Applicants must fill out an application form online and have an in-person interview to get a US visa. All information on the form must be accurate and updated, including passport information. However, if you make a mistake or update your passport afterward, you should correct it in time. This passage will talk about when and how to change passport details while or after applying for a US visa.
Can I Change the Passport Details in My US Visa Application?
Yes. As you have to provide accurate passport details to apply for a US visa, you are supposed to change them whenever there are errors or any updates. It can be done by reopening the DS-160 application form or filing a new one depending on the current status of your application, and we will talk about it later.
When to Change Passport Details in US Visa Application?
Passport details provided in the visa application must match those on other supporting documents. It should be changed in the following conditions.
- Errors in the Visa Application Form
If the application form contains an error or is incomplete, such as misspelling of name, reversing date of birth, missing passport number, etc., the application will be rejected.
- Personal Information Change
The personal information on the passport, visa, and air ticket must be the same. Otherwise, you might be rejected to board or enter the US. Therefore, you have to update your application whenever there is any change to the name, gender, date of birth, etc.
- Marital Status Change
Getting married or divorced might lead to a name change or other essential changes, so it is necessary to inform the visa office of the related information.
- Passport Updates
Getting a new passport means there is a new passport number, date of issuing, date of expiry, etc. All these must be updated with the authority. Otherwise, you will fail to receive a US visa or enter the US.
- Printing Errors
Missing data, discoloration, or crooked printing on any of the supporting documents or the visa is not acceptable, so you should request a correction from the issuing authorities.
How to Change Passport Details in US Visa Application
The passport details can be changed on your own or by contacting the US embassy or consulate that you apply from according to the case status. In this section, we will take DS-160, a nonimmigrant visa application form, as an example to explain how to change passport details.
Change Passport Details in the US Visa Application Before Submitting
If your application remains to be submitted and you find mistakes, things will be easier. You can stop in the middle of the application and return to the partially filled form to edit it. At the beginning of the filing DS-160, a unique application identification (ID) number will be given, which is used to retrieve the existing application. Each time you click on the “Next” button, the previous page will be saved automatically. You can return to the same application within 30 days and correct any mistakes before submitting.
Additionally, if you want to access it after 30 days, you are supposed to permanently save the form to a computer hard drive or a disk. Just click on the “Save Application to File” button” and download it to the chosen file.
Change Passport Details in the US Visa Application After Submitting
The US Department of State allows applicants to reopen the application after submitting the form. However, things are different depending on when it is submitted.
Access Your Application and Re-Submit
It is designed for applications filed within the last 30 days, which means you can return to the existing application on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website and create a new one through the steps below.
- Access the CEAC website. Select a location, enter the verification code, and click on “RETRIEVE AN APPLICATION”.
- Enter the application ID that was given after filing the DS-160 Form before and click on the “Retrieve Application” button.
- Update the passport details and/or other information. Double-check what you have entered and submit the form again. A new confirmation page will be generated and it should be brough to the interview.
Edit from a DAT File
Supposing that you have saved your application to a hard drive or disk before, you can change details and upload it to CEAC after 30 days of application.
- Edit the outdated or wrong information on the local DAT file.
- Access the CEAC website. Choose a location and click on the “UPLOAD AN APPLICATION” button on the “Get Started” page.
- Click on the “Browse” button and select the DAT file from your device.
- Select the security question that you have set previously and enter the answer. Click on the “Continue” button and you will see the form with updated information. Submit it and get a new confirmation page.
Do I Need to Pay for Changing Passport Details in US Visa Application?
It depends on when you change the application. There are no extra fees if you change your passport information before booking an appointment for visa interview. However, if you have made an appointment, you have to pay again and book a new one as a new application form with a new confirmation page will be submitted.
How Many Times Can I Change Passport Details in US Visa Application?
There is no limitation on the number of times that you can change your passport details before attending the visa interview. However, frequent updates might do no good to you. Therefore, it is essential to double-check all the information and ensure it matches that on your current passport before submitting the application.
Additional Tips for Successful US Visa Application
The US visa office receives millions of applications every year, but some of them are rejected due to wrong information, insufficient evidence, unqualified documents, etc. To increase the chance of being approved, here are some useful tips.
- Fill out the form honestly.
You must not provide wrong information or miss any required fields on the form.
- Gather sufficient supporting documents.
The required documents might differ from visa type to type. You must check the official requirements and prepare them in advance.
- Submit a qualified passport photo.
A 2×2 inch biometric visa photo satisfying all official specifications is required. You can use AiPassportPhotos, a professional online passport photo maker, to ensure photo compliance.
- Schedule the interview soon.
Schedule an appointment as early as possible after receiving the notification. Otherwise, you might miss the deadlines and delay your trip.
- Prepare for the interview.
Check the requirements for the face-to-face visa interview in case of missing any documents while attending the appointment. Learn about the dress code and common questions in advance.
- Be Honest at the interview.
Telling ties will lead to rejection. Therefore, you have to answer all questions truthfully and make sure what you say is consistent with what you have written on the application form.
- Demonstrate strong ties to your home country.
Non-immigration visa applicants must persuade the officer that they do not intend to stay in the US after the visa expires, which can be demonstrated by job or family connections.
FAQ
Can I change my passport number after scheduling a visa appointment?
No. The passport number is locked in the CEAC after filing the DS-160 and cannot be changed. You can only change passport details by editing the existing form.
Can I change my passport after applying for a US visa?
Yes, but the US visa on the current passport cannot be transferred to the new one, so you can travel with both passports. However, if you get a new passport for a name change, you should apply for a new visa.
Can I change my passport details after my application has been submitted?
Yes. The process varies according to the stage of your application. If you haven’t made an appointment, you can update the information in the CEAC portal or through the DAT File. If you already had an interview or have been approved to get a visa, you should contact the US consular office to ask for help.
Summary
Providing correct information is important to apply for a visa. Any minor errors might lead to misunderstanding or even rejection. It is necessary to change passport details after name change, marriage, divorce, or passport updates. It could be done by reopening the application on the CEAC website or uploading a DAT file. Always double-check what you fill in and make sure not to bring documents with the wrong information to the interview.
Dolores Xiao