Korean Job Discussion Forums

quesik · Joined: 13 Mar 2009 Location: Ilsan, South Korea

I went to the US Embassy in Seoul 2 weeks ago to have my US passport renewed. They gave me a slip that said it will be delivered by March 18th or will be available for pick up no later than March 25th. I am worried though because my academy renewed my contract but they need my passport to finalize everything. My ARC card was extended but the academy has emphasized that they need the passport by the 25th (tomorrow) in order to continue with the contract.

I sent the embassy an e-mail and got a reply yesterday saying that it is under 'administrative review'. Does anyone know what this review is? And should I just go to the US Embassy tomorrow morning just to check on the status and see if it's luckily ready by then?

Thanks.

bbb0777 · Joined: 24 Aug 2009

You can call them beginning at 8:30am tomorrow, while you can't visit the office until 9:00am. Why not call them/ask before going down? Possibly save yourself the travel time if your passport is unavailable. Additionally, by calling, you may be able to get them moving on it, such that your passport could be ready by later that day for pickup.

Non-emergency inquiries: 82-2-397-4040 DSN: 721-4040

quesik · Joined: 13 Mar 2009 Location: Ilsan, South Korea

Thanks bbb0777 for your response. I've called them about 7 or 8 times and they are always busy so I never get through to a person to talk to. I do understand your logic though. I'll try the 'call' again tomorrow morning. I'm just wondering why it's taking SO long because the guy that helped me 2 weeks ago said that it should arrive about a week after the application. I have a friend also that said he got his renewed in about 8 days.

I'm just wondering if anything can cause a delay in the process and if there's any reason my passport 'renewal' would be rejected. And this whole 'administrative review' thing...is it something that every passport goes through?
Thanks.

bbb0777 · Joined: 24 Aug 2009

Literally a busy signal as opposed to being put on hold? If so, that sucks...

Yeah, I doubted what I said was anything new to you, but said it just in case you uh...were an idiot and all that. Wink