Posts Tagged ‘US passport’

Spring Break Student Passports: Rush Passport NYC

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

get a US passportPassport applications can take anywhere 4-12 weeks to process.  However, if you want to get an expedited passport, the wait time is much shorter.  It is even possible to get a passport on the same day.  At  Rush Passport™ we can get your passport for you in just a few hours. 

If you are a student planning to visit a destination overseas for Spring Break 2012, then now is the time to apply for a US passport.  Don’t forget that trips to Mexico and the Caribbean also require a passport.  In addition, students wishing to travel to Mexico or the Caribbean can also get a passport card.  The passport card is like a high tech drivers’ license which makes it easier to carry than a traditional passport book.  Passport cards offer convenience and are accepted at border crossings in Mexico , Canada and the Caribbean.

To apply for a US passport, be sure to have official proof of birth, download and fill out the passport forms, bring 2 passport photos and passport fees.  If you don’t have passport photos, don’t worry, you can use our on-site passport photo services.

If you need more pages in your passport, a visa, 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.

Passport Blog: Record Number of Americans Are Passport Holders : Rush Passport NYC

Monday, January 30th, 2012

get a passportThe number of Americans passport holders is growing.  This shouldn’t sound too strange because the US population is also growing.  However, a greater percentage of Americans have their passports than ever before.  More than 33% of Americans, approximately 110 million out of 313 million Americans have passports.  In the year 2000, there were less than 50 million Americans with passports.  In 1989, just 7 million Americans held passports.  In 1989, less than 3 percent of Americans had passports.  Today, less than 25 years later the percentage of Americans with passports has grown more than 30%.  What is the reason for this phenomenon?

For starters, Americans have a very large country in comparison to their European counterparts.  Larger territory means more areas to visit within the country.  This eliminates the need for a passport.  For the most part in the early 1990′s Americans felt that there was plenty to see here in the United States.  In addition, passports were not needed to travel to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico or Canada back then.

Americans used to be able to cross borders into Mexico and Canada without a passport.  Now with passports required for travel, many Americans have gotten their passports.  Still, two thirds of Americans do not have passports. 

In 2007 the US Department of State set the record with over 18 million passport issued.  Experts agree that the increase in passports is primarily linked to citizens who needed passports for travel to Mexico and Canada.

Business travelers also account for the increase in passport issued in this country.  Companies seeking for new methods to increase revenue look to foreign countries.  This creates a need for employees to get passports for business travel.

If you still haven’t gotten your passport, what are you waiting for?

If you need more pages in your passport, a visa, 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.

How to Get a Passport in a Hurry in NYC: Rush Passport

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

passport nycGetting a Passport in New York City

New York City may just be the busiest city in the world.  The hustle and bustle of New York City can be intoxicating.  There are times that you need to get something quickly and one of those times is when your passport is lost, your passport was stolen or you find yourself in another passport emergency.  Don’t panic!  Rush Passport™ is here to help!

If you would like to obtain a passport for the first time, it’s not a problem at Rush Passport™‘s New York City passport agency located in the heart of Manhattan. Be sure that you have two photographs of yourself.  If not, we provide passport photo services on the premises.

To get a passport you will need proof of U.S. citizenship.  You will need to show a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license.   Passport Acceptance facilities require valid indentification. 

There are times that you will need to apply for a passport and times that you may do so through the mail.  If you are applying for a first time US passport, you will need to appear in person.  If your US passport is expired and you do not have the passport, you will also need to apply in person.  If your previous US passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago you will also need to apply in person.  If your previous US passport was issued when you were under the age of 16 years old, you will need to appear in person.  If your US passport has been lost or stolen, you will also need to apply in person.

US Passport Renewal

You may renew your US passport by mail if you have your current passport and it is not damaged.  You can also apply by mail if you received the passport within the past 15 years.  If you were over the age of 16 years of age when the passport was issued and you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change, you can also apply by mail.  It is important to keep in mind that if your passport has been, altered or damaged, you will not be able to apply by mail.

If you need more pages in your passport, a visa, 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.

US Passport for Dirk Nowitzki? Rush Passport NYC

Friday, January 13th, 2012

US passports are available to US citizens.  Some people have been living in the US for quite some time, but have not become citizens.  Are you interested in becoming a US citizen?  If so, you will be eligible to apply for a US passport.

German basketball star Dirk Nowitzki may decide to apply for US citizenship, thus making him eligible for a US passport. Nowitzki led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA championship in 2011 and he even visited with President Barack Obama at the White House.  However, he is not a US citizen and does not carry a US passport.

Nowitzki has hinted that he may consider applying for US citizenship.  If Nowitzki plans to stay in the States, it probably makes sense for him to apply for citizenship.

President Obama singled out Nowitzki giving him praise for winning the NBA championship.  Nowitzki arrived in the US from “as a skinny kid with a goofy haircut” and has emerged as one of the premier players in the NBA.  Nowitzki handed the president a blue Mavericks jersey with the number 23, a shout out to retired NBA superstar Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls, Obama’s favorite team.

