Have you ever had a visa in your old passport? Do you now have a new passport? You might need to tell United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) about it. A “Sample Letter to USCIS for Visa in Different Passport” does just that. It’s a letter explaining that your valid visa is actually in your expired passport.
This letter becomes important for many reasons. Maybe you’re applying for a new visa. Or perhaps you’re adjusting your status. USCIS needs to know about your visa history. This letter helps them connect the dots.
In this article, we’ll give you some letter samples. These will help you easily write your own letter. We’ll make sure you have what you need. Writing to USCIS can feel daunting. But with our examples, it will be much easier.
Sample Letter To Uscis For Visa In Different Passport
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Office Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Visa Information – Different Passport
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to request clarification regarding my visa status in light of a recent passport renewal. My previous passport, which contained my valid U.S. visa, has expired. I now have a new passport.
My details are as follows:
- Name: [Your Full Name]
- Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
- Old Passport Number: [Your Old Passport Number]
- New Passport Number: [Your New Passport Number]
- Visa Number (if known): [Your Visa Number]
- Country of Citizenship: [Your Country of Citizenship]
I understand that a visa in an expired passport is still generally valid as long as it is presented together with the new, valid passport from the same country. However, I would appreciate official confirmation from USCIS regarding this matter to avoid any potential issues upon my next entry into the United States.
I would be grateful if you could provide me with written confirmation or guidance on how to ensure the validity of my visa with my new passport.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
How to Write Sample Letter To USCIS For Visa In Different Passport
Subject Line: Clarity is Paramount
- Specify the application type (e.g., I-485, N-400).
- Include the applicant’s full name, as it appears on USCIS documents.
- Add the receipt number associated with the application (if applicable).
- Clearly state the purpose: “Clarification Regarding Visa Stamp in Prior Passport.”
- Example: “I-485 Application, John Doe, Receipt #: MSC-1234567890 – Visa Stamp Clarification”
Salutation: A Formal Overture
Address the USCIS officer formally. While you probably don’t know the officer’s name, a respectful approach is always prudent.
- Use “Dear USCIS Officer:” or “To Whom It May Concern:”.
- Avoid casual greetings.
Introduction: Laying the Groundwork
Begin by unequivocally stating the purpose of the letter. Introduce yourself and provide pertinent information for context.
- Clearly state your name and alien registration number (A-number) if you have one.
- Reference the specific application you’re inquiring about.
- Briefly explain that your visa stamp is located in a previous passport.
- Example: “I am writing to provide clarification regarding the visa stamp associated with my I-485 application. My name is Jane Smith, and my A-number is A123456789. The visa stamp, relevant to my current application, is affixed in my expired [Country] passport.”
Body Paragraph 1: Detailing Passport Succession
Elaborate on the circumstances surrounding your passport history. Provide dates and details to preemptively answer potential questions.
- State the issuance and expiration dates of the passport containing the visa stamp.
- Explain the reason for obtaining a new passport (e.g., expiration, name change).
- If applicable, mention any name discrepancies between passports and provide documentation (e.g., marriage certificate).
- Example: “My previous [Country] passport, containing the relevant visa stamp, was issued on January 1, 2010, and expired on January 1, 2020. I subsequently obtained a new [Country] passport due to the expiration of the previous one. No other changes occurred.”
Body Paragraph 2: Underscoring Visa Validity
Reiterate the validity and relevance of the visa stamp, despite its location in a superseded passport. Emphasize its connection to your current immigration status (if applicable).
- Reaffirm that the visa stamp remains valid, provided it hasn’t expired independently.
- Explain how the visa facilitated your initial entry into the United States (if applicable).
- If you’ve maintained lawful status since entry, explicitly state this.
- Example: “The visa stamp in my previous passport remains valid until [Expiration Date of Visa]. This visa facilitated my initial entry into the United States on [Date of Entry], and I have maintained lawful status continuously since that date.”
Enclosures: Substantiating Claims
List all supporting documents you are providing. This demonstrates thoroughness and facilitates efficient processing by USCIS.
- Photocopy of the biodata page of the old passport (containing personal information).
- Photocopy of the visa stamp from the old passport.
- Photocopy of your current passport’s biodata page.
- Copy of any relevant I-94 records.
- If applicable, copies of any documentation explaining name changes (e.g., marriage certificate, court order).
- Example: “Please find enclosed the following documents: (1) Photocopy of biodata page of old [Country] passport; (2) Photocopy of visa stamp from old [Country] passport; (3) Photocopy of biodata page of current [Country] passport; (4) Copy of I-94 record.”
Closing: Courteous Conclusion
End the letter politely and offer your cooperation. Express gratitude for their attention to the matter.
- Use a formal closing, such as “Sincerely,” or “Respectfully,”.
- Type your full name below the closing.
- Include your phone number and email address for potential follow-up.
- Offer your willingness to provide additional information if needed.
- Example: “Sincerely, John Doe, (123) 456-7890, john.doe@email.com. I am available to provide any further information or documentation that may be required.”
Frequently Asked Questions: Visa in Different Passport
This section addresses common inquiries regarding scenarios where your valid U.S. visa is in an expired passport, while you are traveling with a new, valid passport.
Understanding these procedures can streamline your travel experience and prevent potential delays.
Can I travel to the U.S. with my visa in my old passport?
Yes, you can travel to the U.S. with a valid visa in your expired passport, along with your new, valid passport. Both documents must be presented to the immigration officer at the port of entry.
Do I need to apply for a new visa if my passport expires?
No, you do not need to apply for a new visa solely because your passport has expired. Your visa remains valid until its expiration date, provided it is undamaged and meets other validity criteria.
Should I carry both passports with me at all times when traveling?
Yes, it is crucial to carry both your expired passport containing the valid U.S. visa and your new, valid passport whenever you travel to the United States.
What if my name has changed since the visa was issued?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or other legal means, you will generally need to apply for a new visa. Consult the U.S. embassy or consulate for specific instructions.
What if my old passport containing the visa is lost or stolen?
If your old passport containing the visa is lost or stolen, you must apply for a new visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Report the loss or theft to the local authorities and include a copy of the police report with your visa application.
Related:
Sample Letter To Children In Safe Houses
Sample Letter To Clients From Real Estate Assistant
Sample Letter To Clients About Closing A Business
