Passports, Travel & Immigration

Passports & Travel Assistance

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How long does it currently take to get a passport?

According to the U.S. Department of State, passport applications (first time applications and renewals) are taking up to 6 weeks.  Requests for expedited service are taking 2 to 3 weeks.  Processing time may increase during peak travel times, due to natural disasters or other unusual circumstances. 

Visit the Department of State’s passport website for the latest updates, passport requirements and detailed instructions on how to apply.

I am a U.S. Citizen traveling to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region by air and I have NOT APPLIED for a passport yet/have not applied to renew my expired passport.  What should I do?

You will need to apply for a passport or renewed passport and wait for your application to show up in the Department of State’s online tracking system. Please be aware that it can take up to 10 business days for your passport application status to be available online.

To apply for a passport for the first time, you will need to go to a passport acceptance facility (i.e., government center), fill out the application for a passport and present acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship and passport photos. If you are renewing your passport, you can apply in person or by mail.

If you applied more than 10 business days ago and your passport status is not available online, contact my Warrensville Heights office by phone at (216) 522-4900 for assistance.

Do I need a passport if I am driving to Mexico or Canada?  What are the requirements if traveling to those countries by sea?

When traveling by land, U.S. citizens are required to have a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative -compliant document (a passport book or passport card) to re-enter the United States from the countries listed at this link.  The same requirement applies to travel by sea, either on a private boat or commercial ship from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean.

I am a U.S. citizen traveling to somewhere other than Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean region.  Do I need a passport, and if so, what should I do?

You still need a passport to exit and re-enter the U.S. when traveling to any country other than those listed at the above link.

Make sure to find out what the entry requirements are for the country you are visiting.  In some cases, you may need to contact the embassy of the country you are visiting.  Travel information and a complete list of travel document requirements are available at travel.state.gov. 

How can Congresswoman Fudge’s office assist me with my passport?

If you depart for your trip within two weeks, you applied for a passport more than 10 business days ago, and your application status is not available online, my office can help.

Before contacting my office, please check on the current status of your application online or by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.  Then, contact my district office by phone at 216-522-4900 for further assistance.

Please note, if you need my office to contact federal agencies on your behalf, you will need to complete a casework privacy release form.

Immigration Assistance

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For general information about immigration issues, visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at USCIS.gov.

Can Congresswoman Fudge’s office help to expedite my application to become a United States citizen?

The USCIS processes millions of naturalization applications each year. vAs part of the process, your application must undergo a security clearance.  This security clearance includes name checks and in some cases manual searches that can take an extended period of time.  Due to the need for a thorough security clearance evaluation, my office cannot expedite a citizenship request.

I have filed an application for an immigration benefit but have not received any information.  Can Congressman Fudge’s office assist me?

If you have a pending claim with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, my office can check on the status of your case.  If the receipt date on your application is not current, the USCIS is unable to process your case ahead of other cases.

To obtain a list of processing dates, please visit the USCIS application status webpage.

My relative or friend was denied a visa to travel to the United States.  Can Congressman Fudge’s office help my relative or friend to obtain a visa?

Applicants for visitor visas must prove that they have a residence outside the United States which they have no intention of abandoning.  Cases that do not unequivocally establish the applicant's intention to return to his or her home country are routinely denied and are extremely difficult to overcome in later applications.

Unfortunately, there is no appeal process for denials of visitor visa applications. If your relative or friend plans to reapply for a visa and can demonstrate evidence of strong ties to his or her homeland, my office can send a letter to the embassy or consulate requesting due consideration of the application.