There is no expedited service for applications lodged overseas.
We are currently receiving most passports approximately 8-12 weeks after lodgement, although some applications may be processed faster. Do not make any travel plans that cannot be changed before you receive your passport.
If you need to travel within the next 3 weeks, please bring printed evidence (eg. airline tickets or a letter from your employer) to your interview. This evidence must be in hard copy form (i.e. not on your phone).
You may be eligible for an Emergency Passport for an additional fee. An Emergency Passport has four visa pages and the validity will be limited to meet your immediate travel needs. It does not contain a chip and cannot be used to enter or transit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). If you are travelling to a country that requires a visa, you should check with the embassy of that country whether a visa can be issued in an Emergency Passport and if there is a minimum validity required.
An Emergency Passport is usually issued within 2-3 working days after all requirements are met. Some applications, such as child applications without full consent or for children born through surrogacy, take significantly longer.
Adding an Emergency Passport after lodgement
If you have not received your new passport and need to travel urgently, you can add an Emergency Passport to your application. This process is done by emailing your lodging office (Houston applicants - please call). Please follow the steps below.
APPLICATION STATUS | WHEN TO CONTACT | WHAT TO INCLUDE IN EMAIL |
---|---|---|
Lodged within the last 6 weeks |
ONE WEEK/7 DAYS before departure date |
|
Lodged more than 6 weeks ago |
Step 1: Email 2-3 WEEKS before departure date |
|
Step 2: Email ONE WEEK/7 DAYS before departure date |
|
Cancelling your Emergency Passport
After you complete your travel on your Emergency Passport, please email your lodging office so that your Emergency Passport can be electronically cancelled. Your regular passport will then be sent to you via FedEx.
Note: If you applied for an Emergency Passport only (without paying for a regular passport on the same application), you will not automatically receive a new passport. You should make an appointment to lodge a new application for your regular passport.