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U.S. Visa Stamp Explained

Home » U.S. Visa Stamp Explained

July 25, 2021

If the U.S. embassy or consulate granted you a U.S. visa, the officer likely placed a visa stamp inside your passport. The U.S. visa stamp is the physical document that is placed in your passport by the consular officer.

With a valid, unexpired U.S. visa stamp, you may apply for admission to the United States of America at a port of entry. At the port of entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will review the visa in the passport and all supporting documents to determine if you may enter.

How to Read a U.S. Visa

The U.S. visa stamp provides the inspecting CBP officer at the port of entry with the information necessary to admit you to the U.S. under a specified visa status and for a specific period of time. Inaccuracies or incorrect information can lead to significant problems. Therefore, its vital that you inspect the visa at the time issue to ensure everything is correct. This article will help you understand the various information so that you know how to read a U.S. visa stamp. Refer to the sample visa below to follow along.

Mistakes on USCIS forms can cause costly delays or a denial.

Some people don’t need a visa stamp to visit the united states.

Not everyone requires a visa stamp in their passport to come to the United States. Certain foreign citizens are allowed to enter the U.S. without a visa for a limited period of time.

Visa Waiver Program

Visitors from U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries may visit for a period of up to 90 days. The purpose of travel must generally be pleasure/tourism or medical treatment (reasons consistent with a B-2 visitor visa). Before traveling to the U.S., VWP visitors must receive permission to enter the U.S. through the United States’ Department of Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

RECOMMENDED: Adjustment of Status for Visa Waiver Program Entrants

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Again, if traveling for general pleasure purposes, citizens of Canada and Bermuda to not require a U.S. visa stamp when visiting the United States. Unless ineligible for a visa under U.S. immigration law, or have previously violated the terms of their immigration status in the U.S., Canadian and Bermudian citizens may enter the U.S. with only their passports. When traveling for more than 180 days or for reasons inconsistent with a B-2 visa, visitors from these countries may require a nonimmigrant visa.

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• Renewing Your F-1 Visa

If your visa stamp has expired and you need to travel outside of the United States, you may need to renew your visa stamp in order to return.

Do I Need to Renew My Visa Stamp?

It is important to remember there is a distinction made between your F-1 visa stamp and your F-1 visa status . F-1 students are admitted to the United States for the duration of their status, not for a specific amount of time. This is why an F-1 student's I-94 "admit until" date should read "D/S."

If an F-1 student is maintaining their status in the United States they do not need to renew their visa stamp to stay in the U.S. This means you may remain even after your visa stamp expiration date if you are maintaining your F-1 status. Find out more about maintaining your F-1 status on our website . If your visa stamp has expired and you travel outside of the U.S. you will need to renew your visa to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status.

Steps to Renew Your Visa Stamp

Step one: schedule a visa appointment at the u.s. embassy in your home country.

You may only renew your F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consular office outside of the United States. Contact the U.S. embassy/consulate, generally in your home country, to set up an appointment. The wait time for an appointment and for visa issuance varies. To see how long this process takes in your country, read the U.S. Department of State's visa wait time information .

It’s best to apply in your home country. If you are not sure which embassy/consulate you should contact, see this list of U.S. embassies .

Step Two: Get Your Documentation Ready

When you arrive for your visa appointment, you will be required to show a number of documents, including:

• Valid passport
• A SEVIS payment receipt printed from your online payment confirmation
• Visa application forms
• Current financial documentation that lists the sources and amounts of financial support you have secured for the current or upcoming academic year. It must match the information listed on your I-20
• A Letter of Good Standing, which may be requested through Atlas
• A copy of your unofficial transcript, printed out from One.iu.edu  (search for "Unofficial Transcript")
• A copy of the EAD card and proof of employment (Students on OPT only)

Step Three: Prepare for Your Interview

Since you are applying for a nonimmigrant visa, you will need to prove to the consular officer that you do not intend to immigrate to the United States. In other words, you need to show him or her that you have definite plans to return home after college.

For more information and tips, please see NAFSA's Ten Points to Remember .

Renewing Your Visa Stamp on OPT

Generally, it can be more difficult to renew your F-1 visa stamp while on OPT. OIA would not recommend attempting to renew your F-1 visa stamp while on OPT if you are not currently employed. Please feel free to  contact an advisor at the Office of International Affairs if you have questions.

