How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport in the United States?

The United States passport is one of the most valuable in the world. It makes international travel much easier once you have it. You will not need to apply for visas to most countries around the world, and you will be able to travel whenever you want.

After applying for a US passport, you must wait for passport processing time. This article will answer the question of how long it takes to get a US passport and how long it takes to renew a passport.

Requirements For Obtaining a US Passport

Obtaining a US passport is a difficult task. If you are from another country, you will have to go through several changes in status and wait many years before you are eligible. The primary requirement for obtaining a US passport is to become a US citizen.

If you are on a non-immigrant visa in the United States, such as an H-1B visa, you must change your status to an immigrant visa in the United States. You must meet all of the requirements, apply to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and be approved.

You become a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) and receive a Green Card after changing your status. To ensure that you are on your way to obtaining US citizenship, you must follow all of the country's laws and regulations. In addition, you must not have a criminal record.

You can apply for US citizenship after 5 years with a Green Card. You can apply for a US passport once you have obtained US citizenship.

Obtaining a US Passport

To apply for your first US passport, fill out Form DS-11, Application for a US Passport. You must submit the form along with the required fees and supporting documentation. When you submit these documents to a passport center near you, they will process them.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Passport?

A passport application takes four to six weeks to process. If you only pay the standard application fee of $145, your passport will be processed as "Routine."

If you are in a hurry and cannot wait 4 to 6 weeks, you can pay an additional $60 for expedited processing. You will benefit from expedited processing.

There are some instances where you will require a passport right away. These can be life-or-death situations or other pressing travel plans. To obtain the passport as soon as possible, you must schedule an appointment with the passport agency where you are applying. You should also explain why you need the passport as soon as possible.

The passport agency will consider your application and make a decision. You will have to pay additional fees for this expedited processing, which is referred to as Expedited at Agency. You will receive your passport within 8 business days if you use this method of processing. Through a standard procedure you can get your USA passport in 4 to 6 weeks.