PCC problem - passports returned from Chicago consulate

[puhrince]

Background: My passport was renewed in US 2 years back(new one attached to the old one issued in India).

Current scenario: I had applied for the PCC by paying $20 (for passports issued in US) but got my passports back today with a note stating that I send in the passports again when they get clearance, which takes at least 45 days. I thought its only supposed to take max. 2 weeks ?? Also, I was asked to send $20 - my guess is that they are charging me the $40(20 + 20) fee for passports issued in India..but why? IF its bcos of my older passport, I understand the fees and the 45 days processing time but then who qualifies for the $20 fee - someone who never had a passport issued in India?

Final thing mentioned was - they mailed my passports back bcos consulate does not keep them for such a long period.

 

[rrajendr]

Where was your new passport issued? If it is from Chicago consulate I believe then 45 day clearance is not needed and rather is just a week to get it by post while you get it same day if you go in person.

 

[puhrince]

my new passport was issued in Chicago - but they said its going to be 45 days - they put a post it on the passport and sent it back to me
someone in another forum mentioned that only if my passport from Chicago was more than 5 years old, then i get it back within one week..else they have to go to india..i didn't hear that before?

Where was your new passport issued? If it is from Chicago consulate I believe then 45 day clearance is not needed and rather is just a week to get it by post while you get it same day if you go in person.

 

[rrajendr]

i am sorry what do you mean. Only if the Chicago passport is more than 5 years then the 45 day clearance is waived and the PCC is issued within 1 week in mail and in 1 day on person. Else it is 45 days for clearance + PCC issuing period as mentioned above. where did you hear about it. I remember the way i told you earlier was valid.

 

[J1victim]

PCC processing time from indian consulate ...

i am sorry what do you mean. Only if the Chicago passport is more than 5 years then the 45 day clearance is waived and the PCC is issued within 1 week in mail and in 1 day on person. Else it is 45 days for clearance + PCC issuing period as mentioned above. where did you hear about it. I remember the way i told you earlier was valid.

how much time does it take to get PCC? Read here ---
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=195734
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for rrajendr: i just saw your questions today in that post. am replying to them here:

... I have already completed a PCC REFERRAL on my CURRENT PASSPORT and hence based on that I have the following questions when I apply for a new passport + PCC on it.

3) What is the FEES that I have to pay for PCC
>>>>* $20 for PCC if the passport was issued from same consulate >5 years back.
* $20+$20 referral fee, if passport was issued from a different consulate or issued <5 years back from the same consulate.
### Will the PCC FEES be $20 only or $20+$20?

>>> it should be $20+$20 = $40 as your passport was issued from India. even if you get a new passport from chicago consulate now and 1 month later, you apply for a PCC, you will need to pay $20+$20 as your new passport from chicago consulate was issued <5 years back and they will charge you a referral fee also.

... 4) How long does it take to RETURN the new passport + PCC+old passport?
>>>> * for PCC only for passport issued from same consulate >5 years back: 2 weeks
* for PCC only for passport issued from same consulate <5 years back or from a different consulate: 1-2 months
* for PCC+New passport: 2-3 months.
###Will New Passport + PCC still TAKE 2-3 months after the referral on my current passport has been done? Is there any EXPEDITED option to get it back in a month?

>>>> yes. for my friend it took 3 months. i don't know of any expedited option unless you go to the consulate and find out.

... 6)What is a GOOD TIME to talk to the COnsulate General Chicago representative? Is it only at 9AM and 1PM? I always only get their voice mail and they don't return the voice mail as well.

i always got them at 1pm CST.
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