Applying for a Visa in a Third Country

Applying for visa in a country which is not your home country or the U.S., called a “third” country, can be more difficult than applying at home. You should have a valid reason for applying in the country where the consulate is located; you are likely to be denied if your only reason for applying in that country is to avoid your home country consulate. Examples of valid reasons could include to attend a conference, to visit family or friends, etc.

Additionally, you may need to prove that you have continuously maintained lawful non-immigrant status during your time in the U.S. or you may be sent to your home country to apply for the visa. Refusal in a third country is more likely than at home, so you should plan well in advance of your date of travel.

Applying for a Visa in Canada or Mexico

The U.S. Department of State provides specific guidance on applying for a visa in Canada or Mexico. If you intend to apply for a new U.S. visa in either country and are not a citizen or resident of either country, it is important for you to   contact an advisor at the Office of International Affairs if you have further questions.

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US Visa Stamping: Passport Tracking Statuses Meaning at USTravelDocs

When you apply for US Visa , you go through steps such as registering an account at ustraveldocs.com and booking an appointment. Depending on your situation, you either attend the interview or submit documents for dropbox stamping.

US Consulates/Embassy uses the CGI Federal website in most countries for booking US Visa appointments, and applicants can use the same for tracking the passport after either document submission or interview. The online statuses can be confusing at times and do not clearly indicate what they mean. In this article, we will review all the passport tracking statuses when you submit your passport for US Visa Stamping at the USTravelDocs/ CGI Federal website.

Before we get into the details, let’s quickly understand the term ‘Post’ in the context of US Visa stamping as you would see the same in the passport tracking status messages.

What is ‘Post’ in the context of US Visa Stamping?

Usually, when you check the passport tracking status, you might see the word ‘ Post ‘ in the statuses like ‘Transit to Post’, ‘Delivered to Post’, ‘Transit from Post’, etc. It can be very confusing at times when you see the word ‘post’ as you may think it is a post office or mailbox, but it is not.

The word ‘ Post ‘ in the context of US Visa stamping passport tracking means ‘ US Consulate ‘ or ‘ US Embassy ‘. When the status says ‘Transit to post’ they are literally saying ‘Transit to the US Consulate’ or ‘Transit to the US Embassy’.

Now that we have some context, let’s look at where the passport status appears in the USTravelDocs website and where you can track your passport otherwise.

Tracking Passport on CGI Federal/ USTravelDocs Website

The USTravelDocs.com website, which is nothing but the CGI Federal website is the place, where you can track your passport status. You can see the passport tracking status on the CGI Federal home page, which looks like as in the below screenshot. As your US Visa stamping status changes, the corresponding tracking status is reflected for your passport delivery.

The below screenshot is a snapshot of two different statuses of the passport tracking. The upper screen just shows “ Document Delivery Information: “, which is blank without any status. Whereas, the bottom screen shows the passport status as “ Your Passport is still with the US Embassy/Consulate “.

Let’s look at the other two common ways you can check your passport status.

How to Track your Passport Status by Email?

To get the latest status of your passport that was given for US Visa Stamping, you need to send an email to [email protected]  with the email subject and body as your passport number. You should exactly enter the same passport number without any additional text or signature info in your email as shown in the below screenshot.

The below screenshot is a sample of how to do the same in Gmail. Read more details at CGI Federal Website

Track Passport on the USTravelDocs Website

Also, in some countries, the CGI Federal website has a section on the website, where you can enter your passport number and it shows the status. It used to be available in the USTravelDocs website of India as well, in the past, but with the new website, you do not see it.

For example, USTravelDocs Philippines website has a page for passport tracking. All you need to do is enter your passport and click on ‘Track My Passport’, then the system will show the status of the passport. Below is a screenshot of the same, on how it looks.

Now that we have an understanding of how to track your passport, let’s now look at the most common status that you may see on the USTravelDocs or CGI Federal website and what they mean.

Passport Tracking Statuses for US Visa Stamping, Meaning

Below are the various passport tracking statuses that you might see on the CGI Federal website or in the email that you send them for passport tracking status. You may or may not see all of these statuses as some are country-specific due to the older systems and older terminology.

Transit to Post

• Your Passport is being delivered to the Post

Delivered to Post

Passport is still with the us embassy or consulate, origination scan, passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery, transit from post, your passport is ready for pickup, there is no status update available for the passport number submitted, out for delivery.

• Your Passport has been picked up
• Your passport has been returned to Post

If the passport tracking status says “Transit to Post”, it means that CGI Federal has just collected the passport and it is on the way to the US Consulate and Embassy. It indicates that the US Consulate or Embassy has not received your passport and they have not started working on your case yet. You would usually see this status right after you submit your passport for stamping at a Visa Application Center(VAC) or CGI Federal collection location.

