I've done a stupid thing....

[lolah123 0]

Hi,

so like the topic said, I've done a very stupid thing that I didn't think through when I was in panic.

Here is the story... I'm from Saudi Arabia originally and immigrated to the US through a K1 visa. Right now I'm in the process of adjusting status in the US but when I got my Advanced parole card, I decided to go see my family while I'm waiting on the interview which on the end of December.

Saudi Arabia as every one know is very strict muslim country which I'm not really anymore and decided to take my scarf off abroad. My k1 visa picture was without a scarf on and when I took my passport to get renewed I was in panic about what if they've seen it or my family seen it.

In that moment of big panic, I've done the stupid decision to draw a scarf on my head in a subtle way on the visa thinking it's not valid and doesn't matter anymore. I admit that was crazy stupid and I wish I didn't do it. I'm very embarrassed and I don't know how would I explain it to some one in the interview or while entering the United states again soon. I've attempted to remove the ink which I admit was even more stupid as it damaged the visa a little bit.

I know that I'll be entering using my new passport and the EAD/AP combo card anyways and I have no need for it anymore. but I'm really worried I'll get in trouble for messing with it if an officer noticed. Do you they will ask to look at the old passport that I've left the states with at all? and will they cared about the slight damage to the visa picture?

PLEASE HELP!

Edited December 4, 2016 by lolah123

[Roel 7,193]

Q: A valid U.S. visa has been damaged in my passport. What should I do?

A: Bring your visa to the Visa Section of the US embassy or Consulate. A consular officer will assess the damage and decide the appropriate action required, if any.

[soulstriker 274]

they can ask you anything and ull have to tell the truth , dumb mistake altering a visa

[f f 725]

if you are getting a new passport why do you need your old one at all. just ask the authorities to destroy it so no one else can fraudulently use it.

since it was a k1 vIsa it was only valid for one entry and now no longer useful as you ap card will let you enter the us.

good luck

[NikLR 13,232]

Q: A valid U.S. visa has been damaged in my passport. What should I do?

A: Bring your visa to the Visa Section of the US embassy or Consulate. A consular officer will assess the damage and decide the appropriate action required, if any.

The visa is no longer valid. It was made invalid when the OP entered on it. K1 is a ONE TIME USE visa.

However, I cannot tell the OP how the CBP will react if they look through her passport and see an altered visa.

Since the OP will have a new passport, the visa likely won't even be noticed. Don't worry about this OP if you have a new passport!

[Roel 7,193]

Still have to include the copy of the K1 visa in the Aos package, no? At least that's what the guide says.

[Coleman21 6]

You already submitted your AOS package right? and you traveled after you got AP, so it was okay to travel. Nobody will ask for an expired passport. You only need your new passport to enter. You don't need K1 visa anymore because of AP.

When I went through AOS, I thought the immigration would ask for all the passports I've ever had, but they didn't look at them at all. Don't worry!

[Rc123rc 528]

Use the new passport and Advance Parole. Don't worry about the old passport and altered Visa. Mail it home if you are even afraid to carry it.

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

AOS has been filed, she has a new passport, it is a non issue.

[Ketsuban 1,034]

Still have to include the copy of the K1 visa in the Aos package, no? At least that's what the guide says.

If her interview is at the end of December and she has an AP/EAD combo card, I think we can assume she submitted the AOS package before this all happened!

[E and R 8]

Very sad that anyone has to deal with the concern that would cause you to want to alter. Once you get a new one that replaces the old one it can be destroyed. I can't wait to destroy my passport picture!!! I weighed 60 lbs more and not only do people not recognize me at first but it's just the worst picture ever taken of me. Coming through Mexico City while visiting my fiancé )now married with AOS approval this last Thursday) a customs looked at it and said, that is not even you anymore. I said I know but I have 7 more years until it expires and she said just destroy it at get another. I guess if you have immigration in other countries suggesting what you have wanted to do yourself it wouldn't cause too much concern. I wouldn't worry about it and just use your new one.

If it is still keeping you up at night you can always just call and ask what you should do. It's now a damaged photo on an old passport and that's it. Reason why it's damaged doesn't matter. Mine has been used so much I will need to replace it in a year or two just from wear and tear.

[randomstairs 309]

I hope you have a copy of the unaltered visa for future references. If not, it's still no big deal. Don't travel with that passport as you have a new one and the AP. In a very unlikely scenario the authorities ask about it, tell the truth. The US does not condone human rights abuse and extreme discrimination against women. You made a mistake but you were ethically and morally in the right because you acted out of REASONABLE fear of the misogynistic totalitarian government that oppresses and abuses women. You'll be fine. Best wishes!

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

Non-issue at the moment since you will be getting a new passport. I don't know if your country's passport authority will have an issue with it..but NEVER EVER ALTER a government issued document again!