US Visa Interview: Does Keeping Passport Mean Approval?

Yes, if the U.S. consular officer kept your passport and said, ""Have a nice trip,"" it is a strong indication that your visa has been approved. Typically, when a U.S. visa application is approved, the consulate retains the applicant's passport to stamp the visa, which will later be returned to you.

Here’s what happens next:

1. Visa Issuance: The visa will be stamped in your passport.

2. Passport Delivery: Your passport will be returned to you either via courier or to the collection point you chose during your application.

3. Processing Time: This usually takes a few days, but the exact time depends on the consulate and country.

To confirm your visa status, you can also track your application status online using the CEAC Visa Status Check tool provided by the U.S. Department of State. Look for a status update such as ""Issued.""