Your Passport is being delivered to Post

When you see the status message of your passport tracking as ‘your passport is being delivered to post’, it means that your passport has been picked up from the VAC or passport collection location and then completed the transit to the Consulate/ Embassy. The passport is at the Consulate or Embassy, but not technically picked up by them for processing. They verify the mail and once they collect it, then its status changes to ‘delivered to post’. It looks like in the below screenshot

When you see the message ‘Delivered to Post’, it indicates that your passport was successfully delivered to the US Consulate/ Embassy. It does not indicate anything about the current status of processing your US Visa. It is only related to your passport tracking and just tells you that US Consulate/ Embassy has received your passport.

Your CGI Federal dashboard would show a message that says “Passport is still with the US Embassy or Consulate”, indicating that the Consulate/ Embassy has your passort. Again, it does not tell anything about processing of your visa, it is only about your passport. It looks like in the below screenshot.

The passport status ‘Origination Scan’ is something that you see, when the US Consulate/ Embassy has completed processing from their side and has filed a courier slip for the delivery partner to pick up the passport. Once the delivery partner collects your passport, they would likely issue an Airway Bill(AWB) or some tracking code so that you can track your passport. Depending on the country, you may or may not see this status.

When you see the status ‘ Passport has been received from the consular section and is currently being processed for delivery ‘, it means that US Consulate/ Embassy has completed processing of your passport and it has left the US Consulate or Embassy. Your passport is now at the delivery service center and is prepared for shipping of the same. It looks like as in the below screenshot.

It can take anywhere from two to three days for the delivery of the passport to VAC. Sometimes, it can take up to a week as well.

If you are in India and have paid for the premium courier fee of Rs. 650 INR, then you can expect the passport to be delivered to your given location. If you have opted for pickup, then you will get an email/ SMS for you to collect your passport. Also, if you done any last-minute changes such as, selecting ‘pick up’ first and then changing to deliver at your location, then it will get delivered and the courier service will collect the INR 650 from you at the time of delivery.

If you see the passport tracking status as ‘Transit from Post’, it means that the delivery partner/ courier service is transporting your passport from the US Consulate to the Visa Application Center(VAC) or the location you have selected for passport pickup.

If you have selected an address for delivery, it will be delivered to that location. If you have selected the VAC location for pickup, it will be sent to the VAC location.

When the passport tracking status says ‘your passport is ready for pickup’, it means that your passport has arrived from the US Consulate/ Embassy after their processing and is now available at the VAC location or pickup location for you to go and collect the passport. Sometimes this status is also shown as ‘Ready for Pickup’, both mean the same.

You can now go to the VAC location or pickup location address and collect your passport by presenting your identity proof and your appointment letter. Make sure you check the timings of the VAC location for pickup. They have fixed hours of operation and you need to go only during their operating hours.

When you check the passport tracking on the USTravelDocs website, you may see the message that reads ‘there is no status update available for the passport number submitted’. You get this message, if you have entered an incorrect passport number or if your passport is not yet ready for tracking. You will see the status change after a day or two.

The below-listed statuses may or may not appear across all countries. You may see the below in countries like Japan. If you do come across them, below is what they mean.

You would see the status of your passport as ‘Out for Delivery’ when the passport was dispatched from the US Consulate/Embassy and it is on its way for delivery at the address that was specified by you for delivery. When you see this status, you can track the passport delivery status at the courier website as well.

Your passport has been picked up

Your passport tracking status would say ‘your passport has been picked up’, if your passport was actually delivered at the location you specified or you have personally collected the passport from the VAC location. You also would see this message, if the courier person tried to deliver and you were not there and they provided a note for pickup. You can track the status on the courier website as well.

Your passport has been returned to post

You would see the status as ‘your passport has been returned to post’ when the passport is sent back to the US Consulate or Embassy. Usually this happens, when there are any issues with the delivery of your passport due to any errors in your name or address and they could not deliver it. Also, it can happen, if you could not collect the passport after the courier service requested you to pickup. You need to contact the customer service to get your passport re-delivered to you.

How to Track Passport in Courier website Blue Dart in India

If you are in India, Blue Dart is the delivery partner for US Consulates. If you have not got any tracking number related to blue dart, then you can use the UID that is listed on your appointment confirmation letter to check the tracking status. You can check your passport delivery status after the passport tracking status has changed ‘ Passport has been received from the consular section and is currently being processed for delivery ‘.

