US Passport Renewal Abroad

[Caribbean Pirate 9]

Hi all,

I'm changing my name on my passport and feeling squeamish about putting everything in the mail. Am I correct that since I'm outside the US I need to send everything to the nearest embassy (Barbados)? And can I pay extra to have it expedited? Mail in the Caribbean, and especially to my island isn't always reliable. Any tips on making the process smoother?

Thanks!

Talia

[El Cachalote 12]

Unless you're doing DCF...it does not go to the embassy at your stage. You will send it to the Chicago Lockbox where USCIS will process your I-130, then it will go to one of the service centers here in the USA. There it will be approved/denied, if approved it is sent to NVC. If all well at NVC, then it goes to embassy.

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1.

Hope this helps.

[Caribbean Pirate 9]

I'm just renewing my US passport with a name change wile living outside the US- not filing visa papers yet! Sorry if it wasn't clear.

Talia

[Operator 1,927]

Talia I've been using a company called CIBT (formerly Visa Advisors) for years for renewals, extra pages and business visas. I've never had a problem. They even hand walked my passport through the Indian embassy in Washington once for me to get a visa in 36 hours.

http://us.cibt.com/passports.php

I swear that I don't work for them...

They can and do expedite, for a fee of course.

[Operator 1,927]

I didn't really answer your question did I? Yes you have to send everything. Barbados does renew.

http://barbados.usembassy.gov/passports.html

[Caribbean Pirate 9]

Great news! I just found out that the someone from the Barbados Consular Service office will be visiting my country at the end of the month. I'll be able to hand deliver my documents for my passport renewal. I'm feeling very much relieved. Too bad they can't get my Social Security info changed too! I didn't even know that the consulate folks took field trips!