Some are skeptical as to whether Nowitzki will apply for US citizenship – especially since he was named German male athlete of the year for 2011.  If Nowitzki decides to become a US citizen, he would not have to give up his German passport.   In 2010, German tennis player Tommy Haas gained duel citizenship and he continues to represent Germany in tennis.

Whether or not Nowitzki will carry a US passport in addition to his German passport remains to be seen.  However, if you are a US citizen and you need a passport, visit Rush Passport™.

If you need a visa, 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.

How Can I Get a Passport Quickly? Rush Passport

Monday, January 9th, 2012

Do you have a passport emergency?  If you need to get a passport immediately, contact Rush Passport™!  If you are considering traveling abroad, but do not have a passport, don’t worry.  At Rush Passport™ you can get a same day passport and be on your flight overseas in no time!  If you would need a US passport, Rush Passport™ can help!  If your passport is expired, your passport is lost, or if you are applying for a first time US passport, Rush Passport™ can make your trips come true.

The passport application process may seem confusing for passport applicants who are applying for a first time passport.  Getting a US passport should be easy as long as you have all of the necessary items and the right passport expediter.

To obtain a US passport, first you must complete the passport application.  The passport application is available at the following website: New US Passport Application

Remember not to sign the passport application until it is submitted in person.

You will also need to have 2 passport photosRush Passport™ can take care of the passport photos for you.  The passport photos need to follow specific guidelines.  Passport photos must feature the subject framed properly with full face, front view, with eyes opened.

An acceptable passport photo must present full head from top of hairline to bottom of chin.  The head must be centered within the passport photo.  Subject needs to be photographed against a plain white or off-white background.  The passport photo should be free of shadows on the face of the subject or in the background.  In order for the passport photo to be accepted, the subject should be encouraged to have a natural expression.  The passport photos will be submitted along with the passport application at the passport agency.

Rush Passport™ , passport expeditors, accepts US passport applications at our NYC passport agency.  It is necessary to have your 2 passport photos, your passport application (unsigned), proof of U.S. citizenship, valid identification, and the accompanying passport fees.

As of January 2012, the US Dept of State is processing passports within a four-six week period.  However, if you need to travel right away, that’s won’t help.  Rush Passport™ has the solution.  At Rush Passport™ we can get your passport in the same day.  Our passport expediting service is the fastest and most reliable method for you to get your US passport if you are in a rush.

If you need a visa, 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.

Passport Lost. Samardo Samuels of the Cleveland Cavaliers Loses His Passport: Rush Passport NYC

Saturday, January 7th, 2012

Passports are important documents that even celebrities and professional athletes must contend with if they wish to travel abroad.  When it comes to losing passports, celebrities and athletes do not get a free pass.  Samardo Samuels, NBA pro, on the Cleveland Cavaliers was unable to accompany his team on a trip to Toronto, Canada for a game against the Toronto Raptors. 

Lost PassportSamuels lost his passport in December and was unable to accompany the team for Wednesday’s game vs. the Raptors because he was unable to get a new Jamaican passport in time.  Also, he apparently had problems with his work visa.  Samuels, took to Twitter in early December notifying his followers that he had lost his passport.  Samuels had to miss the January game and he hopes to have his passport back before April 6, the next time he must use his passport for international travel.

Samuels now joins a long list of celebrities and athletes who have lost their passports.  See which professional baseball player was highlighted for losing his passport in a past Rush Passport blog entry .  And find out which soccer star sleeps with his passport to prevent him from losing it again.  Find out which celebrity socialite had passport troubles entering Japan, not because of a lost passport, but because of drug charges.

If you need a visa, 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.

Passport Photos in NYC: More Than Meets The Eye

Thursday, January 5th, 2012
Passport photos should not be underestimated.  Since the passport is a very important document and is good for 10 years, don’t just roll out of bed and have your passport photo taken.  Trust me, having to look at that same blah photo for 10 years of traveling may put a damper on your trip for a moment each time that you are asked to whip out your passport.  Before today, I didn’t give much thought to the way people looked in their passport photos.  That was until I met Alma Schneider.  Alma is founder of Take Back the Kitchen, LLC.

Alma Schneider's Passport Photos

Alma had an upcoming trip overseas and needed to replace her expired passport.  She arrived at Rush Passport with her expired passport in hand and she was upset.  She wasn’t as upset about the expired passport as she was about her passport photo.  The photo was taken 14 years ago and she was upset because she looked good in the passport photo.  Most people would be upset about a passport photo that looked bad, but the reason why Alma was upset was because she didn’t think that she would be able to recapture the youthfulness she exhibited 14 years earlier.

 
Alma set out to get a passport photo taken that she could proudly present for the next 10 years. 
 
To find out how this story turns out, you’ll have to read Alma’s blog at http://takebackthekitchen.blogspot.com/2011/12/cashew-kale-chips-and-cant-i-just-use.html
 
If you want a passport photo that will last the next 10 years, come to Rush Passport’s NYC passport office.  We will do our best to make you look your best!  After all, the passport is good for 10 years, why shouldn’t the passport photo make you feel good too?

If you need a visa, 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.