All you need to do is enter the UID number in the Blue Dart Courier Tracking website. Below are the steps.

• Go to the Blue Dart Tracking page
• Select the ‘Ref No’ radio button as shown below in the Track your shipment
• Enter UID in the tracking box
• Click on Go button
• You will get the result of the passport status.

Below is a screenshot of the Blue Dart website, where you can track your passport using the UID.

If you are not sure, what is your UID, check your Visa Appointment confirmation letter. It will be on that. It will be under MRV Fee Payments. Below is a sample screenshot of UID on the appointment confirmation letter.

Why does the ‘Document Delivery Information’ shows blank on CGI Federal Website?

The ‘Document Delivery Information’ section on the CGI Federal/ USTravelDocs website is the place where you would see your passport status that is related to US Visa processing. The word ‘Document’ here corresponds to ‘Passport’. In general, after you submit your passport for US Visa renewal using dropbox you may sometimes see this section as blank. Below are some of the common reasons.

• US Consulate / Embassy Still Processing your Visa: If your US Visa stamping-related process is not yet complete for your passport, you would see this as blank. Meaning, they cannot really give an update on your passport, when it is being processed by them.
• US Visa Processing Completed, but not yet tagged : Sometimes, when you check the CEAC website, your status may show as ‘Issued’ or ‘Approved’, but still the passport tracking status may not be updated and be shown as blank. The reason is, they move it as batches and the status of the passport will get updated soon. Do not have to worry about your passport status, it has nothing to do with your US visa approved/ issued status. Usually, wait for two to three days after the ‘Issued’ status in CEAC, you would see it updated by then. You can read How to check US Visa Status on the CEAC website to know more.
• US Visa Appointment is not booked or have not dropped off documents : You also see the status as blank, if your US Visa appointment is not yet booked and you have not given your passport to the VAC or consulate/Embassy.
• US Visa Status still in ‘Application Received’ Status: Sometimes, there are delays in your US Visa processing and your CEAC status can be stuck for a long time in ‘Application Received’ status. In such cases, you will also see the blank status for the ‘Document Delivery Information’. This basically means that they still have the passport and they will need it for processing. Until the CEAC status changes to ‘Issued’ or ‘Refused’, you may not see the blank status change.
• Intermittent Status During Visa Processing: You would also see the status as blank when your US Visa is still being processed by Consulate/ Embassy and goes from one status to other. Also, sometimes, when your visa is under 221g administrative processin g, you may see this as blank after the submission of your passport during the processing phase.

Common FAQs

‘CGI Federal’ is the outsourcing company that works with the US Department of State to facilitate booking appointments, and shipping various documents and passports between consulates. That’s the reason you see USTravelDocs.com redirect to the CGI Federal website for appointment booking.

Usually, the CGI federal website shows updated information in the ‘Document Delivery Information’ section two to three days after you see the status as ‘Issued’ on CEAC Website.

What has been your experience using the passport delivery with USTravelDocs? Share your thoughts and experiences in comments section below.

References : You can check USTravelDocs Japan Passport Status

Other Articles

118 comments.

This guide on tracking US visa stamping passport statuses at USTravelDocs/CGI Federal website is incredibly helpful! The breakdown of each status and its meaning clears up any confusion users may have. Plus, the inclusion of screenshots and step-by-step instructions adds clarity to the process. Thanks for sharing this valuable resource—it’s sure to be a lifesaver for anyone navigating the US visa application process!

Hi, My visa was “Approved” on Jan 18, 2024. It went to Application received in between and then back to Approved since then (it is Jan 23 today). Does this happen? How long the process would take to go from “Approved” to “Ready for pick up”? My passport was submitted on Jan 8. Thanks in advance!

Hi my visa was approved on 17/04/2024. With my spouse. My husband received his passport on 21/04/2024. But I have not received my passport until today.

Manisha, Do not worry. Sometimes, there are delays, just give it few more days.

I have completed my interview on nov 6th 2023 . my visa status is issued and passport status is ready for pickup . Still not yet received the passport at bluedart . How many days it will take to receive the passport ?

sravya, It can take few days, should be in less than a week.

i also have the same issue, dropbox on nov 5, status show ready for pick up on nov 21st. but bluedart has not yet delivered and no idea how to track. tried on bluedart website with ref no as UID.

Anyone has any idea how to track, i have to catch flight in a week

same for me.

I finally been able to connect with VAC customer agent. Apprantly bluedart don’t deliver to address provided. You have to open a case to provide an address where bluedart has service

Mam please tell me, how did you get passport ? Mine is also same problem.

