Visto n' Visa

I kept an expired passport but got a new one. Does it affect anything?

An expired passport does not hurt your EB-1 case as long as you have a valid one. It is also worth keeping the old one: prior visas and stamps can help document your history. Here is what to check.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 21, 2026
1 min read
Share

Having an expired passport does not, by itself, hurt an EB-1 petition, as long as you have a valid, current passport in hand. The review focuses on the document that is in force, which is what you present throughout the process.

Your old passport, however, can still be valuable. If it contains prior visas, entry stamps, or travel records, keep it: that history can help clarify your background or supplement your documentation if it is requested.

  • Keep your current passport valid throughout the process.
  • Preserve the old passport for the records it contains.
  • Make sure the information is consistent across all documents you submit.

Because every case has its own details and validity requirements can vary, it is worth checking the updated requirements at the official source and reviewing your documentation with a specialist before filing.

Learn more about EB-1

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

I kept an expired passport but got a new one. Does it affect anything?

An expired passport does not hurt your EB-1 case as long as you have a valid one. It is also worth keeping the old one: prior visas and stamps can help document your history. Here is what to check.

Recommended reading about EB-1

More content about EB-1