Need a Visa? More Visas Mean More Tourists to NYC: Rush Passport

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

visa nyAccording to a recent article posted on bloomberg.com millions of tourists visited the United States from overseas to celebrate the 2011 holiday season.  These tourists all needs passports and sometimes visas to visit the US.  These foreign passport holders spend billions of dollars in the United States.  However, groups such as the U.S. Travel Association think that the US could have even more tourists in 2012 and bring in much more revenue. 

New York City is the most popular travel destination and gets millions of visitors.  However, according the article, New York City and the rest of the United States could get even more tourists if it wasn’t for the US visa bureaucracy.  It seems that the current visa system is unprepared to handle the growth in the demand for US tourist visas and business visas.   It seems that passport holders in China must wait weeks for visa interviews.  Passport holders from Brazil and India who wish to visit the United States must also wait weeks for visa interviews.

The article doesn’t only mention problems, but also offers solutions to the visa problem.  The article suggests increasing visa officers in the high- growth markets such as China, Brazil and India.  This would help passport holders in those countries get visas more quickly.  Another suggestion would be to hold visa interviews for applicants who don’t reside close to US consulates.  The third suggestion would be to ease the requirement for in-person visa interviews.  It seems that all of these three ideas were incorporated into the latest budget legislation that President Obama signed.

Another idea that could bring more travelers to the US in 2012 would be to expand the Visa Waiver Program.  Currently passport holders from 36 countries are permitted to visit the United States without a visa.  In order to be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, countries must have a low refusal rate when granting nonimmigrant visas to American citizens, take steps to improve their passport security, and share law-enforcement and security data with the United States. 

One of the problems with expanding the Visa Waiver Program is that the Department of Homeland Security needs to be able to verify the departures of almost all foreign visitors who arrive by air.  That presents a great problem because there are many citizens from Brazil, India and China who would like to live in the United States permanently.  Once inside the US, they may never return.  It is estimated that currently there are millions of illegal immigrants in the US who have overstayed their visas. 

If you need 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.

How to Get a US Passport in New York: Rush Passport

Monday, December 12th, 2011

How do you get a US passport in New York?  Passport applicants who wish to get a passport for the first time need to appear in person. In order to get a passport, passport applicants must satisfy all of the passport requirements.  First time passport applicants need to produce original or certified copies of their birth certificates.  A previous US passport is also acceptable.  When it comes to children 15 years of age or younger who wish to get a US passport, an original or certified birth certificate that indicates the full names of both parents must be submitted.

What are the requirements for US passport renewal?  Passport renewal is easier than applying for a first time passport.  Passport renewal applicants need to submit the expired passport.  Passport applicants from ages 16 to 18 years of age may appear with only one parent.  If the passport applicant has a valid, permanent driver’s license, then parental consent is unnecessary.  Children ages 15 and under need to have both parents in attendance at the time that the passport application is completed.  If only one parent is available, proof that indicates that the applying parent has consent to apply for the passport must be submitted.

What are the acceptable forms of identification when applying for a US passport?  Examples of proper identification to get a valid US passport include driver’s license, government employee identification card or previous US passport that is less than 15 years old.  All passport applicants need to have a social security number.  If 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. 

What are the rules regarding passport photos Passport applicants need to bring two identical photographs measuring 2” by 2”.  The background must be light, with a full frontal face shot and matte finish.

What fees are involved in getting a passport?  Passport fees for adults are currently $110 for adults.  This does not include the fees for expedited passports.  Passport fees are $80 for children age 15 and younger (passport expediting fees not included).  Checks or US postal money orders are the only acceptable forms 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.

Passport Holders Want to Know: What is the World’s Best Airport? Rush Passport NYC

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

ny passportIn a recent Forbes magazine article, Singapore’s Changi International Airport was named the “world’s best airport.”  Do you think it’s time to dust that passport off and travel to Singapore?  If you’re not convinced that its time to grab your passport and hop on the next flight out of JFK, maybe once you hear about the rooftop hot tub, movie theater or tropical butterfly garden, you may just change your mind.

It’s not just the frills that makes this airport tops, but the airport’s best feature may just be its high level security, customs, and immigration. 

If you’re still not convinced that you should get your passport ready for travel, you may be after you find out about the amusement park slide, variety of shopping or soothing airport music.

There is an overall feeling of politeness as the customs agent is described as taking a traveler’s passport and offering him candy.  The security check point officer was described as being polite as he apologized for the inconvenience of asking the traveler to remove his coat and then placed it delicately into the scanning tray.

Once you show your passport, you should expect quick moving lines.  There are employees on hand to ask travelers for comments about the airport experience and one such employee is quoted in the article as referring to the fact that “…the airport is the first and last taste people have of our country, and we want it to be a pleasant one.”

In general, the experience at JFK airport is nothing like this and the thought of having to go through customs with your passport can be compared to a visit to the dentist’s office.

From the perspective of tourism, Singapore gets it.  It seems that US airports can learn a thing or two about want people to enjoy coming back to America and spend more money on American tourism.

The author feels that when it comes to improving the NYC airport experience, it seems that a good place to start would be with some simple smiles and common courtesy.

So, if you still don’t have your passport, what are you waiting for?

If you need 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.