Most residency and fellowship programs give only 1-2 weeks of vacation at a time. This makes it difficult to renew one's passport back home in India. Hence, it is easier to do the renewal in the States while you are working and don't really have a pressing need for the same.
I would recommend/it is recommended to renew your passport in the States at least 1-2 months prior to the expiration of your current passport. Generally would be recommended to do at 2- 3 months prior to future travel plans and the visa renewal, but would talk to the attorney processing your legal paperwork (like H1B or J1 renewals)
To be frank, the renewal process is pretty straightforward. Go to this website and follow instructions as is https://passport.in.ckgs.us/howtoapply. But just in case, I found a really helpful link to someone's personal experience on renewing their own passport. https://www.am22tech.com/renew-indian-passport-usa/
My personal timeline with the renewal process
I would recommend/it is recommended to renew your passport in the States at least 1-2 months prior to the expiration of your current passport. Generally would be recommended to do at 2- 3 months prior to future travel plans and the visa renewal, but would talk to the attorney processing your legal paperwork (like H1B or J1 renewals)
To be frank, the renewal process is pretty straightforward. Go to this website and follow instructions as is https://passport.in.ckgs.us/howtoapply. But just in case, I found a really helpful link to someone's personal experience on renewing their own passport. https://www.am22tech.com/renew-indian-passport-usa/
My personal timeline with the renewal process
- Sept 18th- Submitted my passport application
- Sept 19th- Under process with the consulate
- October 3rd- Returned from the consulate
- October 4th- Shipped back to me
- October 5th- Received my new passport
A couple of tips
- There is generally a notary at the place where you work who will notarize your documents for free
- Passport size photos are 2*2 in the States. The cheapest spot I found was in Costco, but people have used Walgreens Walmart CVS etc. They are pricey just FYI
- Renewals can be done on the basis of a petition. One does not need an approval to apply for the passport
