Immigrant Passport Application

Introduction

The US passport is ranked as the 9th most powerful passport in the world, allowing its holders to travel to 186 destinations without a visa.

Congratulations on becoming a US citizen! You have completed your immigration journey and can start a new phase of your life in the US, the land of dreams. You are now eligible to apply for a US passport. But how does the application process work? What documents would I have to submit? This comprehensive guide will cover everything there is to know about the application process for a US passport, its cost, processing time, and the required documents.

How to Apply For A US Passport? 

You can apply for a US passport from both within and outside the US. If you are a US citizen living in a foreign country, you can apply at your nearest US Embassy/Consulate. You may have to make an appointment before visiting the Embassy or Consulate to start the process of obtaining your passport. You can find the fee schedule and the consulate exchange rate on the embassy’s website and pay the filing fees here. 

We will focus mainly on immigrant passport applications filed from within the US. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process:

Step 1: Fill out Form DS-11

The first step is to fill out Form DS-11, Application for a US Passport. You must submit different documents (discussed in the next step). Your personal information, such as full name, date and place of birth, social security number, occupation, etc., can be filed using the Department of State (DOS) form filler. You can also print out the PDF of DS-11 and complete it by hand. 

Step 2: Provide Proof of US Citizenship  

As an immigrant, since you wouldn’t have a US passport or US birth certificate, you should submit your naturalization certificate to prove you are a US citizen. The DOS can also ask to submit additional evidence to satisfy them that you are a US citizen. 

Step 3: Submit Proof of Identity

The third step of your application process is submitting a copy of your photo ID’s front and back sides. This includes, without limitation, any military identification, driver’s license (not a learner’s permit), or even your foreign passport. Make sure that the photocopy is:

• On white paper;
• Single-sided; and
• Does not decrease the image size 

Step 4: Attach a Photograph

Typically, you should submit a recent 2×2-inch passport-size colour photograph that meets the DOS passport photo requirements. 

Step 5: Submit your DS-11 Application

Print out your application in single-sided portrait format. As you are applying for the first time, you must attend in person at a passport acceptance facility such as a post office, library, or local government office. There are thousands of passport acceptance facilities all over the US. 

Remember not to sign the form until the passport acceptance facility attendant tells you to. After submitting it, you can track your application by visiting the DOS webpage and entering your last name, birth date, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.  

What is the Cost of an Immigrant Passport Application? 

The DOS charges two types of fees: an application fee of $130 ($100 if you are under 16 years) and an execution/acceptance fee of $35. 

What is the Processing Time of an Immigrant Passport Application? 

While the timeline depends on the center’s backlog where your application is being processed, as of 2025, it will be processed within 6-8 weeks. If you have travel plans or want your US passport faster, you can get your passport in 2-4 weeks by filing an application for expedited processing and paying a fee of $60.  

How FileRight Can Help You?

With the right help by your side, you can live your American Dream without any restrictions on your travel. FileRight helps you relax knowing that an expert immigration lawyer who has worked in the USCIS for 12 years and supervised and made decisions on hundreds of immigration applications and petitions is assisting in your immigrant passport application.

What are you waiting for? Book a consultation with  us, today!