So my visa was approved and issued on 22nd Aug and the USvisascheduling site (the new one) is currently showing as “Originator Scan” since this morning i.e. 24th Aug. But, no further movement or tracking beyond that.

Does anyone have any idea how long from that status change to passport getting delivered to home address provided or at least getting a tracking ID or UID being active to track?

This whole process has been a information black hole, no one picks up any calls and there is no clear timeline on how long what step takes. I’ve had to guestimate this whole Dropbox process thru forums and indirect information. The worst managed process ever.

My visa is also approved on the same date and “Originator Scan” status also updated on 24th Aug only. Still no update. Did you get any status update today or still same?

Did you get the passport back? Did you receive any mail for AWB number? I am in same situation, CEAC website says Issued on 24th August. I called up the contact center they said passport left the embassy but the AirWayBill number is not generated yet at the Blue Dart Location.

Did you you get your passport back? My status changed to ‘Origination Scan’ on August 29 morning. Can I expect my passport back in the next 2 days?

So here are some data points that will help ease a few nerves. I do not want anyone else to go thru the information blackhole and utter disrespect in terms of communication that our India counterparts who manage this process dish out:

– Status updates happen only once a day around 10.30 AM – When you see the page that says you will be directed to the page shortly, that means data upload is happening – Everything moves only once a day, i.e. – Approved (1 day in that status) – Issued (1 day in that status) – Origination Scan (1 day in that status: what this means is the the package for pick up from consulate is ready, either to go back to the self pickup location in the major cities or ready for Blue Dart to pick up and Deliver to applicants provided address) – After Originator scan it will only update to “Ready for Pick Up” if you had set self pick up, which might be the same day but mostly the next day – If you had opted for Premium delivery it will not update beyond that till delivered to address – IMPORTANT” Blue Dart will pick up only the next day after Origination Scan status AND you can track on the delivery progress on their website ONLY after its picked up. To track you need to use the UID# provided on your appointment letter – It usually gets delivered the same day late afternoon if you are located in any of the main cities

I hope this explanation will help ease the stress and anxiety of many others in the same boat. Best of luck!

What is the call centre number? Status is updated as Not delivered but I didn’t get any call regarding the delivery yet.

Hi bindu , did you get your passport? If yes how ? I have flight in 4 days and I didn’t receive my passport it. It shows not delivered status and I also didn’t get any call.

I’m in tha same boat. Did you get your passport? If yes how ?

did you receive the passport? did Orgination scan changed to something else after somtime ?

Where in the new usvisascheduling website is status “Originator Scan” show ?

Under passport status

today i have attended the interview when can i expect the passport.

Did you got any pickup confirmation ?

mine says ” There is no status update available for the passport number submitted.”

Respected sir, I have done drop box of US visa on 18tt at India chennai, but yet I dint get any SMS or email about my passport status, even customer service number is also not working….so how can I check the status

Mine shows ‘Created’ not sure what that means. I have gone to interview at Hyd consulate.

Mine is also showing as “Created”. What does that mean?

Did your status change? Have you received your passport?

Did you get any update? I am seeing the same status as “created”. It’s been 4 days in same status.

Hi SN, I am also seeing my passport pickup status as “Created”. What happened to your case?

It changes to from created to “origination scan”. Once it’s in origination scan, courier picks it up the next day and you get it after a day.

Update: It changes from created to “origination scan”. Once it’s in origination scan, courier picks it up the next day and you get it after a day.

It means that your visa has been received and enterd into the system, have not been processed yet. Neither denied nor accepted. Awaiting Processing.

Hi Saisri, I am also seeing my passport pickup status as “Created”. What happened to your case?

Hi Saisri, Did you find out what is the meaning of “created”?

Hi Deus , How many days it took in the processing.

Hello i had completed my interview on June 15 it’s been 30 days till now I don’t Received ani updates of my passport.i had sent the mails did calls but no proper response. From their side what should I do?

Hi Sai Were you able to reach out anyone. I deposited my passport and when i send the tracking mail they say there is no status available for the passport number.

Did you get your passport after that. I have also deposited my passport and when I send the tracking email I get the same update as no status update available for this number. The call centre no also does not work .

Did u get ur passport ?

Please can somebody provide any information on my experience. I submitted my document at the VAC in Abuja, Nigeria by way of Drop Box for renewal on the 14th June 2023 but up till today 07th July 2023, my CEAC status is still showing ”Application Received” and my Document Delivery Information on the CGI Federal Website is blank. What do I do. I am so worried.

