While most subscribers of MurthyIndiaBulletin and visitors to MurthyIndiaDotCom are interested in knowing the application process to obtain a U.S. visas; we are also contacted by persons who have lost their passport containing U.S. visa(s). In this article, we look at the procedure to be followed in the unlikely event of loss of a passport with U.S. visa on it.

Procedure to be followed following loss of passport with U.S. visa

As the first step, the holder of the passport would have to report the loss of passport to the local police station and obtain an original Certificate of Loss of Passport  / copy of the first information report (FIR) / Complaint. Once this is done, though it is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to keep the U.S. consular post issuing the visa informed about the loss. Doing this will prevent misuse of the U.S. visa. (or) It is strongly recommended to keep the U.S. consulate  / embassy where the visa was issued about the loss of passport with valid visa, to prevent misuse of the U.S. visa

Information to be sent if U.S. visa was issued in India

If a U.S. visa was issued in within India, the holder of the visa should send the following information to ndfpu@state.gov.

• Name, date and place of birth, and nationality;
• Current address and phone number;
• Photocopy of lost visa, if available, or the date and place of issuance, if known;
• Photocopy of the bio-graphic page of the lost passport, if available.  If not, the nationality and number of the lost passport as well as the issuance and expiration dates, if available;
• Details about when, how and the circumstances under with the passport containing the U.S. visa was lost or stolen.

Strongly Advised To Retain Copy of All Pages of Passport

It is always advisable to retain a clear photocopy of all pages of one’s passport with any entries on it. More importantly, you need to retain a copy of the following:

• Pages containing the bio-graphic information;
• Pages containing data of entry and exit immigration stamps;
• Pages containing visas – whether valid or expired;
• On any trip to the U.S. it is better to retain a copy of both sides of I-94 (one must return the original while exiting the U.S. to ensure departure is recorded;

Applying for New Visa

It is important to remember that re-application of visa following loss of visa does not entitle one to automatic re-issuance of visa. The applicant must still establish eligibility for issuance of visa and the new application would be adjudicated on merits. The applicant(s) must also respond appropriately to the question on the Form DS160 visa application on loss of passport / visa.

Conclusion

While it is important to make sure one’s passport is kept safe, in case of loss or theft of passport, it is important that the holder of passport follows the above procedure in addition to recording / registering a complaint on loss of passport with the local police. Following this procedure would help prevent misuse of visa and also make sure that the visa officers are aware of the facts and circumstances under which the passport / visa was lost and help in their adjudication process when one chooses to reapply for a U.S. Visa

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