Posts Tagged ‘passport fees’

New Zealand Passports Go Digital: Rush Passport NYC

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012

New Zealand is making improvements to their passport industry.  New Zealanders will be able to take advantage of online passport renewals.  This new passport initiative is aimed at helping reassure New Zealanders about the government’s committment to moving forward into the digital environment.   

It seems that by 2017, the government plans that a large percentage of New Zealanders will complete most common government transactions online.  The purpose of this passport initiative is to save time and money and to make things more convenient for New Zealanders.

The move to online passports also comes with a reduction in the adult passport fees.  While there are questions regarding the security of online passport transactions, the government is willing to meet the challenges.  They are confident that the passport will be put through a number of rigorous security checks before the online passport services are available to the public.

Online passport applications will be made through the passport applicant’s own internet connection.  A digital passport photo will be included that will be subjected to face-recognition software.  All of the latest security features will be employed to minimize the possibility of passport fraud.

At this time, there are no countries in the world where passport applicants can renew their passports solely online.  Adult passport fees will drop from $153.30 to $140.  Passport renewals will carry a fee of $134.50 for a renewal through a printed form and $124.50 for online renewal.

First-time passport applications will not unavailable through the online interface.   Only renewal applications will be available online.

If you are interested in getting a passport or visa, give us a call at (212) 643-9305. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

Passport Babies or Birth Tourism Causing Problems in US and Canada: Rush Passport

Sunday, February 26th, 2012

ny passportWhat would you do to get a US passport?  If you are a US citizen, all you have to do is apply, show proof of citizenship, pay the fees and there shouldn’t be a problem.  The same goes for getting a Canadian passport.  However, there is a widespread problem that is growing in the United States and Canada; it’s called “passport babies” or “birth tourism”. 

Canada is ready to crack down on passport babies otherwise known as birth tourism.  For those unfamiliar with the terms, they refer to the practice of travelling to another country such as the US or Canada for the purpose of getting your newborn child US or Canadian citizenship.  This practice results in the newborn child being eligible to apply for a US or Canadian passport.  This is becoming increasingly common with pregnant women from China.

There are actually organizations who, for a fee, coach pregnant women to travel to the United States and Canada to give birth.  The newborns gain access to passport eligibility and many other considerable benefits.

Canada plans to introduce legislation to prevent this practice of getting passports for newborns of foreign parents.  In some cases, it has been reported that Chinese women are being coached to hide their pregnancies and to apply for visitor or student visas.

When the birth certificate is issued no questions are asked that pertain to the immigration status of the parents.  The only two countries in the developed world that allow for an automatic inheritance of citizenship to those born on their soil are Canada and the United States.

Getting a US passport gives the newborn countless benefits including the right to attend US Universities.  From a US and Canadian standpoint, birth tourism or passport babies is a way to exploit a loophole in the legislation.

If  you have questions about getting  a visa, a passport, an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

New York Democrats Aiming to Lower US Passport Fees: Rush Passport

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

US Passports are necessary for travel to Canada.  Did you know that New Yorkers have four border crossings into Canada?  New Yorkers frequently cross over into Canada using their US passports.  They also produce their US passports upon returning to the US from Canada.  However, some New Yorkers feels that the cost of  a US passport is preventing them from getting a passport.

US passportTheir sentiments have began to pick up some steam as US Representative Kathy Hochul, a Democrat from the 26th District in New York along with US Representative Brian Higgins, also a Democrat, but from New York’s 27th District have introduced new legislation to lower the cost of getting a US passport.

The US Democratic Representatives feel that people who live in western New York are being charged so much for a passport that the cost has become prohibitive.  They feel that the federal government should not be profiting from the US passport industry and that instead this should be provided as a service to US citizens in which the government breaks even.

The new passport proposal, Passport Fee Relief Act, passport holders would receive a refundable tax credit which would in essence be like getting reimbursed for the passport application fee of up to $140.

Another proposed passport bill is called the Passport Acquisition Savings and Security (PASS) Act.  Under this proposal, the US State Department would only be permitted to set the passport fee at the actual cost of providing a passport.

If these passport proposals are put into effect, it would not only affect passport applicants in New York, but all across the United States.  In order for the passport legislation to pass, it will need support from members of congress throughout the US.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

Are Passport Fees Going to Get Lowered? : Rush Passport NYC

Sunday, June 12th, 2011

Passport fees too expensive?  Do you think that passports cost too much money?  Two members of congress from NY have a plan to make passports more affordable.  Democrats Brian Higgins and Kathy Hochul represent districts near the US – Canada border where thousands of passport holders travel cross each day. 

Passport Fees LowerTheir constituents not only want the passport fees to be lower, but they need passports now more than ever before due to the stricter requirements for travelers wishing to cross the US – Canada border.

The plan to lower the cost of passports may carry some weight since both Higgins and Hochul server on the Homeland Security Committee.

