires preparation of forms and gathering of necessary documents. Document requirements vary from Consulate to Consulate, and often requirements and procedures can change. It is important for applicants to confirm the most current procedures and requirements.
Do I have an Adjustment of Status (I-485) pending?
The Adjustment of Status (I-485) process for permanent residency can limit your ability to travel outside the U.S. If you and/or your family members have pending I-485 applications, you should confirm if this process will impact your travel planning.