Renewing a passport during the K1 visa process

[YKA 0]

Hello, my fiancé (US citizen) and I (Japanese citizen) recently submitted I-129F and received NOA1 about a week ago.

However, I’ll have to renew my passport at some point during the visa process, as it’ll expire in May 2026.

When would be the best time to renew it, while waiting for NOA2 or after receiving NOA2?

Since I used my current passport number for I-129F, is there anything I have to do after renewing my passport?

 

Thank you in advance for your help!

[tomgndallas1 18]

I would let the masters weight in, but while you are waiting for your NOA2 I think you would be ok to renew your passport. 

You can also communicate to NVC once you get your new passport number, and send a note to inquiry while inquiring about your case number. 

At that time you can also tell them to update your email, and inform them of the passport renewal and change. 

I would think you would want all of this done before you get your case number assigned, and start creating your next package that you will send to your beneficiaryfinace'

My fiance had to renew her passport, we just brought both into the interview and had copied of the old and new and mine. 

You would use updated information as you still need to file your DS160, pay your visa fee, schedule your appointment, get your affidavit of support together, etc etc, 

Lots to do. 

[Dashinka 25,719]

Renew it now before you need to fill out the DS160.

 

Good Luck!

[Nywoek 112]

I renewed mine after filling out the ds160 and it was no problem, they probably see it a lot. i am unsure about renewing before your noa2 though. 

[smilingstone 514]

I would renew ASAP if you aren't planning on traveling. Last thing you want is leaving it close to interview and experiencing unforseen delays on receiving your new passport.

 

Just be sensible about this. Many have renewed even after ds160 but their experience is their own and there's no guarantee it will be as smooth for you. Timely preparation will be your best friend during this process.

[Fr8dog 337]

Had no problem with my renewal. I think it was around the DS160 (it's been awhile). I had my new passport issued with a note stating it's renewed/replaced the previous number. Consulate officer thought that was pretty slick but could not have cared less.

[YKA 0]

THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who left a comment here! Every single one has been really helpful!

I think I will renew my passport while waiting for NOA2 and contact the US embassy in Japan to check if there's anything I have to do.

 

[tomgndallas1 18]

again, experience can vary. If I were in this situation, I would renew as just because you get your NOA2 in the mail saying that your petition is approved and will be sent the DOS/NVC - it can take weeks before they receive it in and enter into the system and create your case number which will be based on the embassy at which you will file. For example mine was BNK2025XXXX. I kept sending inquiries every other week after waiting a few weeks, did the email update suggestion as well, then I think it was around 5 weeks or so, I got the case number, the packet 3 and 4, and the K1FTP which listed the embassy, the original petition receipt number (WAC) and instructions on next steps. Then I was able to create the profile in USAtraveldocs, pay the fee, schedule the appointment, and start putting together the timeline for getting the police background check and medical. these all took time and I had to do them in order as she needed to start her vaccines, then go get the police check, we paid an expedite fee and got it in about 5 days, then once you have this we were able to schedule the medical. The police in Thailand will not start the paperwork for you until they see you have an appointment and case number and the confirmation of appointment, and the medical exam will not allow you to schedule until you have your case number and police report. So there are many timings that you need to factor in. Hopefully there are some folks with recent Japan experience.