An adult passport currently costs $110 + $25 processing fee.  The adult passport is good for 10 years.  The cost is approximately $13 per year.  Proponents think that by lowering the cost of getting a passport more people will apply for passports.  Others think that passport fees are already low enough.  New technology and security measures have made the cost of producing a US passport rise.  By lowering the cost of the passport, the passports would actually cost the US Department of State money.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

How Do I Get a Passport? Rush Passport NYC: Passport Blog

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

get a passportHow do I get a passport?  That is a good question.  Such a good question, that if you go to Google and simply type “How do I get a” without the word ‘passport’ at the end, the word ‘passport’ automatically shows up.  As a matter of fact, there are over 14,000,000 results for the query “How do I get a passport?”  Why are so many people typing that phrase into Google?  That’s simple, they want to get a passport.  But, to some, getting a passport can seem like a difficult task.  Paperwork to fill out just right, proper forms of identification, passport photos, passport fees – everything must be done just right.

Now imagine trying to get a passport in an emergency.  Your mind is racing, you already paid for your flight, your passport is lost!  What do you do?  Or, there is a sick relative abroad or a family member’s funeral in another country.  How will you get there without a passport?

All of the details can be a blur, instead of getting stressed out – call a passport expeditor.  Contacting  Rush Passport™, Official US Passport Expeditors, registered with the US Department of State and foreign consulates is the ideal decision when you need an expedited passport.  At Rush Passport™ we can even get your passport on the same day!

In a passport emergency the last thing that you want to do is wait online all day at the passport agency.  Let Rush Passport™ take care of all of the details of getting your passport.  Using Rush Passport™ is a wise option.  You will get personalized passport service from an experienced and knowledgeable passport agent.  We also make sure that you avoid making errors in your passport application that could cause a delay in your passport being approved.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

I Lost My Passport! What Should I Do? My Passport Was Stolen!: Rush Passport Blog

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

Lost Passport?  Stolen Passport?

Passport lost?  Is your passport lost or has your passport been stolen?  As you know, your US passport is a very important document that must be protected.  However, it is possible to lose your passport or have your passport stolen if you are not careful.  If your passport has been lost or stolen, then you should take action as quickly as possible. 

US passportIf you have lost your passport and you are overseas, you must contact the nearest US Embassy as soon as possible.  The embassy will supply you with instructions on how to replace the missing passport. 

However, if you are in the US, and you have lost your US passport, you must contact the US Dept of State at 1-877-487-2778 to invalidate your passport.  Remember that once your passport has been reported missing, it cannot be revalidated.  A new passport must be issued.

If you have a passport emergency and need your passport for travel within the next 14 days, then you may apply for an expedited passport.  You will need to present proof of citizenship, identification, 2 passport photos and you must fill out the passport application and pay the passport fees.

Did you know that you can get a same day passport if needed?  Some people just assume that they must cancel their travel plans, but you may be eligible for a same day passport as long as your trip is within 14 days.  You will need to provide proof of pending travel to qualify for an expedited passport.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

Are Passport Fees Too Expensive? At $14 Per Year, We Don’t Think So… Rush Passport NYC

Sunday, April 3rd, 2011

US passportAn article appeared in the Huffington Post recently that stated that the author wasn’t surprised to find out how few Americans have passports.   According to a previous Rush Passport™ blog entry the states with the highest rate of passport ownership include New Jersey, Alaska, Massachusetts, New York and California.

The author goes onto mention that the cost of the US passport is too high.  The author states that a first-time passport or passport renewal both cost $140 for adults and $80 for minors.  That comes out to $14 dollars per year for adults because the adult passport is valid for 10 years.  And then the author states that it comes out to $8 per year for minors.  In actually, a passport for a minor is only valid for 5 years, so the cost is slightly higher at $16 per year.  It seems that the author thought that the passport for minors was good for 10 years as well.

I don’t think that $14 per year for a US passport is a lot of money.  It certainly isn’t enough to dissuade a person for traveling overseas.  What about airfares, baggage fees, hotel costs, dining and souvenirs?  Now those are expenses!  But to not get a passport because of the $14 annual fee – that seems ridiculous.

Imagine being willing to incur the other expenses attributed to traveling abroad, but not willing to spring for the passport.  It seems ridiculous!

If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.

Same Day Passport Made Possible by Rush Passport: Official Passport Expeditors of the US Department of State

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011

US Passport in one day?  Same day passport?  Is that even possible?  The answer is… YES!  Many people do not believe that it is even possible to get a US passport in one day, but it is absolutely true!  Rush Passport™ can make your trips come true! Rush Passport™ is a registered expeditor of the US Department of State and foreign consulates.  At Rush Passport™, we can process all the passport applications in person for you. 

Same Day Passport ExpeditorsSome people are under the impression that it takes six weeks to receive your passport and are unaware that is possible to get your passport in less than 6 hours.  This doesn’t mean that everyone can get a same day passport, remember – there are stipulations.

First you must be able to prove that you have a passport emergency.  In order to qualify for a same day passport you will need to prove why you need a same day passport.  Acceptable forms of proof to get a same day passport include an airline ticket or an emergency situation that requires you to travel immediately.  Once you have satisfied the requirements for a same day passport, there is still more to be done.  You must complete the passport application form and pay the passport fees.

At  Rush Passport™, we make it easy to get a same day passport.

If you are a US citizen and interested in getting a US passport, contact Rush Passport™. If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.

