If you are currently in the U.S. on an F1 visa with Day 1 CPT or OPT, or working under an H1B visa, and your Indian passport is nearing expiration, it is important to renew your Indian passport in time. While traveling back to India for renewal is an option, it is often not practical. Especially for those on F-1 CPT who face travel restrictions, or during uncertain immigration period under the Trump administration, it is not advisable to travel internationally unless you have to. Fortunately, you can renew your Indian passport within the USA! It is a convenient and straightforward process. Here is everything you need to know to get it done smoothly.
Can I renew my Indian passport in the USA?
Indian Passport Renewal Process: Step-by-Step
What Address Should You Send Your Passport Renewal to
Required Documents for Passport Renewal
Indian Passport Renewal Fees (Through VFS Global)
What is the Standard Processing time?
Passport Renewal While on F1 Day 1 CPT
Yes, you can renew your Indian passport in the USA, but the process is no longer handled directly by the Indian Embassy or consulates. Instead, VFS Global is the official service provider responsible for processing all Indian passport renewal applications in the United States.
To begin, applicants must complete an online application on the Passport Seva portal and generate an order form. This form must be included in your VFS application package, whether you are submitting it in person or by mail, as it enables real-time tracking of your passport application. When filling out the form, it is essential to provide a valid Indian address (your own or a relative’s) for police verification purposes, and a working Indian phone number that will remain active throughout the renewal process.
Renewing your Indian passport in the U.S. is a straightforward two-step process involving both the Passport Seva portal and VFS Global, the official service partner for the Indian Embassy. Here is how you can complete the renewal efficiently:
Start by creating an account and submitting your application on the official Passport Seva website.
Register on the Passport Seva portal and verify your email.
Log in and select “Apply for Ordinary Passport”.
Choose “Reissue of Passport” as the reason: “validity expired within 3 years or about to expire.”
Select booklet size:
36 pages (standard)
60 pages (frequent travelers)
Choose the type of application: Normal or Tatkaal.
Complete and save the application to generate your Application Reference Number (ARN).
Submit the application (no changes can be made after submission).
Print the completed form – only one-sided printing is accepted.
Register on the VFS Global website and verify your email.
Log in and create a new application using your ARN number.
Add a new customer profile and submit the details.
Choose a courier service—VFS-provided courier is the most convenient.
Enter your U.S. residential address.
Confirm the application and proceed to the payment page.
Pay using Visa/MasterCard, or send a money order/check payable to VFS Services (USA) Inc.
Download and print the shipping label.
Mail your application to the correct VFS application center based on your state of residence.
Here are all Indian offices in the United States:
| Office | Address |
| Embassy of India, Washington D.C. | 2107, Massachusetts Ave. Washington, D.C. 20008 |
| Consulate General of India, Atlanta | 5549 Glenridge Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30342 |
| Consulate General of India, Chicago | 455 North City-Front Plaza Drive, NBC Tower Building, Suite No. 850, Chicago, IL 60611 |
| Consulate General of India, New York | 3 East 64th Street, New York, NY 10065 |
| Consulate General of India, Houston | 4300 Scotland Street, Houston, TX 77007 |
| Consulate General of India, San Francisco | 540 Arguello Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94118 |
1. Passport Booklet Fees (Payable to Government of India via VFS)
| Application Type | Booklet Size | Government Fee |
| Normal | 36 pages | $75 |
| Normal | 60 pages | $100 |
| Tatkaal (urgent) | 36 pages | $225 |
| Tatkaal (urgent) | 60 pages | $250 |
2. VFS Service Charges
| Item | Fee |
| VFS Service Fee | $15.90 |
| ICWF Fee (Welfare Fund) | $2.00 |
| SMS/Text Notification Fee | $2.00 (optional) |
| Shipping (2-way courier) | ~$30–$50 (if using VFS courier) |
To renew your Indian passport in the USA, you must gather and submit a specific set of documents to VFS Global within 15 days of generating your shipping label. Arrange the documents in the exact order listed in the VFS checklist, with the checklist placed on top of your application package. Here's what you'll need:
Three recent 2x2 inch passport photos with a white background (ears and eyes clearly visible).