Hey have u recieved ur passport? Is visa approved ?

I had drop box appointment at Chennai VFS office On 07/07.The Status on CEAC site shows No Status,Passport Tracker shows “Your Passport is still with US Consulate/Embassy”, was told to wait for 7 working days, but the speed at which its processing doesn’t look like by 07/13 i would have an update.

I submitted documents and my passport on 09-June-2023(dropbox). The status update on CGI portal is blank, and receiving a standard reply when tracking with the passport number. It’s been four weeks without any status update. Has anybody faced this situation earlier?

That is exactly my situation. I submitted on the July 14th 2023 by way of Drop Box but still showing blank up till date. I am very worried about it even though I have read everything about it included that I should not worry.

That is exactly my situation. I submitted my documents since 14th June 2023 but uptill now, my Document delivery Information page is still blank. I am worried about it.

hi I had an official interview and consular told me “I am approving your visa” after that my status has been “Your passport is still with the US Embassy/Consulate” for past 1 week. Should I be worried?

Hana, No need to be worried. It can take few extra days at times.

Document Delivery is blank and CEAC website shows Refused.

Any comments or suggestion will be greatly appreciated!! Just want to if someone had same situation and what was the outcome?

Would you mind email at [email protected] to know complete details or it.

I am pretty nervous and stressed about this situation.

Please respond.

Regards, Vik

I am also facing same issue in Hyderabad Consulate. Let me know if you have any update.

bro is it dropbox or Inperson interview

With the Grace of God final my Visa is Approved, Below is the timeline]

May 18th – Drop Box Appointment May 24th – Refused in CEAC website May 26th – Received Passport with 221g slip (White and Yellow) May 30th – Attended Visa Interview in New Delhi June 5th – Submitted all additional docs along with 221g slips to VFS New Delhi June 6th – Administrative Processing in CEAC website June 16th – Refused

At point I was so stressed out it because it sounded like may be rejected or another 221g but after going through with all blogs and case studies I found that after completion of administrative processing (10 business days) they send back all info/documentation/information to US consulate in India then they start processing again and embassy (New Delhi in my case) change status to whatever was the old status in my case it was refused.

June 20th – Bingo, it got APPROVED

Hopefully this timeline will helpful whoever is in same situation.

Thanks All.

How long did it take after “Issued” status and what is the Bluedart tracking ref no.

Sunil any news

Hi, I am also experiencig the same and my status says” No update available for the submitted passport status” when did you finally get the passport and is it approved?

Did you get any update?

I Submitted my documents for H1b drop box on april 28th .The CGI federal still shows “”your passport is still with embassy/consulate”. Until yesterday ustraveldocs email returned “delivered to post ” ,today its showing “There is no status update available for the passport number submitted.” cpuld anyone please let me know what does this mean ,i did not see any other status other than these.

Hi Sindhuja, I’m in the same boat. I submitted my passport on May1st. Have you received any update so far?

Hi Haritha, I also submitted my passport on May 1st but have not received my passport. Any update?

My husband also had drop box on May1st and got status as issued on May12th. Still no email for pickup yet. Did you receive it?

when did you receive it?

Hi Sindhuja,

I have the same experience. Till yesterday ustraveldocs email returned “delivered to post ” ,today its showing “There is no status update available for the passport number submitted.” Please let us know, if there is any update in your case.

I drop boxed on may 3 rd still no update regarding the status and email says no information available for the passport number.. and nether did i receive the passport..

Hi, I am in the same boat and my status says” No update available for the submitted passport status” when did you finally get the passport and is it approved?

Any update?

I’m on the same boat ! Status changed from Delivered to post to No status … Dropbox – 04May .

Whats the update

I’m in same boat kindly share how a long did it take ?

I dropped my documents at mumbai location on April 28 today is May 3 and the status is “ The current status of your passport is Delivered to post”

What does this mean and when I can expect the status change what is turn around time ? This is renewal .

On average 20-25 days at Mumbai. Mine took 22 days to change status to Issued. I’m still waiting on the courier, which might take another few more days.

When did you finally receive your passport. I am also on the same boat .

CGI portal says “ready for pickup” i have opted for premium pick up. But i have not received any e mail or sms that the VAC location received my passport. What should i do now?

Hi, what did you do in this case? I am currently at same stage. When did you get your passport?

Customer care number to check

Mine is in person interview on May 25th , from then it’s in Approved status. No updated still.Any one had similar experience and waiting for issued

Hi Kalyan, Could you pls tell me how long it took for you to get the passport after it said approved. Thanks

Hello Shubh, did you get any updates ? We are in the same boat and need some help !!

