How to collect my passport after my visa is approved

After your visa is approved, the authorities will stamp your passport with the visa, officially permitting you to enter the issuing country.

This stamp confirms that you’ve met all the requirements to enter the country.

When this is done, you’ll receive a notification from the embassy or consulate – via email, SMS, or through your visa application portal – informing you that your passport is ready for collection.

The notification will include specific details on when and where to pick up your passport.

Here’s how to collect your passport after you get the notice.

How to collect my passport after visa is approved

Once your visa is approved and your passport is ready for collection, you can pick it up in person at the visa application centre or consulate or have it delivered to your address through a courier service.

Read also: Why is my Australian student visa taking so long?

The notification you’ll get when your passport is ready for collection will contain details like:

• Confirmation that your visa has been approved.
• Instructions on how and where to collect your passport.
• Any identification documents you need to bring for passport collection.
• If your visa was processed through a third-party service, like VFS Global or TLScontact, they’ll notify you that your passport is ready for pickup or delivery.

The few times I used VFS Global, I received an email from them stating that my passport was ready for pickup.

Generally, there are two ways you can collect your passport:

• • In-person pickup
  • Courier delivery

Let’s break these down in detail.

1. In-person pickup

This is the most common method for collecting your passport.

I have used this method many times and it works fine for me.

If you’re eager to get your passport as soon as possible, this is the best option for you.

If you choose to collect it in person, you’ll go to the visa application centre or embassy where you submitted your application and pick up your passport there.

Read also: Why does an embassy hold your passport?

Here’s what to expect with in-person pickup:

• Upon receiving your passport from the authorities, the visa application centre will contact you.
• They’ll give you the date and time to pick your passport up.
• On the agreed date and time, you’ll visit the visa application centre (it’s usually during business hours).
• Most centres will ask you to bring identifying documents for verification, like a government-issued ID and visa approval notification.
• Depending on the location, there can be a queue, so try to get there early.
• When you arrive at the visa application centre, your ID will be verified and your passport given to you.

The in-person method is quite simple.

It’s just like when the delivery man keeps your package somewhere and you go pick it up there, except that your ID will be verified before you get your passport.

Required documents for in-person pickup

When going to the visa application centre, go with a:

• Government-issued ID: This could be your driver’s license or national identity card.
• Visa approval notification: Bring a printout or digital copy of the notification you received via email or through your visa portal.
• Visa application receipt: The receipt or any form of acknowledgement from when you initially submitted your application.
• Authorization letter (if someone else is collecting on your behalf): If you can’t pick it up personally, you can authorize someone else to do it for you.

The authorised person will need an authorization letter and a copy of your ID.

I have never authorized someone to pick up my passport for me but I know folks who have done that and they never had issues.

2. Courier delivery

If you’re unable to visit the visa centre or prefer a more convenient option, you can use the courier delivery option.

Many visa processing centres offer a courier delivery service.

This allows you to receive your passport at your home or office.

Read also: What happens if your visa expires in another country?

Here’s what’s involved in the courier delivery option:

• Additional fee: Courier services usually come at an extra cost.

The amount you’ll pay for the delivery of your passport depends on the courier service provider.

• Delivery time: The courier option will take a few extra days, so if you’re in a hurry to get your passport, this is not the best choice.
• Tracking: With this method, you can track your passport.

I’ve used courier delivery once for a previous visa application.

And, it took about three business days for the passport to arrive, but it was quite convenient.

Read also: Which countries can I visit with a Canadian student visa

I didn’t have to visit the visa centre – but somehow, I still prefer the in-person visit method.

What to check when you receive your passport

After collecting your passport, the first thing you should do is check that all the details on your visa are correct.

Even though the visa is approved, mistakes can still happen.

Here’s a checklist of what to inspect:

• Visa type: Ensure the visa type (tourist, student, work, etc.) matches what you applied for.
• Visa validity period: Check the visa’s start and end dates to make sure they align with your travel plans.
• Personal information: Check that your name, date of birth, and passport number are accurate.
• Conditions on the Visa: Some visas come with specific conditions, like limitations on work or travel. Check if you have any conditions attached to your visa.

Whenever I visit the visa application centre to pick up my passport, I don’t leave there without going through everything in it.

If you spot an error while checking your passport, contact the embassy or visa centre immediately.

What to do if there’s a problem

If you find any discrepancies on your visa or issues – or if the visa doesn’t meet your expectations, contact the embassy or visa application centre right away.

Most centres allow you to report errors within a specific period.

Read also: How long after my visa interview will I get my visa?

Corrections could take a few days to process, so handle any issues as soon as possible.

I’ve heard stories from others who had to wait an additional week due to small errors.

When and where can you collect your passport?

Visa application centres and embassies have business hours for passport collection, which are usually Monday to Friday during standard working hours.

Before you go for your passport, check the hours on their website or in the notification email you receive.

Some visa centres also allow you to schedule a specific time to pick up your passport, which can save you from waiting in line.

If you’re using courier delivery, you’ll receive your passport within 2 to 5 business days after it’s declared ready for pick up.

How long after the visa interview will I get my passport?

On average, it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to get your passport.

You’ll be notified when your passport is ready for collection or when it will be shipped.

Read also: I made a mistake on my Canadian visa application, what should I do?

In addition, you can track its status as well as your visa application status through the embassy or consulate’s online tracking system.

Final words

If you apply for a visa, you can use either the in-person method or courier service to pick up your passport.

Read also: Your passport is ready for pickup; does it mean visa approval?

From my experience, I found in-person pickup to be quicker, but the courier service is more convenient depending on your location and schedule.

Whichever method you choose, they both work fine.