If you are an Indian citizen studying in the United States and you’ve lost your passport, it can be a very stressful experience. Not only do you need your passport to travel, but it is also essential for proving your identity and maintaining your status in the country. Losing your Indian passport in the USA with an F1 visa can be a tricky situation to navigate, but with the following steps, you can resolve the issue and ensure that you don’t face any unnecessary difficulties.

Contact the Police

The first thing you should do when you realize that your Indian passport is lost in the USA is to contact the police. This step is important because it helps you to file a police report, which is important for applying for a new passport. Make sure to keep the police report with you at all times as it will serve as proof if someone finds your passport and tries to use it for fraudulent activities.

Contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate

The Indian Embassy or Consulate is your next point of contact after you file the police report. Contact them immediately and report the loss of your passport. They will assist you with the necessary paperwork, and you’ll be required to submit a photocopy of your passport, visa, and I-94 form. The Embassy or Consulate will also issue you an “Emergency Certificate,” which is a one-way travel document that you can use to return to India.

Apply for a New Passport

After reporting the loss of your passport to the police and the Indian Embassy or Consulate, you’ll need to apply for a new passport. You can apply for a new passport either online or in-person, but the process might take a while for several reasons. If you’re in a hurry and need your new passport quickly, you can pay an additional fee to expedite the process. Make sure to also provide all the necessary documents, including the police report and the emergency certificate.

Inform Your College or University

Losing your passport affects your F1 visa status. Therefore, the next step after getting an emergency certificate and applying for a new passport is to inform your college or university’s international student office. They will assist you in maintaining your visa status and reissuing your I-20 form.

FAQs

Can I travel with the emergency certificate?

Yes, you can travel with an emergency certificate. It is a one-way travel document which allows you to return to India.

Is it possible to track the status of my passport?

Yes, it is possible to track the status of your passport by visiting the Indian government’s passport seva kendra website.

How long does it take to get a new passport?

It can take several weeks to a few months to get a new passport depending on the processing time and the location where the application is submitted.

Losing your Indian Passport in the USA with an F1 visa can be a stressful experience. However, the above steps will help you resolve the issue quickly and efficiently. Lastly, always keep a photocopy of your passport, visa, and I-94 form in a safe place as it can help speed up the process in the event of an emergency.