Hi, I had drop box (Visa waiver) at Mumbai location for H4 on Feb 24th, 2023. They said it will take 10 to 14 days for processing. My passport status showed as “Passport at US Consulate”. Now from past week my status changed to ” Document Delivery Information:”. I have gone through your website and sent email to “[email protected]” and sent my passport number. I got reply immediately saying ” No status update available for the passport number submitted”. I am worried about my passport now and I have ticket back to USA in 15 days. Thanks, Jyothi.

Hello Jyothi Did you get any update on your passport tracking? My case is also same.

Did you receive the passport? My case also same. In CGI status changed to “Document delivery information:” .

Thanks, Purusotham

Hi I am on same situation , Can you please update what happened after that?

Hi Jyothi, did you get response from Embassy? I am in same boat 🙁

Same for me. The status was “passport is still with Us embasy” till yesterday and it changed to “document delivery information” Today but still showing as Refused in CEAC.

Kindly update your status and how many days it took?

Were you able to get your visa?

have you got any update? I am in the same situation, please let me know

Hi Susmitha,

I am in same boat. What happened after that?

Would you mind email at [email protected] about what did you see ur passport?

any update on this, as I am also having same response on portal

DID U GET UR PASSPORT, HOW LONG TOOK ?

Did you get the visa?

Hi, I had an Interview waiver appointment on Feb 10, later from then my “Case Last Updated” changed to 21st Feb, 24th Feb, and 1st March with the Status as “Application Received”

Later on 10th March, my status got updated as “Refused” with a Big description and in CGI portal said “Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery”

Is this the final verdict that I don’t get the visa or is there any hope I can still wait?

If they approved the status would have been issued

My Visa also got refused in the same way then I spoke with an attorney. This is what he had to say, if your Visa status on CEAC website has changed to “Refused”, doesn’t mean your visa is denied. It simply means, either they are going to issue you 221g and ask for documentation or would call you for an interview. When you receive your passport from consulate after such scenario, it may have further instructions to follow. I’m also waiting for my docs to arrive and see where it leads me. I wish you luck! 🙏🏽

My Visa has been “approved” on March 9th and “Issued” on March 13th on CEAC Website.

How long does it usually take for me to receive it by BlueDart?

Hello, how long did it take to receive your passport?

My wife submitted her passport for Dropbox (interview waiver) H4 stamping on 22 Feb 2023 at Mumbai with in-person pickup option. It’s been 18 days now. For the past week, I see the status on CGI site as “Document delivery information :” Is there any contact / place where I can request them to update the current status ? Or can we walk-in to the office in Mumbai to check current status ?

Same for me on Mar 14th. Did you got any updates by any chance?

Have you get your passport now or is there any status change. I am also facing the same issue, had my dropbox on 22nd Feb but no update till now. Status is still ‘Document Delivery Information’.

The courrier company shows that my documents have been delivered since a week ago, but don’t say to who.

And in my account status is still on “ Send documents”.

What does that mean?

Hi , my status changed from ‘’passport is still with the embassy’’ to ‘’documents delivery information’’ (blank) what do u think it is ? Should I send an inquiry?

Same happened to me.

same happened to me

same happened to me. I submitted my application in HYD on 10th march 2023. my status still “Document Delivery Information”. Please update here if any got any response / change in status. thanks!!

Aliq, No need to. Just wait. Sometimes, it shows blank for unknown reasons as well.

For my wife, the passport was submitted for Dropbox (interview waiver) H4 stamping on 22 Feb 2023 at Mumbai. It’s been 18 days now. For the past week, I see the status on CGI site as “Document delivery information :” Is there any contact / place where I can request them to update the current status ? Or can we walk-in to the office in Mumbai to request for current status ?

Did you get any update on your wife stamping status ? we are on same boat..

Same problem bro what happened did you get your passport back?

What happend after that as i have the same issue

What happend after that as i have the similar issue

Same happened to me, have you gotten your passport now?

H1 B renewal, CEAC status changed to approved on Dec 6th 2022 and after that no update. Consulate replied once as undergoing internal processing and visa cannot be printed right now.

Any one waiting in similar status?

That is a long time. Is your passport with the embassy since Dec 6th?

Hi Praneeth,

Did you get your passport back?

