Handing over your Passport!!!!

[markis10]

Passports can be reported as lost and replaced. It is no biggie. I believe there is a charge for the replacement.

Maybe there is even room on the form to note that it was lost in the US Embassy.

Yes there is a charge for replacement as well as what amounts to a fine, $103, although a request for a refund for that amount can be made should circumstances show the loss was out of your control, at face value I suspect that would be applicable here!

[h=3]Lost or stolen passport fee refunds[/h] The lost or stolen passport fee may be refunded if:

• you recover and personally return the passport that you reported as lost or stolen within three months of it being recorded as lost or stolen;
  and
• you apply for a refund within three months of that date;

OR

• you apply for a refund within three months of a replacement passport being issued;
  and
• the circumstances of the loss or theft were outside your control and were not due to your carelessness;
  and
• the loss or theft is not claimable on an insurance policy.

 

[MatF]

It sounds like you started the VISA process as soon as you found out about the criminal record requirements anyway, so it seems to me the core of the issue is that the VISA process has taken an insanely long time (and/or your passport is AWOL), and that you perhaps should have researched VISA requirements a bit earlier ... though like you, I would have thought 3 months would have been ample time. It's a crazy process.

I had a mad rush last minute trip to the US last year with less than a week's notice (my first visit there), but thankfully I could use the visa waiver program.
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....-program/last-minute-work-trip-slc-31791.html


P.S: no offence, but please, please, it's driving me crazy ... it's spelt "me".

 

[amaroo]

I think in this case the OP personal history is immaterial. Sure reject the application but give the passport back.

 

[harvyk]

I think in this case the OP personal history is immaterial. Sure reject the application but give the passport back.

Agreed, what was done in the past is irrelevant when it comes to the US time frame for returning a passport.

Either approve the application or reject it and return the passport, this idea that the US then takes it's sweet time to return the passport if it has no intention of granting entry is beyond a bad joke...

If I was ever in the position of requiring a US visa where I wasn't 100% sure on it being granted, I'd almost consider requesting a concurrent passport (yes it is possible to get a concurrent passport for reasons of passport waiting to get visa's issued), that way I can safely be without my original passport for the 6 to infinity weeks it takes for them to process it and (undoubtedly being the US) deny the visa.

 

[JohnK]

I really do not understand why the US embassy would hang on to a passport for that long.

From memory a crime is spent after 10 years in which case you would not need to inform the US embassy of this crime and should be able to participate in the visa waiver program. Or is fraud treated differently to other crimes?

 

[xcharmed1x]

Finally go an email back today after 10 days of first being sent, stating that they are sending my passport back today!!!

It 'only' took them 3 months and 19 days!!!


So again apply for your visa FIRST.......A lesson learnt...that is all

 

[pagingjoan]

Finally go an email back today after 10 days of first being sent, stating that they are sending my passport back today!!!

It 'only' took them 3 months and 19 days!!!

So again apply for your visa FIRST.......A lesson learnt...that is all

Wishing you and your passport a very happy reunion!

 

[harvyk]

I really do not understand why the US embassy would hang on to a passport for that long.

From memory a crime is spent after 10 years in which case you would not need to inform the US embassy of this crime and should be able to participate in the visa waiver program. Or is fraud treated differently to other crimes?

This is a big yes and no. There is the spent convictions scheme, which means that after 10 years for adults (and 5 years for an offence committed when under 18) in certain circumstances the crime is wiped clean from your record. Which in that case as far as the US is concerned it never happened. However if you tell them that you have a conviction they will note it down and it will most likely prevent you from entering the US full stop ever again, even if you could use the spent convictions scheme to omit certain details.

 

[Danger]

Anyone that asks for such amount in cash is a clear warning signal in the first place!

I doesn't seem as though the agent asked for payment in cash, just that a cash payment would save time.

Seriously just report it lost or stolen and take away the lessons- never pay that sort of money in cash ESPECIALLY to a travel agent.

I think there's only so many times you can report an Australian passport lost or stolen before a replacement simply isn't an option. My point is, I'd be 'saving' the lost or stolen reasons for occasions when you don't have any other recourse. In this situation, I'd be moving hell and high water to get it back.

3 days if transferred "through the bank"?????

The travel agent hasn't heard of credit cards?

I suspect the agent would have being charging a hefty credit card transaction fee.

Finally go an email back today after 10 days of first being sent, stating that they are sending my passport back today!!!

It 'only' took them 3 months and 19 days!!!

If it isn't returned, my suggestion would be to get in touch with your local member of (federal) parliament or a senator. The Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs might also be worth contacting. These people have the ability to put a call into the Embassy and have it answered by someone reasonably high up. I can assist with a some suggestions of people who may be able to help if you still need assistance (ie. your passport doesn't arrive in the mail).

 

[adampenrith]

Shocking - if the US were not going to grant you a visa - they should return the Passport there and then and the fee for the interview.

As far as paying the travel agent, I would not be buying the tickets if I were the agent until I got paid for them, so if it were a fare that was running out - I would do the same. No $$ no tickets. If they were unrefundable fares and the passenger does not pay for them - the agent has to pay for it out of his or her commissions.

I have seen many a dodgy deal done in travel agents offices - and I used to be one - and was horrified at watching other consultants ripping off their customers.

 

[xcharmed1x]

My Visa was eventually approved with only a 45 day window from the date of approval, but good to know I was not denied a second time.

 

[midcoast1]

Agreed, there is no way I'd hand over anything more than about $1000 in cash, as up to that amount I guess if I lost it I would care, but it wouldn't be the end of the world, over that amount you want the records from the bank on who has received the money, that way if there is a non-delivery you have proof that you'd paid.

I use Flight Centre (i must be lucky and have a good one) and i always pay cash . Most i have paid cash is $1600.00 . Only because of the surcharge they hit you for a credit card payment.Then the bank where i draw the cash from is 50 metres from Flight Centre.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I use Flight Centre (i must be lucky and have a good one) and i always pay cash . Most i have paid cash is $1600.00 . Only because of the surcharge they hit you for a credit card payment.Then the bank where i draw the cash from is 50 metres from Flight Centre.

The irony is, that it probably costs them more for a staff member to go to a bank with cash..not to mention risk issues..