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I need help with a Colombian Passport

I have a friend who is attending a college in Alaska. Her Colombian passport expired last March and she was told she didn't need to worry about it. Her legal status is ok because of her I-20 form, but the school told her she needed to get her passport renewed as soon as possible. Is this true? Also, she has not been able to get in touch with anyone at the San Fransisco Consulate (which is where she was told she needed to go) to find out if she can renew it by mail. Does anyone know what the laws are and what she should do? Thanks

By bseeger on Jul 19, 2008, 11:32 in Friendly Talkzone.

Gator says on Jul 19, 2008, 14:33:

Yes, generally, colleges/universities require the student keep a current passport I-20 to meet SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) requirements. Even if her passport expired the F-1 visa remains valid until that visa expires. The expired passport, which contains the valid visa, and the new valid passport must be presented when she obtain a new one.

She might consider calling the Colombian Embassy, in Washington DC for help but I believe she will have to go through the local consulate which would be San Francisco. She will need:

1. Her Cédula or an original authenticated copy of birth certificate
2. Old passport, if lost she will do a written statement saying how it was lost addressed to the Consulate.
3. Three (3) color pictures, recent, of 3.5 x 4.5 cm, front view with a light background.
4. Money Order for US$102.00, payable to Consulado de Colombia

She needs to take care of this ASAP if not sooner. Her school could withdraw the the I-20 which will invalidate the F-1 visa. But the expired passport, absent any action by the school would not jeopardize her student status.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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bseeger says on Jul 19, 2008, 15:03:

Ok, thank you.

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