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Biometric passport needed for the interview or POE?

I

Il_fedess

Registered Users (C)
Hi all,

I just wanted to make sure this is not mandatory.
My italian passport is not biometric (we are really behind on these ind of things) and I read or heard (dont remember) that a biometric passport is required for the DV lottery.
is this true? if so, Im dead cuase my interview date is Jan 16th (case Nº 10xxx) and I wont have time to get a new passport.

Thanks in advance for your answers.

il_Fedess
 
Is it that Italy is behind or that you just haven't renewed your passport in a while??? My French passport is biometric and I got it since 2004!! My dad just got the latest French one and it is totally up to date. I would have a very hard time believing the Italians are so far behind. All EU passports are basically the same except for name of country. Can you put a rush on it?
I think you might be OK for the interview. Maybe you can put in a request for a new passport now, go to the interview with the one you have and let them you have already requested a new one and carry proof.
But I am most probably wrong. Your best bet is to contact the embassy/consulate you will be going to and let them give you the correct information. People often end up in trouble going by what they hear unofficially.
 
im pretty much sure you will be fine. as long as your passport is valid you have no reasons to worry about. non of the requirements says you should be a biometric passport holder.
i had regular passport when i applied for my j1 visa 2 years ago and all was good. also in this case you are fine. anyway the will know all your biometric data, your finger prints etc. you just have to make sure your passport is valid.
 
I think it depends on when your passport was issued. If I remember correctly, if your passport was issued from around October 2006 onwards, you need a biometric passport to travel to the US. If your passport was issued before then you will likely be okay to use it up until the expiry date.
 
As far as I know a biometric passport is needed to travel in the US only if you don't have a visa. If your passport isn't biometric you need a visa to go to the US, even if your are from the EU. No need a biometric passport to get a visa. Same for DV, they don't need a biometric passport since they'll take your finger prints before your enter the country. As long as your passport is still valid you're good.
 
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You don't need a biometric passport unless you want to travel on the Visa Waiver Program. Since you will be issued a diversity visa, you're in the clear. No problemo.
 
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