Losing a passport is already a headache, but when it’s one with a valid H1B visa stamp, it turns into a whole different level of stress. A recent incident sheds light on the dangers of passport theft from mailboxes and the anxiety it brings for visa holders,
In this case, someone was applying for a Japan visa and had their passport sent through USPS. The tracking indicated it was delivered, but when they went to check their mailbox, it was nowhere to be found.
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USPS confirmed the delivery and hinted that it might have been stolen. Now, the real worry is whether they’ll have to start with entire H1B process all over again.
While it’s possible to get a new Indian passport, the visa stamp isn’t something that can be transferred. If it’s stolen, the individual may have to apply for a new visa, which could involve another interview or a dropbox appointment, depending on the eligibility.
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The situation raises alarms for many Indian professionals who depend on international mail for important documents. With the increase in mail theft cases, it might be wiser to opt for secure delivery methods or, when possible, pick up passports in person.
For those dealing with similar chgallenges, the first steps are to report the theft, obtain a new passport, and consult with the U.S. consulate about their visa options. Moving forward, we might need a more secure system for delivering passports to prevent these kinds of incidents.
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