How to Get a US Passport

Saturday, December 11th, 2010

US Adult PassportWhat are the requirements to receive a US passport?  Passport applicants seeking to obtain a passport for the first time must appear in person. In order to obtain a passport, passport applicants must fulfill all of the passport requirements.  First time passport applicants must produce an original or certified copy of their birth certificate with a raised seal complete with the filing date from the city or state of birth, an original naturalization certificate or a previous US passport.  As for children 15 years of age or younger who wish to obtain a US passport, they must submit an original or certified birth certificate that indicates the full names of both parents.

What are the requirements for US passport renewal?  Passport renewal is easier as passport renewal applicants must submit the expired passport.  Passport applicants ages 16 to 18 years of age may appear with only one parent.  If the passport applicant has a valid, permanent driver’s license, parental consent is not necessary.  Children ages 15 and under must have both parents present in order for a passport application to be filled.  However, in the event that only one parent is available, proof must be submitted indicating that the applying parent has consent to obtain the passport.

What forms of identification are acceptable when applying for a US passport?  Examples of proper identification to obtain a valid US passport include driver’s license, government employee identification card or previous U.S. passport that is not more than 15 years old.  All passport applicants must have a social security number.  In the event that the passport applicant does not have valid identification, then an identifying witness who has known the passport applicant for at least two years must accompany the applicant.  The witness must be a US citizen or resident alien and the witness must be able to establish their own identify using one of the above mentioned forms of identification.

What are the rules about passport photos?  Passport applicants must also bring two identical photographs measuring 2” by 2”.  The background must be light, with a full face shot and non-gloss finish.

How much does it cost to get a passport?  Passport fees for adults are currently $110 for adults (expedited fees not included) and $80 for children age 15 and younger (expedited fees not included).  Checks or US postal money orders are acceptable form of payment to the US Department of State.

If you are a US citizen and interested in getting a US passport, contact Rush Passport™. If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.

Child Passport Renewal: 10 Easy Steps

Monday, November 29th, 2010

10 Easy Steps to Getting a Child Passport Renewal

Child Passport RenewalChild Passport renewal can be confusing.  Rush Passport™, Official US Passport Expeditors Registered with the US Department of State and Foreign Consulates has put forth this guide to getting a child passport renewed.

When it comes to the US Department of State, a minor child is defined as a person who is less than 16 years of age.  Eighteen year olds are treated as adults and are issued adult passports.  (Minors aged 16 or 17 years old adhere to slightly different rules.) 

The rules can get very complicated, so if at anytime you are too confused, just stop reading and immediately call Rush Passport™ (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York. 

The goal of this article is to make the process of child passport renewal as simple as possible.  To start, the major difference between renewing a child’s passport and renewing an adult’s passport is that the child must appear in front of a passport agent while an adult can renew a passport without being present.  The child applying for the child passport must not only appear in person, but must also appear with both parents.  Both parents must have evidence of parental custody or the child passport application will not be accepted.

Follow these easy steps and your child should receive a passport without a problem.  Make and error and you can kiss your child’s passport goodbye.

Step 1: Get a large envelope or folder ready to collect all of the information that you will need to apply for your child’s passport. 

Step 2: Fill out Form DS-11.  This is the US passport application.  You can either print a blank version or enter the information online and print out the completed child passport application.  You will be required to fill in the child’s name, Social Security number, date of birth, address and parent information.  Do not sign the child passport application!

Step 3: Do not sign the child passport application!  I know that I said that already, but I just want to make sure that you don’t forget…

Step 4: Insert the completed application, proof that you are the child’s parent and the child’s previous US passport that is to be replaced.  The following documents are acceptable as proof as long as they contain both parents’ names: US birth certificate, foreign certified birth certificate, a report of birth abroad, or an adoption decree. If none of these documents are available, then you must produce a court order that states you have custody of your child.

Step 5: Photocopy each parent’s primary identification, such as a valid US driver’s license, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, current government employee ID or a current military ID.   These documents should be placed inside the passport envelope/folder.  Bring the originals along to show to the passport agent.

Step 6: Get two passport photos of your child. The photos must be less than six months old.  Place the passport photos into the passport envelope/folder.

Step 7: Bring appropriate forms of payment for the passport fees. Acceptable forms of payment vary depending on the passport office, so it is a good idea to confirm the method with a human being before you make the visit.  Write that person’s name on a piece of paper and put that paper inside the passport envelope/folder.  (Remember, don’t sign the child passport application yet.)

Step 9: Together, both parents must bring the child and the passport envelope/folder with all the enclosed documents to Rush Passport™.  In the event that the other parent cannot appear, then that parent must fill out a notarized Form DS-3033, Statement of Consent.  That form must be brought with you..

Step 10: Now it is time to sign Form DS-11 in front of the Passport Agent when instructed, and submit all passport documentation and payments.  As long as you are traveling within 2 weeks, the new child passport will be ready in less than 48 hours.  Depending on the circumstances, passports may be available within 6 hours. 

If you would like to know how to get an first time adult or child US Passport or US Passport Card or if you would like to know about how to renew your US Passport or US Passport Card, visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.