What happens to my unexpired visas in my old passport?

by Nick
(Los Angeles, CA)

Question: I changed my name through the court and have to get a new passport. But I have a 10 yr visa to India that doesn't expire for a while and was rather expensive. Do I have to send my old passport in and if I do, will I get it back?

Can I travel to India with both passports and show the visa from the old passport at the airport? Or do I have to transfer my visa?

Also, will I receive my certified copy of name change back?

Answer: While most countries require you to apply for a new visa when your passport canceled, India does not. The remaining validity of the India visa can be transferred to the new passport. So if you have a 10 year visa issued in 2008 and then transfer it in 2011, the visa issued in the new passport would be valid for 7 years (or the exact remaining validity). The process is identical to applying for a new visa, however the cost is $38.

You must send in your current passport in order to apply for the name change. Your passport will be invalidated and returned to you. The document you send as evidence of the name change will also be returned to you.

You are encouraged to use a protective package such as a Tyvek envelope in order to send your documents. Also, a traceable delivery method is recommended.