Completed Government of India passport application form (printed one-sided).
Original and photocopies of your current and all old passports.
Change of appearance/signature form, if applicable.
Online payment receipt for the application fees.
Photocopies of the first five and last three pages of your passport, each page signed.
U.S. address proof, such as a signed copy of a recent lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill (dated within the last 3 months).
Photocopy of your U.S. driver’s license or state ID, signed.
Proof of U.S. legal status, such as a valid visa, I-797, EAD card, or I-20 (tourist visa/B1-B2 and I-94 are not valid for renewal); include a signed copy.
If updating or adding your Indian address, include a signed copy of Indian address proof (Aadhar card, utility bill, bank statement, etc.).
If applicable per your VFS checklist:
Spouse’s passport and green card copy, both sides, signed.
Marriage certificate, signed.
The standard processing time for Indian passport renewal in the USA is typically 3 to 6 weeks, depending on factors like police verification, previous passport issuance location, and application volume.
If your last passport was issued in the USA and police verification is clear, it may take as little as 10 days. For urgent needs, the Tatkal service is available, processing passports in about 3 to 5 business days, though it comes with additional fees and eligibility criteria. Processing times can also vary by consulate jurisdiction, so applicants should plan ahead and apply early to avoid delays.
Can You Apply to a Day 1 CPT University with an Expired Passport?
Day 1 CPT universities require applicants to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining at the time of application. If your passport is set to expire within six months—or has already expired—it is important to take action to renew your passport asap.
While it may limit your options, don’t worry. As the strategic admission partner of over 20 Day 1 CPT universities, we can help you explore solutions and determine your best next step. Reach out to us for personalized guidance on how to proceed even if your passport is expiring or expired.
What to Do If Your Passport Is Expired While Enrolled in a Day 1 CPT University
If you are currently enrolled in a Day 1 CPT university and your Indian passport has expired or is about to expire, it is important to renew it as soon as possible. Most schools strongly advise that students maintain a valid passport throughout their enrollment period.
You have two options for renewal:
(1) The first is traveling back to India; however, we do not recommend international travel during the semester while enrolled in a Day 1 CPT program unless absolutely necessary. If you must travel, the safest time is typically during semester breaks—like the winter break in December—and we suggest limiting your stay abroad to under three weeks.
(2) Since international travel may not always be practical, especially with immigration uncertainties, the most convenient option is to renew your Indian passport within the United States. Just follow the steps outlined above to complete the process smoothly from within the U.S.
No, you cannot apply for an H-1B visa with an expired passport. If you are currently in a Day 1 CPT program and your employer is sponsoring you for an H-1B petition, it is critical to check your passport's expiration date. USCIS does not accept expired passports when submitting an H-1B petition. If your passport is already expired, it could lead to rejections. However, if your passport expires after the petition is filed, your petition can still move forward—but you will need to notify USCIS and update your records once your new passport is issued. Always ensure your passport is valid when filing and maintain a buffer of at least six months to avoid complications.
A valid passport is a fundamental requirement for everything from university applications to visa petitions like the H-1B. While returning to India is one option, it is often risky and inconvenient due to visa restrictions and tight academic schedules. Thankfully, the process of renewing your passport in the U.S. through VFS Global is straightforward and efficient when you follow the right steps and submit the required documents.
Keep an eye on your passport’s expiration date well in advance, especially before starting a new program or filing a visa petition. Our team partners with Day 1 CPT universities and can guide you every step of the way, if you are unsure or need help navigating this process, don’t hesitate to book a free consultation with our visa experts!
1. How early can I renew my Indian passport in the USA?
You can renew your Indian passport in the USA up to 1 year before it expires.
2. How do I renew my Indian passport from the USA?
Two steps to renew your Indian passport from the USA:
(1) Apply online at the Passport Seva website, complete the application form, and generate the application reference number (ARN).
(2) Create an account on the VFS Global website to book an appointment, pay the required fees, and submit your application along with supporting documents and your current passport to the appropriate VFS application center by mail or in person.
3. What documents are needed for Indian passport renewal?
Completed online application form (from Passport Seva)
4. My passport expires before the end of my H-1B visa validity period. Should I renew it before my visa appointment?