Hi Praneet, Are you still on ‘Approved’ status. I’m also in same situation. My status changed to ‘Approved’ on April 28, still not changed to ‘Issued’. My passport is with US Consulate. Whenever i reach out ustraveldocs email, getting standard reply messages. Please let me know if your status is changed and if you know anything about ‘Approved’ status and why they’re keeping so long without issuing Visa.

Hi Sudhir, When was your status changed from Approved to Issued?

Please include me in the replies. I interviewed on 22nd April, and my status is still in ‘Approved’ stage.

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Your photo is a vital part of your visa application. To learn more, review the information below on how to provide a suitable photo. Digital images are required for some visa categories, while photos are required for other visa categories. The acceptance of your digital image or photo is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

We recommend you use a professional visa photo service to ensure your photo meets all the requirements.

Your photos or digital images must be:

• Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. View the  Photo Composition Template  for more size requirement details.
• Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
• Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background
• Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
• With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
• Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis
• Uniforms should not be worn in your photo, except religious clothing that is worn daily.
• Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
• Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
• The frames of the eyeglasses must not cover the eye(s).
• There must not be glare on eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s).
• There must not be shadows or refraction from the eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s). 
• If you normally wear a hearing device or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.

Review the  Photo Examples  to see examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos. Photos copied or digitally scanned from driver’s licenses or other official documents are not acceptable. In addition, snapshots, magazine photos, low quality vending machine or mobile phone photos, and full-length photographs are not acceptable.

Please review the additional photo requirements for:

• Nonimmigrant Visas
• Immigrant Visas
• Diversity Visa (DV) Program

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• Tips for taking photos yourself

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Additional requirements for nonimmigrant visas.

Applicants using Form DS-160 or Form DS-1648

If you are applying for a nonimmigrant visa by filling out the DS-160 or DS-1648 online form, the form will instruct you to upload your digital image as part of completing the online visa application form. Review the  Digital Image Requirements , which also provide additional requirements if you are scanning an existing photo.

Some embassies and consulates require visa applicants to bring one (1) photo, which meets requirements, to the interview. Review the  embassy or consulate  instructions where you will apply to learn more.

Additional Requirements for Immigrant Visas

 Applicants using Form DS-260

If you are applying for an immigrant visa, using Form DS-260, you must provide  two (2) identical photos  at your immigrant visa interview. Your photos must be:

• Printed on photo quality paper
• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size

Additional Requirements for the Diversity Visa (DV) Program

Diversity Visa Program Entrants

If you are entering the Diversity Visa (DV) Program online, you must upload your digital image as part of your entry. Your digital image must be:

• In JPEG (.jpg) file format
• Equal to or less than 240 kB (kilobytes) in file size
• In a square aspect ratio (height must equal width)
• 600x600 pixels in dimension

Do you want to scan an existing photo? In addition to the digital image requirements, your existing photo must be:

• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
• Scanned at a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (12 pixels per millimeter)

Diversity Visa Program Selectees

Each DV applicant will need to bring two (2) identical photos to the interview. Your photos must be:

Do you want to take the photo yourself?

While we recommend you use a professional visa photo service to ensure your photo meets all the requirements, you may take the photo yourself. Photos must not be digitally enhanced or altered to change your appearance in any way. Please review the following technical requirements and references for guidance on taking your own photo.

Use the Department of State’s free photo tool to:

Please note: This tool is intended for photo cropping only. A Department of State employee will make the final decision whether your visa photo is acceptable or not for your application.

Taking photos of your baby or toddler

When taking a photo of your baby or toddler, no other person should be in the photo, and your child should be looking at the camera with his or her eyes open.

If your photo(s) or digital image does not reflect your current appearance, even if it is not older than 6 months, the U.S. embassy or consulate will request that you provide a new photo with your application.

Applicants will be requested to obtain a new photo if they have:

• Undergone significant facial surgery or trauma
• Added or removed numerous/large facial piercings or tattoos
• Undergone a significant amount of weight loss or gain
• Made a gender transition

Generally, if you can still be identified from the photo in your visa application, you will not need to submit a new photo. For example, growing a beard or coloring your hair would not generally be considered a significant change of appearance.

If the appearance of your child under the age of 16 has changed due to the normal aging process, he or she will generally not have to provide a new photo. However, the acceptance of your photo or digital image is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.

Already have a photo?

Use our  Photo Tool  to crop your photo so it's the right size.

• This photo tool does not check the quality of your image. 
• This tool is for cropping your photo only when you are applying or renewing using a paper form.
• Do not use this tool if you are renewing online.

After you apply, a U.S. Department of State employee will review your photo and decide if we can accept your photo.

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