new passport after ds-260 filed (and no old passport)

[bukerjw 0]

I post this in the Canada forum because maybe somebody has had experience with this issue when they went for their interview in Montreal?

I had a passport valid for 10 months when I filled out my DS-260 (electronically, with a photocopy of my passport bio page as part of my supporting documents).

NVC has been incredibly slow for me, and gave me a checklist which actually was a mistake on their part, but no matter, I sent a clarification and had to wait an additional 30 business days on top of their usual snail pace. In the meantime I reasoned that likely my interview date will be less than 6 months till the passport expires, so I applied to renew it.

I have since received my new passport, but didn't receive my old one back with the punch-holes. I figured no problem, I'll just show my new passport at the interview. I also have a photocopy of the bio-page in case they want it at the interview.

I wanted to double-check so I phoned up NVC. I got connected with an incredibly unhelpful, impatient woman, who told me it is fine as long as I have both my new and old passport, just show them both at the interview, but when I said I didn't have my old passport anymore, she said you should email them explaining the situation, and of course it would take 30 business days for them to read the email.

I am desperately NOT wanting to delay my immigration another month and a half!! Does anyone know what happens if I show up to the interview with a new passport and not my old passport? I have the photocopy of the bio-page of my old passport, I am hoping that is enough?

My interview is in Montreal.

[Ian H. 207]

Ok just to be clear they kept your old passport right? If so, I don't see where that would be a problem at your interview. Just make a copy of the new passport and give it to the consul as well as bring it in with you. The only issue would arise is if the old passport had your visa in it because you would need it to come through the POE. Since you haven't had your visa issued yet, that will not be a problem. As to why they kept your old passport you have to ask them, but it won't affect your interview.

If anything you may have to file a new DS 260, but I highly doubt that. The consul will let you know. That is not cause for denying the visa.

[sweetgal8 4]

I don't think there would be a problem. I lost my birth certificate during the process and got a new certified copy and I was told that it would OK as long as it's from the government. Your passport is valid. I am actually going through the same situation as you. I am pretty sure my interview will be late 2014, and my passport will expire soon. I'll have to get it renewed soon and will show the new passport.

[NikLR 13,227]

~~removed unanswered thread in NVC forum. Please only post once per topic~~

[bukerjw 0]

Thank you both for your help! (Sorry about the multiple posts, wasn't sure what forum to post to.)

Yes Ian, that's right, they kept the old passport. I think it was because it had gone through the wash and had some water damage, and their policy is that they don't return damaged passports.

My intuition was that it would be ok, and I did not appreciate the NVC woman who was extremely short with me and told me I should write an email to the NVC explaining the situation. I did not trust her, it sounded like she just wanted me to hang up after 30 seconds of talking. Some of the people at NVC do make an effort to understand your personal situation, but some are like her - she didn't care that her advice would add on a month and a half to my application time!!

She just didn't know the answer and so she said to email them. I get it, and I am not impressed. I was tempted to immediately call back to get someone else, but I have a life. I will ask them again, to be sure, next time I make a status call.