Passport Issues

[Mel_and_Daniel 1]

Hey guys... I need a little bit of advice.

My passport was issued in 2002 and is valid for 10yrs. It is not machine readable. Due to the advent of CSME, CARICOM countries are now issuing new CARICOM machine readable passports. It has also come to light that beginning January 2008, the US will no longer be accepting non-machine-readable passports at POE.

At first it would look like a simple issue of getting a new passport. However, the Immigration Dept. here in SLU won't be issuing new passports to persons with unexpired ones until Nov. of this year.

Now I'm looking at a scenario like this. Let us suppose that the K1 process runs smoothly and I am called for an interview sometime in August or September. I believe that one of the requirements of getting a K1 is that your passport has to be valid for at least 6months following the issuing of the visa.

My problem is that while my passport will be valid for travel anywhere else in Jan. 08, it won't be valid for entry into the US.

I'm looking forward to interesting answers. Thanks in advance.

Edited March 20, 2007 by Mel_and_Daniel

[sunset2005 0]

that does sound like an interesting situation if the US wont accept your passport i think you will have no choice but to get issued a new one if that is the requirement. I am not an expert that is just my opinion. it is better to be safe than sorry. good luck to you both!

[chelben 0]

is it possible when you get your NOA 2 to go in with a copy of it and explain your situation with the Immigration Dept...there has to be some loop hole

[Mel_and_Daniel 1]

is it possible when you get your NOA 2 to go in with a copy of it and explain your situation with the Immigration Dept...there has to be some loop hole

That would all be dependent on when the NOA 2 arrives. However, my information is that the new machine readable passports are only being issued to persons whose passports are expired, damaged or whom have never had a passport before, until October this year. And in Novemeber, this is when they will be issuing passports to persons whom will be having issues entering the US.

[chelben 0]

is it possible when you get your NOA 2 to go in with a copy of it and explain your situation with the Immigration Dept...there has to be some loop hole

That would all be dependent on when the NOA 2 arrives. However, my information is that the new machine readable passports are only being issued to persons whose passports are expired, damaged or whom have never had a passport before, until October this year. And in Novemeber, this is when they will be issuing passports to persons whom will be having issues entering the US.

well what about if you "lost" your passport?

what consulate are you going through..i checked the US Embassy site and i dont see on for St. Lucia..

[Mel_and_Daniel 1]

is it possible when you get your NOA 2 to go in with a copy of it and explain your situation with the Immigration Dept...there has to be some loop hole

That would all be dependent on when the NOA 2 arrives. However, my information is that the new machine readable passports are only being issued to persons whose passports are expired, damaged or whom have never had a passport before, until October this year. And in Novemeber, this is when they will be issuing passports to persons whom will be having issues entering the US.

well what about if you "lost" your passport?

what consulate are you going through..i checked the US Embassy site and i dont see on for St. Lucia..

I am going through the Barbados Embassy. It serves the entire Eastern Caribbean.

Lost passports are also being replaced now (ie: with machine readable)

Edited March 21, 2007 by Mel_and_Daniel

[pushbrk 12,247]

is it possible when you get your NOA 2 to go in with a copy of it and explain your situation with the Immigration Dept...there has to be some loop hole

That would all be dependent on when the NOA 2 arrives. However, my information is that the new machine readable passports are only being issued to persons whose passports are expired, damaged or whom have never had a passport before, until October this year. And in Novemeber, this is when they will be issuing passports to persons whom will be having issues entering the US.

Isn't your passport damaged? Are you sure it isn't lost?

[Mel_and_Daniel 1]

is it possible when you get your NOA 2 to go in with a copy of it and explain your situation with the Immigration Dept...there has to be some loop hole

That would all be dependent on when the NOA 2 arrives. However, my information is that the new machine readable passports are only being issued to persons whose passports are expired, damaged or whom have never had a passport before, until October this year. And in Novemeber, this is when they will be issuing passports to persons whom will be having issues entering the US.

Isn't your passport damaged? Are you sure it isn't lost?

My current passport is already a replacement of a lost passport. Plus, this passport has important evidence for the K1. And also, it's an offence to willfully damage a passport(I should know!).

Nice joke though... lol

Edited March 21, 2007 by Mel_and_Daniel

[chelben 0]

is it possible when you get your NOA 2 to go in with a copy of it and explain your situation with the Immigration Dept...there has to be some loop hole

That would all be dependent on when the NOA 2 arrives. However, my information is that the new machine readable passports are only being issued to persons whose passports are expired, damaged or whom have never had a passport before, until October this year. And in Novemeber, this is when they will be issuing passports to persons whom will be having issues entering the US.

Isn't your passport damaged? Are you sure it isn't lost?

My current passport is already a replacement of a lost passport. Plus, this passport has important evidence for the K1. And also, it's an offence to willfully damage a passport(I should know!).

Nice joke though... lol

well only thing you can do i wait it out.. cause i am sure you won't be the only one in this position..i just sent you a message

[brtlmj 0]

It has also come to light that beginning January 2008, the US will no longer be accepting non-machine-readable passports at POE.

Can you point me to the source of this information? Thanks!

[Bobbie 1]

i think it would be fine to show up to the passport office sporting some wonderful chocolates and asking who still believes in LOVE and who is willing to help

[Mel_and_Daniel 1]

is it possible when you get your NOA 2 to go in with a copy of it and explain your situation with the Immigration Dept...there has to be some loop hole

That would all be dependent on when the NOA 2 arrives. However, my information is that the new machine readable passports are only being issued to persons whose passports are expired, damaged or whom have never had a passport before, until October this year. And in Novemeber, this is when they will be issuing passports to persons whom will be having issues entering the US.

Isn't your passport damaged? Are you sure it isn't lost?

My current passport is already a replacement of a lost passport. Plus, this passport has important evidence for the K1. And also, it's an offence to willfully damage a passport(I should know!).

Nice joke though... lol

well only thing you can do i wait it out.. cause i am sure you won't be the only one in this position..i just sent you a message

Got it. Thanks

[DA BOMB 1]

Well being that it isnt lost...and you dont plan on losing it anytime soon you either call an immigration officer before your interview or you plan a visit to get in renewed. Given the circumstances I really dont believe they wouldnt make an exception.

[William33 110]

It is my understanding that all US citizens are required to have machine readable passports. With that said, have you explained the circumstances surrounding your request for a new one?

If so, then you should talk with someone else, who will listen.

As an aside, you can get the old passport back, after they cancel it and "punch" the Bio page.

[Mel_and_Daniel 1]

It has also come to light that beginning January 2008, the US will no longer be accepting non-machine-readable passports at POE.

Can you point me to the source of this information? Thanks!

Well, when I first heard of it, I did quite a bit of searching online but couldn't find the info.

However, as a police officer myself, I can tell you that this info is authentic. This information is being broadcasted on the news over here by my superiors so I am not divulging any privileged information.

The Immigration Dept of the police force handle immigration and passport matters here in SLU. I've already spoken with quite a few senior persons in the IMM Dept. and I have virtually hit a brick wall. Even before the news was broadcasted, I was already told that I would have to wait until after October.

Some of you might say that I could just speak to the more senior officers but I am in a specialised dept. myself, and while I can resign at anytime, I don't think they'll be willing to make it any easier for me.