Your international passport is part of the numerous documents you will submit when applying for a USA visa.
Your passport tells the immigration authorities who you are, and where you’re from, and it also has your picture.
Other documents like proof of funds which shows that you have enough money to sponsor your trip, a letter saying why you’re going, and your travel plans will also be needed.
Once your visa is approved, your passport will be sent back to you with the visa stamp inside.
This stamp is the permission slip that allows you to enter the USA for the purpose you mentioned in your application.
If you applied for a US visa and your application has been approved, here is how to track your passport to ensure that it gets to you safely.
How to track my passport after my US visa is approved
After your US visa is approved, your passport will be sent to the Visa Application Center (VAC) or the Consulate/Embassy for the final stamping.
The Visa Application Center (VAC) or the Consulate/Embassy will notify you when your passport is ready for collection.
To track your passport, you can use various means, you can track through the visa application centre.
-
Using the Visa Application Center (VAC) website
Most countries have a Visa Application Center website where you can track the status of your passport.
Log in with your application reference number and passport number to access real-time updates on your visa status.
You can also check the consulate or embassy website.
-
Check the consulate or embassy website
Some countries provide visa tracking services directly on their consulate or embassy websites.
All you have to do to use this service is to navigate to the visa section (on the consulate or embassy website) and look for the tracking option.
Enter the required details to get the latest status of your passport.
If you used a courier in submitting your passport, you can also use them in getting your passport back, with a courier, you can also track your passport.
How to track your passport after approval using a courier
To track your passport, visit the courier’s website and locate their tracking tool using your unique number.
-
Visit the courier’s website
If a courier service is handling the delivery of passports, visit the courier company’s website.
Examples include VFS Global, Blue Dart, or others, depending on your location.
-
Enter your passport tracking number
On the website, enter the passport tracking number you got from the visa tracking system into the courier company’s website.
This will provide you with detailed information on the delivery status and location of your passport.
-
Prepare for Passport Pickup
Once you know that your passport is ready for pickup, make arrangements to collect it.
If there are specific instructions or a designated location for passport collection, follow them carefully.
Tracking your passport via SMS or Email Alerts
Some visa application centres and courier services offer SMS or email alerts for updates on your passport status.
To use this service, make sure that you provide the necessary contact details during the visa application process – this is the only way you will get SMS alerts about your passport arrival.
Any problems? Contact the consulate or embassy
If online tracking is not available or if you have specific concerns, you can contact the consulate or embassy directly.
They will provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information on the status of your passport.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get my passport after US visa stamping?
After US visa stamping, your passport with the visa stamp will be sent back to you through any specified delivery method you choose during the visa application process.
If you choose passport pickup at the embassy/consulate, you have to go and pick it up at the embassy, if you choose courier during the application process, it will be delivered to your specified address through courier.
Can I pick up my passport with the stamped visa in person?
Yes, you can collect your passport with the stamped visa in person at the Visa Application Center or the designated location specified by the consulate or embassy.
What should I do if there is a delay in receiving my passport after visa approval?
If you experience a delay, contact the consulate, embassy, or the courier service handling your passport delivery.
They will let you know the cause of the delay and guide you on the next steps.
How will I be notified when my passport is ready for collection?
You will be notified through any means you choose during the application process – notification methods vary, and many visa application centres and courier services offer SMS or email alerts.
If you subscribe to an SMS alert, you will be notified through email and SMS, if you sign up for only an email alert, you will get an email.
Can I track my passport online after the US visa is approved?
Yes, many countries offer online tracking services through Visa Application Centers (VAC) or embassy/consulate websites.
If this is applicable in your location, you can log into the VAC website using your application reference number and passport number to access real-time updates on your passport’s status.
Conclusion
There are many ways you can use to track your passport once your visa application has been approved.
Read also:
- How do I show proof of funds for a Canada study permit?
- I want to study abroad but I have no money
- How to withdraw a visa application
- How to survive in Canada as an international student
- How do you check your eligibility for an Australian visa?
- Document checklist for a study permit outside Canada
- How to check if your international passport is ready in Nigeria
- How to convert a Canada visitor visa to a work permit
If the US embassy in your country has a tracking tool on their website (they do in some countries), you can use this tool but if they don’t you can also use third parties such as VFS Global or other courier services
When you get your passport back, make sure you check that all the details, especially the visa dates, ensure that they are correct.
In addition, read the visa instructions and make sure you obey every rule stated on your visa.