Validity of Passport for H4 stamping

[nagendravprasad]

Hi All,
I had an appointmnet at US consulate, chennai on Oct27th for H4 stamping. But due to heavy rains as the consulate is closed on Oct27th 2005, they have rescheduled the same on Nov 19th 2005. My passport expires on 4th May 2006 where seems to be atleast 6 months valid passport is required post to the travel date.

Query: Can I have my passport get renewed after my appointmnet on Nov19th? Any pointers would be of great help! Now I can't apply for renewal because not sure hoe many days the passport office may take.

Thanks.

[veena_swsh]

Hi,
Since you have already made the appointment, stick to it and attend the interview. Their system functions in such a way that those with less than 6 months validity existing on the passport will not be able to make the appointment itself. In the meanwhile you can apply for renewal of passport through the tatkal route.

[nagendravprasad]

Hi Veena,
Thank you very much for the valuable information. Could you please suggest the possible answer incase if they ask why you didn't get renewed the passport before coming in? we are in the process of renewing the same but incase if gets delayed.

Thanks.

[immihelp]

Just say that you are in the process of renewing and it is not through yet.

[nagendravprasad]

Hi,
Thank you very much for the valuable inputs. I have got my passport renewed and got different passport no. Now in the DS156/DS157, which passport number I should specify as while taking the appointmnet I used the old passport number and after the renewal I have got the new passport no. Also please suggest me the expiry date I should use(as per new/old passport?)
Please advise.

Thanks&Regards.

[immihelp]

Carry both passports to the interview and explain this to them.

Use new expiration date from now onwards and new passport number.

[bobby_maganti]

Hey,

Dont get worried at all, you can carry both the passports. Once when you show the xpired passport which carries NOT IN OPERATIVE or CANCELLED sitamp on it, visa officer would definitely stick the Visa in your new one, thats as simple as that..

Have fun mate