Passport Processing Speeding Up Again! This Agency Now In Phase 2

by SharonKurheg

The U.S. State Department announced some good news the other day! As of Monday, July 13, there are now 11 agencies and centers in Phase 1 and 5 passport agencies and centers in Phase 2.

Although the total number of offices in Phase 1 remains unchanged, previously there had been only 4 centers in Phase 2. The Vermont Passport Agency, which entered Phase 1 on June 19,  is the one that “upgraded” to Phase 2.

Here’s what each phase means, as per the State Department:

Phase 1:  Some of our employees will return to our agencies and centers, allowing us to resume limited processing of applications we already received. Applications will be processed on a first in, first out basis, beginning with the oldest applications received. We will continue to prioritize services for customers with life-or-death emergencies by appointment only. Customers must wear cloth face coverings in all common areas, including our lobbies, and observe strict social distancing. During phase one, we will continue to recommend customers wait to submit new or renewal applications as delays will continue.

Phase 2:  Most staff will return to our agencies and centers, and we will be able to resume processing more of the applications we already received. Applications will be processed on a first in, first out basis, beginning with the oldest applications received. Our returned staff will continue to prioritize life-or-death emergency cases by appointment at our agencies and centers. Services offered at our agencies will continue to be by appointment only. Staff and customers should wear cloth face coverings in all common areas, including our lobbies, and continue to observe social distancing. During phase two, we will continue to recommend customers wait to submit new or renewal applications as delays will continue.

Phase 3:  All remaining staff return to our agencies and centers, and we plan to resume normal operations. We will offer a processing time commitment for routine service and resume expedited service in this phase. You should continue to make an appointment to apply at an agency or center. We will continue to address applications on a first in, first out basis, focusing on the oldest applications. Staff and customers may wear cloth face coverings in common areas and we will encourage social distancing.

Here’s how many passports they’ve processed recently (it’s updated on Thursdays – this was posted on July 9th):

Week (Thursday-Wednesday) Applications Received Passports Awaiting Issuance Passports Issued
This Week (July 2-8) 112,000 1.43 million 188,000
Last Week (June 25-July 1) 133,000 1.51 million 236,000
2 Weeks Ago (June 18-24) 134,000 1.61 million 187,000

There are still 10 passport agencies and centers that have yet to open. They’re all located in states that are “hot spots” – Arizona, California, Florida and Texas.

PC: USAF/Senior Airman Matthew Gilmore

#stayhealthy #staysafe #washyourhands #wearamask

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary

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