How bad should be a Visa to be considered on Bad Shape

[JPM 0]

Hello,

I have a 5 years old VISA which is valid for another 5 years. Since I received my VISA the picture on it was odd, like a bad print, very dark and with a lot of ink on it. I went to USA by air and car several times, no problem.

In the past 6 months I traveled two times on airplane and both I was detained and my documents were searched deeply, they didn't talk to me, they just went to the computer, etc. At the end they let me enter.

I asked for the bad print in my local embassy and they told me they can't do anything else because they only re-print visas if its less than a year ago. They told me that If I want a new VISA although mine is still valid, is my decission. I also ask for a letter or some kind of document to help me on my trips, they don't provide it but commented that you can prove your ownership of the visa with additional documents like passport, licenses, etc. and those can be considered.

I have a trip to USA by plane in a couple of days and I just noticed that a small scratch of the photo went off, It was like a small bumb from the extra ink and now is gone, like if I scraped it. You can feel it. In my photo this scratch is located in my hair. I think I will pay and get the new visa ASAP, but am really worried now for my next trip. I already look for schedules for a new visa, but there is nothing I can do with such small notice.

What do you think of my situation? Do you think that if the photo seems bad, they will be able to prove my identity with other rsurces like finger prints, my passport, license, etc?

Thanks.

Edited May 30, 2016 by JPM

[HFM181818 750]

in general, not a big deal....the part that matters on the visa foil are the numbers/letters at the bottom part, because that will be the part that is scanned by CBP...if those numbers/letters are scratched, that could slow your entry down....those numbers and letters will produce your photo and other data on CBP's screen, and that along with your passport should suffice.....it cannot hurt to obtain a new visa in the near future.

[JPM 0]

Thank you, everything in my visa is perfect. The only bad part is the photo all dark and now that small scratch. I really am out of options here, so I think I will only wait and hope for the best. I am really worried.

I will definetly need to pay for the New one, Worth it.